Anime Expo 2010 Opens at the Convention Center
Ed Fuentes
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa poses with costumed attendees of the Anime Expo, going on through Sunday at the Convention Center.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — While Downtown's never really lacking for characters, it seldom sees the sort of colorful costumes as are already making their way down Figueroa for this weekend's Anime Expo 2010, North America's largest anime and manga convention.
It's the fourth year the event has been held in Los Angeles, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today dropped by the Convention Center to welcome the expo and announce that it would be sticking around.
“I am here, excited to that the Anime Expo will be in Los Angeles for three more years," Villaraigosa said while surrounded by villains and heroes. "We are taking a tour to make sure Anime Expo have everything they need. “
100,000 attendees are expected between the show's start today and its close on Sunday, and events are spread between the Convention Center, Nokia Theatre, Nokia Plaza, JW Marriott and Club Nokia.
Guest on July 02, 2010, at 10:02AM – #1
What is anime?? And what do they or it have to expo about??? Obviously I am out of the loop
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on July 02, 2010, at 10:12AM – #2
Guest: It's a style of Japanese animation.
Jon on July 02, 2010, at 09:45PM – #3
Thanks for the article, Ed! Glad to read that most things will be within easy walking distance. Last year, a bunch of events were still being held at Bonaventure ballrooms.
Too bad there aren't more (affordable) hotels w/in close walking distance, or a streetcar that provides regular/convenient access to other downtown hotels...
We're gonna try to volunteer tomorrow morning in order to get free admission the rest of the day.
Jasmijn on July 03, 2010, at 09:51AM – #4
A lot of attendees seem to be taking advantage of the F shuttle on Figueroa to get to the convention center, esp. from the Milner. It sure makes for an interesting streetscape! I love LA.
Zoe Demaruis Portia Flood on July 06, 2010, at 11:58AM – #5
AWESOME, i wish I was there the day he was! anime expo was awesome this year, too bad the after party wasen't at the westin again, the nokia club one was bunk.