Anime Contents Expo (ACE) is an annual four-day expo held at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center. It started in 2012 as a way for Japanese studios, publishers and distributors to promote their latest anime titles directly to fans.
ACE organizes some of its own events like game shows and concerts, but it also works with other companies, such as hosting the Anime Japan convention in 2016.
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The ACE exhibitor hall is one of the largest spaces dedicated to anime fans in Tokyo all year round. The main floor features booths for 100+ companies (most of them anime-related), where they sell merchandise like figures, DVDs and Blu Rays, keychains, CDs and more.
The second floor has over 60 booths where you can buy the newest manga releases or anime-related magazines, as well as doujinshi comics. There are a few guest cosplayers that wander around ACE over the course of the event.
Usually, they are professionals who participate in events all over Japan. There is also a series of guests that appear for panels or autograph sessions. While it’s hard to see them unless you come early in the day, everyone gets a free poster when they leave.
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Also, there are plenty of panels and workshops during ACE with industry people from Japan talking about anime, manga, video games and more in the Main Stage.
There are also 45-minute Q&A sessions where fans can ask their favorite voice actors or actresses questions in a smaller venue. They usually put them up on YouTube shortly after they’re over.
What to Expect at Anime Contents Expo
Anime Contents Expo is the ultimate anime exhibition in Japan. It is an event for all things anime-related, including cosplay, games, collectibles, and more. Here are five things you can expect to find at this year’s event:
Lots of New Games
This event is a great way to find out about all the new games coming out in Japan. Even better, you have a chance to play some Japanese video games before anyone else – many booths will have brand-new titles available for free play. You may even get a stamp card that entitles you to a free gift when you get all the stamps.
Super Cool Anime Goods
Of course, there will be lots of anime-related merchandise on sale at the Anime Contents Expo, some for very special prices. You can expect to find plushies, figures, DVDs – if it has to do with your favorite series, it’s probably at this event.
Anime Merchandise You Can Only Get in Japan
There will also be a lot of special anime merchandise that you can only get in Japan, including exclusive items from popular series – both old and new. This is your chance to grab all the must-have items before anyone else does.
Cosplay Mania
Cosplay fans can look forward to some great costumes at Anime Contents Expo, complete with props and accessories. There are even competitions for the best cosplays, so if you want to show off yours, be sure to sign up!
Meet Your Favorite Voice Actors
Finally, there will also be special stages where you can watch voice actors perform and maybe even win some special prizes and gifts. There’s so much to see and do at Anime Contents Expo; it’s not to be missed.
Tips to Remember When Attending Anime Contents Expo
Anime Contents Expo is an event that celebrates anime, manga, and gaming. It’s a great opportunity to meet other fans, learn about the latest trends, and purchase exclusive merchandise. Here are a few tips to remember when attending Anime Contents Expo:
Arrive early
The best way to maximize your time at Anime Contents Expo is to arrive early. This will give you a chance to explore the exhibition hall and meet some of your favorite artists and voice actors.
Bring a bag
Anime Contents Expo can be quite crowded, so make sure to bring a bag to carry all of your purchases.
Dress comfortably
In order to enjoy the convention, it’s important to dress comfortably. You’ll be on your feet a lot, so make sure you wear shoes that won’t cause discomfort.
Eat before you go
The lines for food at Anime Contents Expo can be quite long, especially if there are popular booths with a limited supply of food. Make sure to eat before coming to the event, or bring snacks in case you get hungry while waiting in line.
Remember Convention Hours
It’s important to make sure you remember what day and time the convention is open so you can plan accordingly.
Bring an extra phone battery or portable charger
Lines at Anime Contents Expo can be quite long, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra phone battery or portable charger. It will allow you to schedule events and take photos without worrying about your phone dying.
Delegate responsibilities
If you come with a group, it’s important to delegate responsibilities such as carrying bags, taking photos of cosplayers, and buying food or merchandise so you can get back into the convention in time.
Make a budget
Make sure you have a budget for what you’d like to buy at Anime Contents Expo. Most booths will accept only cash, so make sure to visit the ATM beforehand.
Bring business cards
Many booths sell exclusive merchandise, and there may be times when they might run out of stock. Whether it’s an online purchase or another chance to buy, it’s always a good idea to bring business cards.
Talk to the staff
Make sure you talk to the staff at Anime Contents Expo booths so they can let you know about any events or exclusive merchandise.
In Conclusion
You have completed your first step towards understanding some of the things going on during an anime convention and why it is important to have knowledge about these things.
These are just a few of the thousands of things that go on during the anime conventions you might want to visit in your area. I hope this article was helpful.
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