HOUSTON – Anime fans, get ready! Houston’s highly anticipated anime convention, Anime Matsuri is coming back in August to downtown Houston for its 18th annual event!
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It is the largest anime convention in Texas, and the second largest in the U.S., where thousands of Houstonians have attended. Guests show off their creativity with cosplay costumes and get the opportunity to meet artists and creators from some of their favorite Anime shows.
Former Mayor Sylvester Turner has also attended the events in costume regularly! Last year, he dressed as Luffy from the popular anime One Piece.
Choosing Luffy as my costume wasn't just for fun. Luffy stands for elevating the good, and just like him, I believe to overcome the bad in the world, you need to rally all the good 'pirates' to your side. Together, we can champion what's right and just. #OnePieceWisdom https://t.co/ogGlCIMjfN
— Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) August 11, 2023
According to Deneice Leigh, Anime Matsuri’s founder, and chairman, the weekend-long event has things everyone can enjoy though - not just anime fans. People can shop from hundreds of vendors, attend live concerts, enjoy some delicious local bites, participate in game tournaments, and enjoy a fashion show, car show, and well as karaoke battles!
There will also be new events for guests to look forward to such as Japanese pop group EQUAL LOVE making their North American concert debut and in honor of Godzilla’s 70th anniversary, the convention’s guest of honor will be Shunsuke Harada, painter and colorist at Kokuryu Studio.
Tickets and single-day passes for Anime Matsuri are available now on their website.