Anime Expo is truly a testament to the growing popularity and intense fandom surrounding anime content. With over 100,000 fans gathering at the Los Angeles Convention Center over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, it is one of the largest annual fan gatherings in the world.
One major player in the anime sector is Sony Pictures Entertainment, which owns Crunchyroll, a subscription streaming platform and content brand. Sony Pictures also has a partnership with Aniplex, an anime production studio based in Tokyo. The investment in anime by Sony Pictures is significant, making events like Anime Expo crucial for promoting new projects to fans and connecting with key industry players.
Mitchel Berger, executive VP of global commerce for Crunchyroll, highlights the growth of Anime Expo as a reflection of the rise of anime as both a lifestyle and art form. The event, which originated from a small gathering at UC Berkeley in 1991, has grown exponentially over the years, drawing fans from all over the world to celebrate their love for anime.
Berger, who previously worked at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment before joining Crunchyroll, describes Anime Expo as their annual Super Bowl, emphasizing the unique medium of anime and the passionate fandom it attracts. The event provides an opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in their favorite shows, meet industry partners, and showcase their creativity through cosplay.
At Anime Expo, Crunchyroll focuses on creating an authentic experience for fans, offering sneak peeks at content, exclusive merchandise, and a chance to interact with Japanese partners and licensors. The event allows them to see firsthand how fans engage with their favorite shows and provides valuable insights into what resonates with audiences.
Walking around Anime Expo, Berger is struck by the sheer number of fans dressed as characters from Crunchyroll shows, a humbling experience that highlights the impact of anime on people’s lives. The event serves as a vibrant celebration of the art form and a gathering place for fans to connect, share their love for anime, and create lasting memories. You can go with your friends. You can cosplay. You can have that shared experience. I think that’s part of it. The other part is the big screen experience itself. Sometimes the animation and the art that goes into anime is just so stunning that being able to see it on a big screen is just a different experience than seeing it on your phone or your TV. The sound, the visuals, it’s a different way to experience the content that you love.
And for Crunchyroll, it’s also about expanding the reach of anime. Not everyone is familiar with anime or has access to streaming services, but they might be more inclined to go see a movie. So by having these theatrical releases, we’re able to introduce more people to this amazing medium and potentially create new fans.
Overall, being part of the anime community and bringing anime to fans is a privilege. The passion and energy of the fans at events like Anime Expo remind us why we do what we do. It’s about connecting with fans, listening to their feedback, and creating content that resonates with them. Whether it’s through events, social media, or theatrical releases, Crunchyroll is dedicated to engaging with fans and sharing the love of anime with everyone. Anime is not limited to a specific genre or age group. It covers a wide range of genres, from action and adventure to romance and horror. It can appeal to children, teenagers, and adults alike.
Anime is also known for its unique art style and storytelling techniques. It often incorporates fantastical elements, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. It can make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about life and the human experience.
One of the key aspects of anime fandom is the sense of community and camaraderie it fosters. Fans come together to celebrate their favorite shows, characters, and creators. They attend conventions, cosplay as their favorite characters, and participate in discussions and events.
Overall, anime is a vibrant and diverse medium that continues to grow in popularity around the world. It offers something for everyone and has the power to bring people together in a shared love of storytelling and creativity. So next time you watch an anime show or movie, remember that you are part of a global community that is passionate about this art form. Anime is not just a form of entertainment; it’s a powerful art form that resonates deeply with the young community. It has the ability to take a creative vision, a point of view, and a story and connect it with others in a way that creates an emotional connection. This is why anime has become so popular among fans – it is authentic, relatable, and tells stories that speak to their hearts.
It’s important for people to recognize and embrace the beauty and brilliance of anime as an art form. The stories and characters in anime are incredibly well-crafted and have the power to move and inspire audiences. Anime deserves to be on par with other forms of art and entertainment because, at its core, it is all about connecting people with stories.
Whether it’s through anime or any other medium, the goal is the same – to create a connection with the audience. Anime may tell its stories in a different way than other art forms, but the impact is just as real. By embracing anime as a legitimate art form, we can appreciate the diversity and creativity it brings to the world of storytelling.
In a world where entertainment options are plentiful, anime stands out as a unique and powerful form of expression. Its ability to capture the imagination and emotions of viewers is truly remarkable. So next time you watch an anime series or movie, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and creativity behind it. Anime is more than just cartoons – it’s a form of art that has the power to touch hearts and minds in ways that few other mediums can.
