I finally did it—I went to Anime Expo for the very first time, and let me tell you… it was absolutely insane! I had no idea what I was truly getting into until I stepped into the Los Angeles Convention Center and was instantly hit with a wave of color, sound, and pure anime energy.
From the moment I arrived, it felt like I had been dropped into another universe. Cosplayers were everywhere—some looked like they walked straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, while others were rocking insane armor builds, LED lights, and full-blown mechs. The dedication people have to their favorite characters blew my mind. I even saw a group of people doing synchronized Naruto runs through the main hall. Wild!
The exhibit hall was massive. Booths stacked with exclusive merch, posters, figurines, and art prints that had me throwing my budget out the window by noon. I managed to snag a limited-edition Demon Slayer hoodie and a few rare One Piece enamel pins I’ve been hunting for forever.
Panels were another level. I sat in on a live Q&A with a couple of big-time voice actors, and they were hilarious and super chill. Plus, the sneak peek trailers and anime previews gave me serious chills. The energy in the crowd when a new season or surprise guest was announced? Goosebumps.
But the highlight of the entire day? The spontaneous dance battles and cosplay meetups outside the building. It was part con, part music festival, part martial arts exhibition. I even ran into a few YouTubers and TikTok creators I follow—some were super cool and even took pics with fans (yes, I got one too!).
Of course, it was crowded—like shoulder-to-shoulder, line-around-the-block crowded—but somehow, it only added to the excitement. Everyone was hyped, friendly, and just vibing together in this massive shared love for anime and fandom.
All in all, my first Anime Expo was one of the craziest and most unforgettable experiences I’ve had. If you’ve never been, start planning for next year. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, bring water, and don’t be afraid to talk to people. The anime community is real, and it’s amazing.
