AnimeNJ++ is a brand new anime convention that debuted at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, NJ from December 15-17, 2023. Complete with exhibitors, artists, special guests, panel programming, TCG & video gaming, itasha cars, and a mature content area, AnimeNJ++ pulled out all the stops for its inaugural event.
Among the featured guests were Johnny Yong Bosch & Koichi Sakamoto (above), as well as voice actors Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld, Emily Cramer, Barrett Leddy, Laurie Hymes, Samantha Cooper, Kevin Gomez, Yara Naika, Katelyn Barr, Julia Guy, and Emma Breezy, whose credits include properties such as Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Genshin Impact, Ultraman, and My Hero Academia.
Following the convention schedule, fans have the opportunity to meet the guests for autographs & photo ops and even attend Q&A panels all weekend long. And with five panel rooms to choose from, you can enjoy programming such as trivia, performances, how-to’s, and even screenings… In fact, Koichi Sakamoto’s newest movie Ninja vs Shark premiered at AnimeNJ++ on December 16 with the director himself!
Meanwhile the Grand Ballroom (above) was home to nearly 40 exhibitors showcasing a plethora of Japanese collectibles: manga & other books, statues, models, apparel & jewelry, Japanese treats, pins & keychains, plush dolls, acrylics, kaiju, posters & banners, swords, and Japanese based TCG & trading cards like Weiss Schwarz, One Piece, Pokemon, Digimon, and Yu-Gi-Oh. Plus, inside the hotel’s Solarium were 50 artists specializing in all kinds of fan art that feature all of your favorite anime and Japanese media. But we certainly can’t forget about the incredible cosplay, some even with a holiday twist:
Several cosplay guests were also in attendance: Duske, Eri, Not Your Waifu, and Stardust Megu, just to name a few… and even a cosplay contest (with a $200 Best in Show prize) to boot! So if you’ve been working on a cosplay or have one that’s already perfected, definitely give it a shot!
The very first AnimeNJ++ was a fantastic introduction and proved that the organizers know what an anime convention needs. You won’t want to miss the next one, so be sure to stay up to date with the latest announcements on their website. But for now, check out the rest of our photos and a video recap below!
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