Anime Expo

Anime Expo is an anime convention hosted by the non-profit Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA). SPJA has also held Anime Expo conventions in New York and Tokyo, which took place in 2002 and 2004 respectively. Many of the convention attendees cosplay (costume role-play) while attending the convention, and popular events (in addition to guest and industry panels) include the Masquerade, Karaoke Contest, Anime Music Video Contest, and "AX Idol" Contest. The Expo is a 24-hour convention, offering late-night dances, all night video and gaming rooms, and open-mic Karaoke at night. Larry discusses the event with Chase Wang of the SPJA, and Charles Solomon, animation critic for amazon.com.