Animethon

Animethon is a three-day anime convention held annually at Edmonton Convention Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. It is Canada's longest-running anime convention, the first being held in 1994.

Animethon
Canada's Longest Running Anime Festival
StatusActive
VenueEdmonton Convention Centre
Location(s)Edmonton, Alberta
CountryCanada
Inaugurated1994
Attendance10,062 (2019)[1]
Organized byAlberta Society for Asian Popular Arts (ASAPA)
Websitehttps://animethon.org/
Conventions goers enjoying the Japanese concert at Animethon 19

History

Animethon was formed back in 1994 by the Banzai Anime Klub of Alberta (BAKA) and hosted by (BAKA II), with the intention of promoting Japanese anime. It became a success by presenting well-known and more obscure anime to audiences and has since grown to what it is now. Today, Animethon is presented by the non-profit organization, Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts (ASAPA).

In the beginning, Animethon 1 was a one-day event that allowed people to view different Japanese anime movies and television shows within two classrooms at Grant MacEwan. From there, it expanded to the whole 106th street building during Animethon 2 through 10. It was not until Animethon 11 that the festival grew to utilize the entire university campus for events, artist alley, education panels, and a large vendor hall. As such, the steady increase of numbers in attendees to Animethon has allowed for various vendors to expose themselves to a unique group of people both young and old.[2]

In 2019, since moving to the Edmonton Convention Centre, Animethon has hit the 10k attendance mark and also to be one of the longest running anime convention in Canada.[3]

Animethon has experienced several years of consecutive growth in attendance while increasing their scope to include musical guests from Japan such as FLOW, ROOKIEZ is PUNK'D, Yoko Ishida, Kanon Wakeshima, An Cafe, and Ladybeard.[2]

The event was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is set to return in August 2022.[4]

Events and programming

Animethon has expanded their focus beyond screening anime and now also include voice actor guests from North America, musical acts from North America and Japan, improvisation groups, as well as various related activities such as gaming, costume contests, anime music video compilations/contests, and more.

Event history
DatesLocationAtten.Guests
July 1994 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta[5]
July 1995 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		80[6]
July 13–14, 1996 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		300[7]
July 12–13, 1997 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		1,200[8]
July 11–12, 1998 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		2,500[9]
July 10–11, 1999 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		2,700[10]
July 15–16, 2000 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		1,800[11]
July 14–15, 2001 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		3,000[12]
July 13–14, 2002 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta[13]
July 12–13, 2003 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,000[14]
July 17–18, 2004 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,700The 404s and Debbie Munro[15]
August 5–7, 2005 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		3,755The 404s, Rob Bakewell, Brian Dobson, and Debbie Munro.[16]
July 7–9, 2006 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		3,450[1]Randy Brososky, Consplayers.com, Trevor Devall, Brian Dobson, Michael Dobson, Tom Edwards, Cole Howard, Kirby Morrow, and PikminLink.[17]
August 10–12, 2007 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,349[1][18]The 404s, Trevor Devall, Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield, Kyle Hebert, and Vic Mignogna.[19]
August 8–10, 2008 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,679[1]The 404s, Randy Brososky, Michael Daingerfield, Kyle Hebert, Stephen Notley, and Sonny Strait.[20]
August 7–9, 2009 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,881[1][21]The 404s, Michael Daingerfield, Aaron Dismuke, Paul Dobson, Caitlin Glass, The Slants, and Brad Swaile.[22]
August 6–8, 2010 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		4,753[1]The 404s, Chris Cason, Brian Dobson, Michael Dobson, Paul Dobson, Kyle Hebert, L33tStr33t Boys, Wendy Powell, Spike Spencer, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Thwomp[23]
August 5–7, 2011[24] Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		5,346[1]The 404s, Bespa Kumamero, Todd Haberkorn, L33tStr33t Boys, Kirby Morrow, Trina Nishimura, Synaptic Chaos Theatre[25][26]
August 10–12, 2012 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		6,404[1]The 404s, Johnny Yong Bosch, DaizyStripper, Eyeshine, Todd Haberkorn, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Cathy Weseluck[27][28]
August 9–11, 2013 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,058[1]The 404s, Troy Baker, Capella, Kanon Wakeshima, DJ Shimamura, Patrick Seitz, Christopher Sabat, Twinfools and Nova, Lucas Gilbertson, Carol-Anne Day, Brendan Hunter, Combofiend.[29][30]
August 8–10, 2014 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,728[1]An Cafe, Magistina Saga, Satsuki Yukino, Cristina Vee, Monica Rial, Karen Strassman, Cherami Leigh, The 404's, Vensy[31]
August 7–9, 2015 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		9,468[1]FLOW (band), Josh Grelle, Christine Marie Cabanos, Brina Palencia, Carrie Keranen, Jamie Marchi, Liui Aquino, Sarah Williams, The 404's[32]
August 5–7, 2016 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,874[1]Ladybeard, Lotus Juice, Another Story, AKIRA, Bryce Papenbrook, Eric Vale, Caitlin Glass, Misa Chiang, The 404's Improv, Orbis Symphony Orchestra[33]
August 11–13, 2017 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,218[1]Mika Kobayashi, The Sixth Lie, TeddyLoid, Josh Grelle, Max Mittelman, Micah Solusod, Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond, Baozi & Hana, TheIshter, The 404's Improv, Orbis Symphony Orchestra[34]
August 10–12, 2018 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		9,821[1]Erica Lindbeck, Mela Lee, Kanako Ito, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, Daisuke Sakaguchi, ROOKIEZ is PUNK'D, The 404s, Stella Chuu, Orbis Symphony Orchestra [35]
August 9–11, 2019 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		10,062[1]Yoko Ishida, Sayaka Sasaki, ChouCho, Masakazu Ogawa (Sunrise Beyond), Kengo Kawanishi, Erika Harlacher, Daman Mills, Brendan Hunter, Phil Mizuno, King Redeem, Ricky Watson (Bang Zoom! Entertainment), Mami Okada (Bang Zoom! Entertainment), The 404s, Crunchyroll[36]
August 5–7, 2022 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		Over 14,000[1]SennaRin, Nano (singer), Chris Hackney, Khoi Dao, Laura Stahl, The 404s, Crunchyroll, Pure Octane, Windrise Band, Apricity Dance Crew, Hazumi Aileen (vTuber), OniGiri (vTuber), MuyingVT (vTuber), Ariru (vTuber), Yumemi (vTuber), Aries Shepard (vTuber), Muga (vTuber), Silvi (vTuber), Melon Minty (vTuber) [37]
July 14-16, 2023 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		Over 15,000[1]Stereo Dive Foundation, DEMONDICE (Cancelled), Ai Furihata, Brianna Knickerbocker, Sarah Williams, Ratana, The 404s, James Landino, Pure Octane, Windrise Band, Apricity Dance Crew, Mimyu Dance Group, YuzuPyon, Yumemi (vTuber), Silvi (vTuber), EIEN Project (vTuber), Teeny (vTuber) [38]

A Taste of Animethon

A Taste of Animethon was first created in 2010. Initially, it was a smaller event meant to supplement ASAPA's lineup of events, but grew quickly and was eventually moved to the Shaw Conference Centre in 2016. It was suspended after the 2018 event due to the difficulties of simultaneously planning Animethon and an increasingly-large Taste of Animethon.[39]

The event was intended to be revived in 2022 to make up for the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the event was ultimately cancelled due to Omicron variant.

DatesLocationAtten.Guests
February 27, 2010 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		600Synaptic Chaos Theatre[1][40]
February 12, 2011 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		800The 404s[1][41]
January 28, 2012 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		1200Synaptic Chaos Theatre[1][42]
January 26, 2013 The Ramada Conference Centre Downtown
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		1,505The 404s[1][43]
January 31 – February 1, 2014 The Ramada Conference Centre Downtown
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,295Kyle Hebert, The 404s, TheIshter[1][44]
February 20–21, 2015 The Ramada Conference Centre Downtown
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,371Bryce Papenbrook, The 404s, Courtney "Courtoon" Morelock[1][45]
January 22–23, 2016 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		3,065Colleen Clickenbeard, Reika, Misako Aoki, The 404s, TheIshter, Edmonton Concept Pop Orchestra[1][46]
January 20–21, 2017 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,915Aza Miyuko, Cassandra Lee Morris, Clifford Chapin, Aimee Blackschleger, Hey Listen, Mike Sass, The 404s[1][47]
January 19–20, 2018 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,926Bryson Baugus, Lauren Landa, Nobutoshi Canna, The 404s[1][48]

ASAPA control
ASAPA Official Logo

In 2004 the event was transferred to a new society, the Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts (ASAPA), a non-profit society that focuses on the promotion and enjoyment of Asian popular art and culture. The society is also the financial and legal backbone of Animethon, formed under the Societies Act of Alberta.[49]

References
  1. "Animethon Summary". ASAPA. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  2. "Animethon 27 - About". animethon.org. ASAPA. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  3. "Ten largest North American anime conventions of 2003". AnimeCons.ca. January 1, 2004. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  4. Regev, Nir (June 22, 2022). "J-Pop singer SennaRin to perform at Animethon 2022 in Canada". The Natural Aristocrat. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  5. "Animethon 1994 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  6. "Animethon 1995 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  7. "Animethon 1996 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  8. "Animethon 1997 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  9. "Animethon 1998 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  10. "Animethon 1999 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  11. "Animethon 2000 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  12. "Animethon 2001 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  13. "Animethon 2002 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  14. "Animethon 2003 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  15. "Animethon 2004 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  16. "Animethon 2005 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  17. "Animethon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  18. "Animethon has much to offer". canada.com. Retrieved September 20, 2009.
  19. "Animethon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  20. "Animethon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  21. "'Cosplay' chess highlights Edmonton Animethon 16". edmontonjournal.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2009.
  22. "Animethon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  23. "Animethon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  24. "Animethon Date Announced". anime-alberta.org. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  25. "GuestArticles". animethon.org. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  26. "Animethon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  27. "Animethon 19 guests". Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  28. "Animethon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  29. "Animethon 20 guests". Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  30. "Animethon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  31. "Animethon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  32. "Animethon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  33. "Animethon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  34. "Animethon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  35. "Animethon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  36. "Animethon 2019 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  37. "Animethon 2022 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  38. "Animethon 2023 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  39. "Welcome to ATOA!". atoa.animethon.org. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  40. "A Taste of Animethon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  41. "A Taste of Animethon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  42. "A Taste of Animethon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  43. "A Taste of Animethon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  44. "A Taste of Animethon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  45. "A Taste of Animethon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  46. "A Taste of Animethon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  47. "A Taste of Animethon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  48. "A Taste of Animethon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  49. "Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts". Asapa.ca. Retrieved May 10, 2008.
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