San Japan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Japan |
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| Status | Active |
| Genre | Anime, Manga, Far East popular culture |
| Venue | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio Grand Hyatt Hotel San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk |
| Location(s) | San Antonio, Texas |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 2007 |
| Attendance | 20,107 in 2019 |
| Organized by | San Japan, LLC |
San Japan is a super fun three-day event held every year in San Antonio, Texas. It's a big anime convention, which means it celebrates all things Anime and Manga. You can also find lots of cool stuff about popular culture from places like Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia.
This exciting event usually happens in August or September. It takes place at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the San Antonio Grand Hyatt Hotel, and the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk. It's always held during the Labor Day weekend, which is a holiday in the United States.
What Happens at San Japan?
San Japan is packed with awesome activities for everyone! Here are some of the cool things you can do:
- Play games in the arcade.
- Check out amazing art from talented artists in the Artist's Alley.
- Watch concerts with cool music.
- See incredible costumes at the cosplay chess and grand cosplay show.
- Shop for unique items in the dealers room.
- Dance at electronic dance parties.
- Enjoy a fancy formal masquerade.
- See beautiful outfits at the Lolita fashion show.
- Learn new things at panels.
- Play tabletop games and video games.
- Join workshops to learn new skills.
San Japan also cares about helping others! In 2014, they had a blood drive and raised money for the San Antonio Battered Women and Children's Center. In 2015, they helped San Antonio Pets Alive. In 2017, they collected food and money for disABILITYsa, an organization that helps people with disabilities. They continued to support disABILITYsa and the UTSA East Asia Institute in 2018. San Japan also helps the local economy, bringing in millions of dollars!
San Japan's Journey: A Brief History
San Japan started in 2007. The very first event was held at Our Lady of the Lake University. It helped out the university's Anime Club and the Congregation of Divine Providence.
In 2008, San Japan grew bigger! It moved to the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel and the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium. This was also the first time it became a three-day event.
The convention moved again in 2010 to the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. After a couple of years there, it found its current home at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in 2012. The San Antonio Grand Hyatt Hotel also became a key venue.
In 2016, San Japan used even more space at the convention center. They had a huge area for vendors and a big section just for gaming! They also made it clear that no firearms were allowed at the event, even though a new Texas law allowed open carry.
In 2019, San Japan announced that it would stay at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center until at least 2026. This means many more years of fun for fans! Sadly, San Japan 2020 had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Images for kids
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San Japan's official logo.
