Anime NYC continues to be a centerpiece of New York’s anime culture. This year, the convention took place at the Jacob Javits Center and had three days of packed programming, guest appearances, music events, and cosplay. What makes Anime NYC so reflective of New York is its ability to serve fans across diverse backgrounds. It is currently the biggest anime convention in New York City and is answering to the growing demand for anime events in New York City.

Geekify / Images Courtesy of Ellie Forte

Our Review

This year saw major improvements on crowd control as well as usage of space. A concern for convention goers in 2021 and 2022 were the long waiting times and confusion regarding wristbands needed to enter the venue. This year, the Anime NYC team sent dedicated emails to fans that outlined specific entrances, which reduced issues seen in past conventions. And because of this, there were little to no issues entering. 

Along with improved lines, Anime NYC brought the heat with a vast catalog of artists and exhibitors for fans to enjoy across the showfloor. With a convention as big as Anime NYC, it is key to offer community based activations. Well-curated dance events from performers Anime Night Club 3 created spaces for fans to build a deeper community with one another. 

The inclusion of diverse influencers and musical guests were also a highlight this year. The United Kingdom based multilingual rapper Shao Dow, especially, left a mark. His music mixes UK Drill with clever anime-themed lyrics to resonate with anime fans. Because of his dancing, and his ability to work the stage, the crowd was alive. Many fans found themselves dancing in the aisles and in their seats.  

Shao Dow / Image Courtesy of Ellie Forte

Panels

This year, Anime NYC enforced a panel reservation system for large panels in the special events hall. These panels were designated for studio presentations. Some highlights throughout the weekend included the “Studio Trigger: New Panty&Stocking Character Design Conference.” This panel was adult, engaging, and filled with laughter. Featuring Hiromi Wakabayashi and Hiroyuki Imaishi, the two were able to play off the crowd’s eccentric and unusual requests. 

For smaller panels, there were diverse offerings like “Kinks and Curls Ethnic Hair in Cosplay” and “Autism in the Anime Fan Community.” Since panels are often a highlight for many convention goers, hopefully there can be longer runtimes for panels in 2024. 

Cosplay Meetups

Cosplayers certainly know how to have fun at cosplay meetups. These meetups are often at the center of many attendees’ day. In addition, many fans will plan cosplays around which meetups are happening on which days. 

This year, cosplay meetups were placed in the Crystal Palace, which meant fans had to leave the show floor and go through security checks just to get to these meetups. This caused crowding throughout the three days and meant that many fans had to bring big builds in and out of the show floor. Despite those hiccups, organizers were successful at keeping these meetups on schedule and safe throughout the day. 

One Piece Cosplay Meetup / Photo courtesy of Ellie Forte 

Jujutsu Kaisen Meetup / Photo courtesy of Ellie Forte

EnVi’s Cosplay Picks

Anime conventions wouldn’t be quite the same without its cosplayers. Attendees could see a variety of cosplay builds paired with massive props and elaborate makeup. This year, fans dressed up as characters from shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and One Piece. Since Netflix’s One Piece Live Action adaptation was released in August, the One Piece cosplay meetup especially saw success in numbers

Below are some photos EnVi captured on the ground at Anime NYC!

Molly Shen / Images Courtesy of Ellie Forte

Monolith_costumes, whoachriswhoa, brandnewboricua /
Images Courtesy of Ellie Forte

Mvalentings / Images Courtesy of Ellie Forte

Stellalasaurus, Matchachalatte, gabejamesgames /
Images Courtesy of Ellie Forte

Anime NYC 2024 

After three successful days of operation this November, Anime NYC will be moving to August. Historically, the convention has made its home at the Javits Center during Novembers, coming a month after New York Comic Con. The announcement of the change was met with mixed reactions from fans who looked forward to the warm weather but were also concerned about tickets going on sale just weeks after the end of Anime NYC 2023.

In a social media statement, the convention cited bigger ticket inventories, space, and more programming opportunities were to come in 2024. It is no secret that within its short run, Anime NYC has grown exponentially and has become a staple convention for New Yorkers. Part of the reason for the growth is the convention’s dedication to listening to the concerns of patrons and guests who attend. The general sale for Anime NYC will take place January 17 at 6 p.m. EST. 

As Anime NYC comes to a close for the year, it’s clear that it is here to stay as one of NYC’s tentpole anime conventions. 

Want to read more Anime NYC coverage? See our roundup of the Cosplay Masquerade Winners and Runner ups here.

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