A Passport to Japan at Anime Midwest

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japanese culture at Anime Midwest! As an homage to the birthplace of anime, this convention celebrates the rich heritage of Japan through a diverse range of engaging activities. From panels on Japanese language and calligraphy to workshops on origami and Toronagashi, Anime Midwest offers a passport to Japan right in the heart of the Chicago metro!

Anime, the mesmerizing art form that has captivated millions around the globe, traces its roots back to the enchanting and oft-considered exotic land of Japan. As the birthplace of this beloved medium, Japan has contributed immensely to the world of entertainment and storytelling. Anime has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending borders and captivating hearts with its rich narratives, stunning visuals, and diverse characters.

Of course, if you've travelled to Japan or followed our videos, you'll know that Japan is a country rich in heritage and business, and that anime is not the only thing Japan has to offer - but it's certain one of the favorite things of millions of people across the globe.

Anime Midwest, an eagerly anticipated convention, serves as a grand celebration of all things anime and offers a unique passport to Japan's vibrant and captivating culture. It serves as a meeting point for enthusiasts, both seasoned and new, where they can revel in the magic of anime, cosplay, and the ever-growing global community that surrounds it.

At Anime Midwest, the intertwining of anime and Japanese culture becomes unmistakable. Each frame of an anime series reflects the cultural nuances and traditions of Japan, providing a window into the fascinating aspects that define this beautiful nation. From the mesmerizing visuals that depict iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower or cherry blossom-filled landscapes, to the inclusion of traditional ceremonies and customs, anime brings Japan's heritage to life in vibrant and engaging ways.

The convention offers a wide range of events and panels that delve into various facets of Japanese culture, providing attendees with an immersive experience unlike any other. From language and calligraphy to meditation and origami, Anime Midwest offers a treasure trove of activities that allow visitors to explore and appreciate the richness of Japan's traditions.

What Japanese Culture Events does Anime Midwest offer?

Japanese Language for Beginners: Delve into the fundamentals of Japanese language with an engaging panel led by Fujii Sensei. Learn essential phrases and vocabulary that will set you on the path to fluency.

Japanese Shodo Writing Demonstration: Witness the beauty of traditional Japanese calligraphy as artists expertly express the elegance of Japanese characters through Shodo.

Dance Meditation and Empowerment with JAPANNA anna GOLDSKY: Explore the therapeutic power of dance as a form of meditation and self-empowerment. Join JAPANNA anna GOLDSKY, a spiritual empowerment leader, as she guides you through expressing emotions and empowering your soul through dance.

Creative-Zen with JAPANNA anna GOLDSKY: Reduce daily stress and anxiety, and find inner peace through breathing meditation and Japanese calligraphy art. JAPANNA anna GOLDSKY, a spiritual empowerment leader and calligraphy artist, will lead you on a spiritual journey.

Japanese Meditation and Breathwork: Discover ancient techniques and modern practices of Japanese meditation and breathwork to achieve a harmonious state of being.

Let's Talk Japan! w/ Cole Feuchter: Test your knowledge of Japanese facts, history, trends, and pop culture moments in this interactive panel hosted by Cole Feuchter. Win prizes by participating in quizzes and engaging discussions.

Japanese Culture and Fashion: Join guest Kohei as you delve into Japanese food, fashion, language, and culture, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's vibrant traditions.

Japanese Origami Workshop: Unleash your creativity and master the art of Japanese paper folding in this engaging workshop. Learn intricate techniques and create stunning folded designs that showcase the beauty of origami.

Japanese Toronagashi Workshop: Immerse yourself in the captivating tradition of Toronagashi, a Japanese ceremony where floating lanterns illuminate the night. Participate in crafting and releasing lanterns, symbolizing the transience of life and offering peaceful remembrance.

Sing and Learn Basic Japanese with JAPANNA anna GOLDSKY: Learn basic Japanese through the enjoyable activity of singing. Join JAPANNA anna GOLDSKY, a Japanese culture and language native-expert, as she guides you through a fun and interactive panel lecture held in both English and Japanese.

City Pop (Japanese Retro 80s Pop) Panel: Take a nostalgic trip back to the vibrant 80s Japanese music scene with this captivating panel on City Pop. Explore the genre's influences and its lasting cultural impact on Japan and beyond.

Useful Phrases for Traveling in Japan: Embark on a virtual journey through Japan, learning useful phrases for traveling, sightseeing, buying souvenirs, and more. JAPANNA anna GOLDSKY will guide you through this panel lecture held in both English and Japanese.

The Bold and Loyal Japanese Akita Dog: Discover the incredible breed of the Japanese Akita dog with Samurai Dan and his furry companions. Learn about their history, traits, and significance as family protectors and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life.

Anime Midwest 2023 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, with a diverse range of events that celebrate the beauty and traditions of Japan. Whether you're interested in language, calligraphy, meditation, or exploring various aspects of Japanese culture, Anime Midwest has something to offer. Don't miss out on this exciting convention that serves as a gateway to Japan's captivating world.

Why is Japan so important to anime?

Well, not only is Japan the land in which anime is made, but countless anime are set across the Japanese landscape. Here are some anime and exactly what references to Japan they have.

"Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa): This critically acclaimed film incorporates several references to Japan's landscapes and iconic landmarks, including Tokyo's bustling cityscape, the Itomori town, and the stunning scenery of Gifu Prefecture.

"Spirited Away" (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi): Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this beloved film showcases the spirit world of Japanese folklore and draws inspiration from traditional Japanese bathhouses called "sento" or "onsen."

"The Garden of Words" (Kotonoha no Niwa): Set in Tokyo, this anime film beautifully depicts the city's landmarks, such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the bustling Shinjuku Station, while exploring themes of love and personal growth.

"Haikyuu!!": This sports anime series follows a high school volleyball team, and throughout the show, references to famous volleyball schools in Japan, such as Karasuno High School and Nekoma High School, are made, showcasing the passion for the sport in the country.

"Shirobako": This anime series provides an in-depth look at the anime industry in Japan, highlighting the process of creating and producing anime, as well as the various roles and challenges faced by professionals in the industry.

"Samurai Champloo": Set during Japan's Edo period, this action-packed series combines hip-hop culture with samurai aesthetics, creating a unique blend of historical and contemporary elements.

"Lucky Star": Known for its comedic portrayal of everyday life, this slice-of-life anime often references aspects of Japanese pop culture, including video games, anime conventions, and regional delicacies.

"K-On!": This music-centric anime follows a high school music club and often showcases scenes of the characters visiting local landmarks, enjoying tea in traditional tea houses, and participating in school cultural festivals, capturing the essence of Japanese school life.

"Barakamon": Set on a rural island in Japan, this heartwarming series explores the daily life of a calligraphy artist as he immerses himself in the local community, embracing the island's cultural traditions, festivals, and cuisine.

"Detective Conan" (Case Closed): As a detective mystery series, "Detective Conan" features various cases that take place in different locations across Japan, highlighting the country's landmarks, festivals, and local customs.

What else does the convention offer?

Apart from the cultural experiences and love for anime, Anime Midwest has plenty of other exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. There's something for every interest, from singing your favorite songs at karaoke to diving into virtual reality adventures and playing thrilling arcade games. Let's explore the additional fun that Anime Midwest has to offer!

Karaoke Fun - If you love singing or just want to have a blast, Anime Midwest has karaoke sessions where you can take the stage and sing your heart out. Whether it's anime theme songs, J-pop hits, or any other tunes you love, you can join in the fun and make new friends who share your musical interests.

Virtual Reality Adventures - Anime Midwest brings the magic of virtual reality to life, allowing you to step into incredible digital worlds. You can experience exciting adventures, become your favorite anime character, or embark on thrilling journeys that stretch your imagination. It's an opportunity to try something new and create unforgettable memories.

Arcade Games Galore - Anime and arcade games go hand in hand, and Anime Midwest offers a wide selection of arcade games to get your adrenaline pumping. From classic favorites like fighting games and racing simulators to exciting rhythm games, there's something for every gamer. Join in the excitement, challenge your friends, and show off your gaming skills.

Cosplay Showcase and Contest - Cosplay takes center stage at Anime Midwest, where fans dress up as their favorite characters. You can explore the colorful world of cosplay, take photos, and meet fellow enthusiasts. The convention also hosts a cosplay contest where you can showcase your costume and potentially win recognition and prizes.

Artist Alley and Vendor Booths - Anime Midwest features an Artist Alley and numerous vendor booths where artists and sellers offer anime-related merchandise. You can browse through a variety of fan art, prints, collectibles, clothing, and accessories. It's a great opportunity to support artists, find unique treasures, and bring home a special memento from the convention.

Panel Discussions and Workshops - The convention provides panel discussions and workshops where you can learn more about anime and engage in interesting discussions. Experts, voice actors, and industry professionals share their insights and knowledge. You can explore topics such as anime production, specific series or genres, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.