Once again, E3 has been officially canceled. Meaning that gamers will have another year without E3. This is a huge surprise (not) that the annual event has been cancelled. Truth be told, E3 has been dying for years, and now with its cancellation, it’s either a revolution for the event, or just ending it entirely. With Nintendo and Microsoft withdrawing while Sony had long abandoned the event, things were already looking gloomy for the annual event.
According to reports from IGN, the organization announced the cancellation via an email sent out to its members today. This is what they said.
E3 “remains a beloved event and brand” that the 2023 version “simply did not garner the sustained interest necessary to execute it in a way that would showcase the size, strength, and impact of our industry.”
Email from ESA
According to more reports, the ESA maintains its commitment to advocacy work but makes no mention if the event will ever be held again in the future.
More IGN reports show ESA issued the following public statement from Kyle Marsden-Kish, Global VP of Gaming, ReedPop, stating:
This was a difficult decision because of all the effort we and our partners put toward making this event happen, but we had to do what’s right for the industry and what’s right for E3. We appreciate and understand that interested companies wouldn’t have playable demos ready and that resourcing challenges made being at E3 this summer an obstacle they couldn’t overcome. For those who did commit to E3 2023, we’re sorry we can’t put on the showcase you deserve and that you’ve come to expect from ReedPop’s event experiences.
Kyle Marsden
The press release adds that ReedPop and the ESA will continue to work together on future events.
Welp, there goes the event. Another year of no E3, and as a passionate gamer, this makes me very sad. Throughout my entire life, E3 has been a summer tradition for many of us gamers in looking forward to the upcoming game trailers being shown and seeing the epic reactions of gamers, but it seems like all of that will remain a distant memory now. Now the question remains: will we ever see another E3 being held in the future? For now, we won’t know, but all we can do now is wait…
Today is officially the last day for 3DS and Wii U owners to buy games from both eShops, because, as you know, Nintendo will be pulling the plug on both eShops after March 27. This day will officially mark the end of an era for two consoles that stuck closely with Nintendo during their darkest time in the gaming industry. I, for one, will be feeling very emotional after seeing the 3DS and Wii U eShops close down. Believe it or not, but these two consoles played an important role in my life during the 2010s (2013-2019), and just seeing them fully discontinued makes me feel like I am leaving behind an important memory of mine. At least the Nintendo Switch symbolically continues their legacy…
Nintendo previously announced a year ago that the eShops for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U were officially coming to a close on February 20, 2022. Nintendo has also confirmed that users will still be able to redownload games, receive software updates, and play online even after the shop closes, but owners of the now-defunct systems will no longer be able to purchase games not previously purchased by the user. Free demos and adding funds will also be unavailable via the 3DS and Wii U.
Owners who currently still have funds in their 3DS and Wii U eShop accounts will be able to use those funds to make purchases on the Nintendo Switch. Users can simply merge their wallets by linking their Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo account.
There will be a lot of exclusive games from both Eshops that will vanish to thin air, but knowing gamers, they will probably find a way to help many get access to playing those games.
As I am typing this, I’ll let you know that I feel very emotional writing this article. The 3DS and Wii U were rapidly forgotten after the Switch was released on March 3, 2017. The 3DS was discontinued back in 2020, while the Wii U was discontinued back in 2017. Now, their eShops will fully close the chapter. The two systems enjoyed a twelve year run and today it’s closing its final chapter. As the old systems come to a close, I can’t help but feel that the memories are rushing into my head, and I remember and relive every memory I had with the 3DS and Wii U. Farewell 3DS and Wii U! Thank you for all of the beautiful memories, and I’ll never forget a single piece of memory that I made with you both. I’ll make sure that when I have kids, I’ll tell them the epic tale of you both, and I’ll make sure that they will have lots of fun with you. From Pokemon Alpha Sapphire to Mario Kart 8, and so much more…
3DS and Wii U eSHOP 2011-2023
What were your memories with the 3DS and Wii U eShop? Better yet, what were your favorite 3DS and Wii U games, and what do you remember most about them?
On November 1, 2022, studio Ghibli officially opened its doors to a magical park that any fan of the legendary studio and otaku alike could dream of: an entire theme park dedicated to the greatness of studio Ghibli. This theme park contains the stuff of dreams that any otaku would drool over. From replicas of iconic scenes in Ghilbi, like the house of my neighbor Totoro, to the Mononoke village of Princess Mononoke, and plenty more, THIS will make ANY Ghibli and Otakus dreams come true. This is a theme park for the ages! Visited by fans, tourists and families. While purely fictional, this is the closest you can get to actually living in the world of Ghibli.
A replica of the house from Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 movie “My Neighbor Totoro”.
“But earlier last month, two men decided to do something shockingly inappropriate with one of the replicas of Marnie, the heroine of the 2014 Ghibli film “When Marnie Was There”, and another one was Teru, the heroine of the 2006 Ghibli film “Tales of Earthsea”. One was taking an upskirt off Marnie, while the other one was groping Teru’s breasts. Both selfies were posted online.
— 💫T.Katsumi📢 #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 (@tkatsumi06j) March 9, 2023
“Don’t let this slide”, one Twitter user said.
According to reports in Japan, it sparked great media attention, and during a press conference on Thursday, Hideaki Omura, the governor of Aichi prefecture urged Ghibli’s park operating companies to stop visitors from taking lewd photos with the character statues.
When speaking to the Japanese media, Omura gave a statement. He said
“It is extremely regrettable. We will take firm action because it (Ghibli Park) is located within the prefectural park.”
“Ghibli Park is a place for adults and children to have fun while experiencing Ghibli films. I don’t want people who do things that many find offensive to come to the park.”
“It is extremely malicious, just like the inappropriate behaviour at conveyor belt sushi restaurants.”
Hideaki Omura to Manichi Shibun
Omura’s statements echo the sushi terrorism pranks perpetrated on conveyor sushi belts. Where individuals purposely tamper with foods or utensils and film themselves.
Omura has stated that the Aichi prefecture government will take legal action if the individuals are identified.
On the other hand, a Ghibli Park spokesman told the Manichi Shimbun that it will refrain from commenting on the issue.
The two men’s actions were denounced by many on social media. However, Studio Ghibli has also been criticized for their position and response to this incident.
But on March 26, the two men apologized to Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura for their actions. Omura revealed at a press conference on Friday that the men visited the prefectural office on Wednesday to apologize. According to their statements, the men feared the consequences of their actions and asked for a meeting with the Ghibli Park promotion department. The two men would give their statements.
“Taking those photos went beyond the level of a practical joke. We’ve caused a lot of distress to everyone,” they said. “We endeavor not to cause any mischief in the future.”
The Two Men expressing their apology
Omura has stated that he plans to “earnestly accept the apology.” Despite indicating earlier that he intended to take legal action against those inadvertent photos, he said, “I would like to mark the end of this matter.”
Studio Ghibli, still as of yet, has commented on this incident.
Ghibli Park originally opened on November 1, 2022. It was originally supposed to open in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The park started selling tickets internationally on January 10, 2023.
The park is home to iconic places from Studio Ghibli, like the Dondoko Forest, Ghibli’s Grand Warhouse, and the Hill of Youth. More areas are scheduled to open later in 2023 and early 2024, such as the Mononoke Forest and the Valley of the Witches. Ghibli Park is located in the city of Nagakute and was built by the Aichi prefectural government at a cost of 34 billion yen (roughly $366.7 million dollars). It is publicly and privately owned by the newspaper Chunichi Shimbun and studio Ghibli, according to Nikkei Asia, the world’s largest financial newspaper.
What do you guys think about this incident? Let me know in the comments!
This is my first self published article on Animangemu.
As you know, the popularity of anime in America has tremendously grown over the past three decades. While the origins of anime in America began in the 1960s with Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, it wasn’t until the 1990s that anime began to gain mainstream attention from the American audience. It was the decade when companies like Funimation, Bandai Entertainment, VIZ Media, Media Blasters, ADV Films, Cartoon Network, and 4Kids would license anime titles from Japan and then bring them over here to the states. This marketing strategy for each decade caused anime to familiarize itself more and more with Americans, to the point that eventually anime caught on with the American audience. Now, Anime is more beloved than ever among Americans, and the medium has become so popular that we have reached a point where it’s not uncommon to ask any American if they know of, or have at least heard of, Anime.
Google has an interesting website called Google Trends. This website analyzes the top search queries in Google searches across all regions and languages. In this article, I typed in “anime” to see which state has the most searches for “anime.” The list will be ordered from least important to most important. You will probably be a little surprised with the results, because I certainly was.
Worst to Best
Population
Anime Conventions
Shops
Availability
Number 50: Vermont
Kicking off this list is Vermont, the first state from the New England region to be on it. The Green Mountain State has a population of 648,279 people. The state only has one anime convention, and that is Bakuretsu Con, located in the city of Burlington. The state has a moderate amount of shops that specialize in anime and manga, such as Black Knight, Newbury Comics, Hammergirl Anime, and much more.
Number 49: New Hampshire
Next up is New Hampshire. The Granite State has a population of 1,395,847 people. There are no anime conventions located in New Hampshire, making it the only state in the New England region to not have any. The only way for New Hampshire otakus to attend one is to travel to other states, such as Massachusetts or New York. It does however have a moderate amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Geeks-ter, The Comic Store, Newbury Comics, and a few more.
Number 48: Massachusetts
Next up is Massachusetts. The Old Colony State has a population of 7,174,604 people. Massachusetts enjoys having the most anime conventions located in the New England region, such as the famous Anime Boston, Fan Expo Boston, PopCult Anime Con, and plenty more. The state also has the most stores that specialize in anime and manga in the New England region, such as All Things Anime, Anime Zakka, Comicopia, and plenty more. Massachusetts is often regarded as having the most complete experience for otakus in the New England region.
Number 47: Nebraska
Next up is Nebraska, the first state from the Midwest to be on this list. The Cornhusker State has a population of 2,002,052 people. Similar to New Hampshire, there are no Anime conventions located in Nebraska, making it the only state in the midwest region to not have any (despite an Anime con named after Nebraska existing in Iowa). The only way for Nebraska Otakus to attend an anime convention is to travel to other states, such as Illinois or Missouri. It does, however, have a decent amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Animania, Krypton Comics, Stella’s Bella, and a few more.
Number 46: Connecticut
Next up is Connecticut. The Constitution State has a population of 3.606 million. Connecticut is home to a sizeable amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as ConnectiCon, CT Gamer Con, and more. The state is home to a moderate amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Dragon Novelties, Akiba Underground, Comics and Collectibles, ETC., and a few more.
Number 45: Pennsylvania
Next up is Pennsylvania, the first state from the northeast region to be on this list. The Keystone State has a population of 12.96 million. Pennsylvania enjoys having a large number of anime conventions located in the state, such as Zenkaikon, Fan Expo Philadelphia, PuchiCon PA, and a lot more. The state enjoys a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Gold Star Anime, Joy’s Japanimation, Otaku Underground, and a lot more.
Number 44: Illinois
Next up is Illinois. The Prairie State has a population of 12.67 million people. Illinois enjoys having the largest amount of anime conventions located in the midwest, home to well-known anime cons such as Fan Expo Chicago, Anime Magic, Anime Senpai, and a lot more. The state also boasts the largest amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga in the midwest, such as Anime Stuff Store, Nakama Toys, Kinokuniya Chicago, and much more.
Number 43: Michigan
Next on this list is Michigan. The Great Lakes State has a population of 10.05 million. Michigan has a fairly large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Youmacon, Comic & Anime Expo, AlmaCon, and more. The state has a decent amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Hihi, Anime GT, Anime to State Boards, and more.
Number 42: New York
Next up is New York. The Empire State has a population of 19.84 million, the 4th largest in the state. New York has arguably one of the largest and best-known anime conventions in the country, such as Anime NYC, Tora-Con, Long Island Tropical Con, and plenty more. The state proudly boasts having one of the most stores located in this country that specialize in anime and manga, such as Kinokuniya New York, Anime Castle, Forbidden Planet, and more. New York is also home to big-name companies that specialize in anime and manga, such as Kodansha USA and Vertical. New York is often described by many as one of the most advanced states on the East Coast and a country as a whole for many Otakus in America.
Number 41: Colorado
Next up is Colorado, the first state from the West Coast to be on this list. The Centennial State has a population of 5.812 million. Colorado enjoys having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Colorado Anime Fest, Fan Expo Denver, Nan Desu Kan, and more. The state enjoys a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Rainy Day Anime, The Otaku Attic, Mom & Pops, and a lot more.
Number 40: Iowa
Next up is Iowa. The Hawkeye State has a population of 3.393 million. Iowa has a fair number of anime conventions located in the state (in spite of its size and location), such as Anime Zing, Anime Recharge, AnimeIowa, and more. The state lacks a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as The Core, Mayhem Collectables, and barely more.
Number 39: Maine
Next up is Maine. The Pine Tree State has a population of 1.372 million. Maine lacks having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, only having two located in the state, such as PortConMaine and Animaine. The state, however, enjoy a large selection of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Weekend Anime and Games, Newbury Comics, Casablanca Comics, and more.
Number 38: Montana
Next up is Montana. The Treasure State has a population of 1.104 million. Montana has only one anime convention, OokiiSoraCon. The state, however, does have a decent amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Isle of Misfits, The Geek Emporium, Muse Comics and Games, and a few more.
Number 37: Wyoming
Next up is Wyoming. The Equality or Cowboy State has a population of 578,803, the lowest in the country. As the least populated state in the country, Wyoming has no anime conventions, thus requiring Wyoming Otakus to travel to other states to attend anime conventions. The state does, however, have a decent amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Nerds4ever, Desert Keep Games, Games of Chance, and a few more.
Number 36: North Dakota
Next up is North Dakota. The Peace Garden State has a population of 774,948. There are only three anime cons located in North Dakota: Corecon, Anime Fargo, and ValleyCon. The state has a moderate amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Comic Junction, Paradox Comics-N-Cards, Original Comics and Collectables, and a few more. North Dakota Otakus can also rely on their southern neighbors in South Dakota for Otaku goods.
Number 35: Rhode Island
Next up is Rhode Island. The Ocean State has a population of 1.096 million and is the smallest state by area in the country. Rhode Island did not have an Anime convention for four years between 2018 and 2022, while in the past, most Anime conventions held in Rhode Island were burdened with complications and uncertainty. Finally, in 2023, Rhode Island Anime Con will be held later this year, making it the first time in six years that Rhode Island Otakus can attend an anime convention in their home state. On a brighter note, the state enjoys a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Annex Comics, Nebury Comics, The Time Capsule, and plenty more.
Number 34: Minnesota
Next up is Minnesota. The North Star State has a population of 5.707 million. Minnesota has a fairly large number of anime conventions located in the state, such as AniMinneapolis, Anime Fusion, Anime Detour, and much more. The state has a decent amount of shops, such as Anime Fix, Thunderbolt Anime and Gift Shop, Rochester Anime Shop, and a few more.
Number 33: Ohio
Next up is Ohio. The Buckeye State has a population of 11.78 million. Ohio enjoys having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Ohayocon, Fan Expo Cleveland, Nyancon, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Fantasies Unraveled Anime Haven, The Laughing Ogre, Manga Manga, and more.
Number 32: Tennessee
Next up is Tennessee, the first state from the southern region to be on this list. The Volunteer State has a population of 6.975 million. Tennessee enjoys having a large selection of anime conventions located in the state, such as Knoxville AnimeDay, Con Nooga, the Middle Tennessee Anime Convention, and more. The state also enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Animax, Comix City Too, K-Pop N More, and a lot more.
Number 31: Missouri
Next up is Missouri. The Show Me State has a population of 6.168 million. Missouri enjoys having a large selection of anime conventions located in the state, such as Anime St. Louis, ArtCon, Kokorokon, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large selection of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Animeggroll, Haha Anime and Games, AnimeJoplin LLC, and a lot more.
Number 30: New Jersey
Next up is New Jersey. The Garden State has a population of 9.267 million. New Jersey enjoys having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Kogaracon, PuchiCon, AnimeNEXT, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Kinokuniya New Jersey, QL Shop, New World Manga, and a lot more.
Number 29: South Carolina
Next up is South Carolina, the first state from the deep south to be on this list. The Palmetto State has a population of 5.591 million. South Carolina has a low number of anime conventions located in the state, such as Columbia Anime & Video Game Expo 2023, Anime Town Greenville, Incredible Con, and a few more. The state, however, does enjoy having a moderately large number of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Heroes & Dragons, Pop Cult, Captain Comics & Toys, and a lot more.
Number 28: Wisconsin
Next up is Wisconsin. The Badger State has a population of 5.896 million. Wisconsin has a moderate amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Anime Milwaukee, No Brand Con, Kitsune Con, and more. The state, however, does enjoy having a large selection of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as My Animix, Angry Fox LLC, PopCon Shop, and a lot more.
Number 27: South Dakota
Next up is South Dakota. The Mount Rushmore State has a population of 895,376. South Dakota currently has two anime conventions: Black Hills Con and SiouxperCon. The state has a moderate amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, Rainbow Comics, Cards & Collectables, Heroes & Villains, Storyteller Comics & Games, and much more.
Number 26: North Carolina
Next up is North Carolina. The Old North State has a population of 10.55 million. North Carolina enjoys having a large selection of anime conventions located in the state, such as Ichibancon, Triad Anime Con, Collect-A-Con Charlotte, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Anime Paradaisu, Anime Gaming, Animazed, and a lot more.
Number 25: Mississippi
Next up is Mississippi, the least wealthy state in the country. The Magnolia State has a population of 2.95 million. Mississippi has only two anime conventions: the famous Mississippi Anime Fest and ABC Winterfest Remix. The state has a moderate amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Anime Closet LLC, Geeked Shop, OffBeat, and a few more.
Number 24: Indiana
Next up is Indiana. The Hoosier State has a population of 6.806 million. Indiana has a moderate amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as PopCon Indy, Anime Crossroads, EvilleCon, and a few more. The state, however, enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Tasty Peach Studios, Circle City Comics & Games, Downtown Comics, and a lot more.
Number 23: Georgia
Next up is Georgia. The Peach State has a population of 10.8 million. Georgia has the most anime conventions located in the deep south, such as Anime Augusta, MomoCon, Anime Weekend Atlanta, and plenty more. The state also enjoys having a large amount of shops that specialize in anime and manga, such as Anime Remix in Buford, Anime-Zing Escape, Character World, and plenty more.
Number 22: Kentucky
Next up is Kentucky. The Bluegrass State has a population of 4.509 million. Kentucky lacks having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Frankfort Anime-Fest, PopCon Louisville, Kentokyocon, and a few more. The state has a moderate amount of shops that specialize in anime and manga, such as The Destination, Ultra Pop, Zone Comics & Toys, and a few more.
Number 21: Louisiana
Next up is Louisiana. The Pelican State has a population of 4.624 million. Louisiana lacks having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Fan Expo Orelans, CyphaCon, Mecha Con, and a few more. The state does, however, have a moderate amount of shops that specialize in anime and manga, such as Pure Fiction Collectables, Good Game Anime, High-Five Anime, and more.
Number 20: Virginia
Next up is Virginia. The Old Dominion has a population of 8.642 million. Virginia enjoys having a large number of anime conventions located in the state, such as GalaxyCon Richmond, Superstar Anime, Anime USA, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large selection of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Anime Pavillion, Senpai’s Corner Anime & Gift Shop, Trilogy Comics, and a lot more.
Number 19: Maryland
Next up is Maryland. The Old Line State has a population of 6.135 million. Maryland enjoys having a large number of anime conventions located in the state, such as Katsucon, CHS Otaku Fest, Ocean City Comic Con, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Lil’ Thingamajigs, Alliance Comics, Purple Narwhal Music & Manga, and a lot more.
Number 18: West Virginia
Next up is West Virginia. The Mountain State has a population of 1.783 million. West Virginia only has three anime conventions located in the state: Causeacon, WV Pop Culture, and Tsubasacon. The state, however, does have a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Comic Paradise Plus 2, Artefactual Comics and Games, Fama’s Comics, and a lot more.
Number 17: New Mexico
Next up is New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment has a population of 2.116 million. New Mexico only has three anime conventions: Albuquerque Anime, Anime New Mexico, and Sabaku Con. The state has a decent amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, including Five Star Anime, Lobo Comics & Toys, Dream Land, and a few more.
Number 16: Kansas
Next up is Kansas. The Sunflower State has a population of 2.935 million. Kansas has only three anime conventions located in the state, such as Naka-Kon, Anime Festival Wichita, and the Kansas City Japan Festival. The state, however, does have a fairly large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as The Burrow, KPOP STOP, Asylum Anime, and more.
Number 15: Alabama
Next up is Alabama. The Yellowhammer State has a population of 5.04 million. Against all odds due to its size and state wealth, Alabama enjoys having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Kami-Con, Imagi-Con, Mobile Bay Anime Festival, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Legion, Deep Comics, Games & Toys, The Fandom Galaxy, and a lot more. In terms of a trivial topic, Alabama is the least wealthy state to have the most anime conventions and stores located in a state.
Number 14: Delaware
Next up is Delaware. The First State has a population of 1.003 million. Delaware is one of the four states where there are no anime conventions located in the state. The state is also low on stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Generation Otaku, Destination Anime, The Comic Book Shop!, and a few more.
Number 13: Utah
Next up is Utah. The Beehive State has a population of 3.338 million. Utah lacks having a large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Anime Town Utah, ToshoCon, Anime Banzai, and a few more. The state does, however, have a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as The Nerd Store, Super Anime Store, Hammond Toys, and a lot more.
Number 12: Florida
Next up is Florida (my home state), the highest on this list to be from the east coast. The Sunshine State has a population of 21.78 million, the third largest population in the country. Florida has the third-highest number of anime conventions in the country, behind only Texas and California. With this record, Florida has the most anime conventions located on the east coast, as well as the most of any state that borders the Atlantic Ocean. Prime examples include the famous and iconic Mizucon; other notable anime conventions in Florida are OtakuFest, Orlando AnimeDay, and a dozen more. Florida also has an overwhelming amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Cyren Anime Store, The Anime Village, Super Anime Store, and plenty more. Florida, along with Texas, is often regarded by many as the best state for Otakus from the southern region.
Number 11: Arizona
Next up is Arizona. The Grand Canyon State has a population of 7.276 million. Arizona enjoys having a large number of anime conventions located in the state, such as Kikori Con, Anime Arizona, Game On Expo, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large number of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as All 4 Anime, ACG Go Anime Store & Cafe, Omocha USA, and plenty more.
Number 10: Oregon
Next up is Oregon, the first state from the west coast that borders the Pacific Ocean to be on this list. The Beaver State has a population of 4.246 million. Oregon has a moderate amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Fan Expo Portland, WasabiCon, Kumoricon, and more. The state does enjoy having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Amazing Japan, Hello Anime Shop, Kinokuniya Portland, and plenty more.
Number 9: Idaho
Next up is Idaho. The Gem State has a population of 1.901 million. Idaho has only one anime convention located in the state: Neo Anime Oasis. The state, however, does have a moderate amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Captain Comics Inc., Your Toy Links, ToyTown, and more.
Number 8: Oklahoma
Next up is Oklahoma. The Sooner State has a population of 3.987 million. Oklahoma enjoys having a fairly large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as OkiCon, Anime Oklahoma, Tokyo, OK, and a lot more. The state also enjoys having a large number of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as One Stop Anime, Atomik Pop!, Seoul-Nami, and a lot more.
Number 7: Washington
Next up is Washington. The Evergreen State has a population of 7.739 million. Washington has a fairly large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as the famous and iconic Sakura-Con, one of the oldest and most well-known anime conventions in America; others include Northwest IdolFest, Chibi-Chibi Con, and much more. The state enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Anime World, Sean’s Anime & Other Things, Tokyo Anime, and plenty more.
Number 6: Arkansas
Next up is Arkansas. The Natural State has a population of 3.026 million. Arkansas has a low to moderate amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as the Little Rock Anime Festival, the Arkansas Anime Festival, Spa-Con, and a few more. The state also has a moderate amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as The Geek Realms, Nana Korobi AR, Otaku Takeout, and more.
Number 5: Texas
Next up is Texas. The Lone Star State has a population of 29.59 million, the second highest in the state. Texas is the largest state on the mainland and the second-highest overall, behind Alaska. Owing to its reputation as the state where everything is bigger in Texas, the state proudly boasts of having the most anime conventions located in the southern region and the second-most anime conventions located in the country, second only to California. Notable anime conventions from Texas include the Dallas Fan Festival, AnimeFest, A-Kon, and plenty more. Texas also enjoys having a large number of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Anime Pop, Super Anime Outlet, Anime Tokyo, and plenty more. Texas is also well known for having companies that specialize in anime and manga, such as Crunchyroll Dubs (formerly known as Funimation) and J-Novel Club. Texas is often regarded by many as the best state for Otakus to live in the southern region, as well as the best state in America, although the state holds a heated rivalry with pacific neighbors California for that title. Never the less, Texas is one of the best states for Otakus and boasts an advanced arsenal of resources for Otakus on all levels.
Number 4: Alaska
Next up is Alaska, the first state not from the mainland to be on this list. The Last Frontier has a population of 732.673. Alaska is the largest state in the country by size. As of 2023, Alaska has no anime conventions, but it did so in the past. The state has a low number of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as BOSCO’s, The Comic Shop, Over the Rainbow Toy Store, and a few more. Alaska is the highest state on this list to not have any anime conventions located.
Number 3: California
Next up is California. The Golden State has a population of 39.24 million, the highest population in the country, as well as any state on the west coast. Bordering with the Pacific Ocean and being only 11 hours and 18 minutes away from Japan, the state of California has arguably the most anime conventions located anywhere else in the country, as well as having the most anime conventions located on the west coast. The popular city of Los Angeles hosts the most famous and oldest anime convention in America and the western world, Anime Expo, founded in 1991. Other notable anime conventions in the state are Crunchyroll Expo, FanimeCon, Fangaea, and plenty more. The state of California also enjoys having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Entertainment Hobo Shop Jungle, Anime Station, Sakura Anime Toys, and plenty more. California is also home to the famous Little Tokyo, an ethnically Japanese American district located in Los Angeles, owing to the state having the largest Japanese American community in the country. California is also home to the largest localization companies that specialize in anime and manga, such as VIZ Media, Crunchyroll, Aniplex, and plenty more. Compared to other states, California arguably has the best access and availability to all things anime and manga. The state is widely regarded as the best state for otakus in America. However, California does have a rivalry with Texas for that title, as both states boast a high arsenal of anime and manga goods in their respective states.
Number 2: Nevada
Next up is Nevada (My Second Home), the highest state from the mainland to be on this list, as well as the highest state from the mainland’s west coast and desert climate. The Silver State has a population of 3.144 million. Nevada enjoys having a fairly large amount of anime conventions located in the state, such as Anime Las Vegas, Sin City Anime, TsumiCon, and much more. Nevada, however, does enjoy having a large amount of stores that specialize in anime and manga, such as Manga Hole Vegas, Anime Sokutsu, ANIMETSUBA, and plenty more. Much of Nevada’s anime and manga stuff is located in the two most populated cities in the state, Las Vegas and Reno.
Number 1: Hawaii
And finally, here we have Hawaii, the highest state on this list, the highest state on this list to be from the west coast, the highest state on this list to be from the Pacific Ocean, the highest state not to be from the mainland, as well as the highest from this list to be one of the least largest states by size. The Aloha State has a population of 1.442 million. Although Hawaii has only one Anime convention located in the state, which is the famous and iconic Kawaii Kon, as well as a moderate amount of stores that specialize in Anime and Manga, such as MiniQ Anime Shop, Akihabara Tokyo Store, and Morning Glory of Mililani, the demographics of Hawaii for Otakus favor them greatly. First off, the state of Hawaii is beloved by many Japanese people; secondly, Hawaii has one of the largest Japanese American communities in the state, thirdly, Hawaii is only 8 hours away from Japan; and fourthly, accessibility to goods from Japan is easy in Hawaii. These reasons could be why the state ranks the highest on this list compared to other states, which makes sense since Hawaii is close to Japan and the state has a large Japanese American community. With Hawaii as number 1 on this list, the Aloha State can proudly call itself the king of otaku in America.
So what do you guys think? Were you surprised? Where does your state rank? Tell me about your experiences as an Otaku in your home state! Thank you so much for reading this article, and please let me know if there is anything that has to be corrected. Have a good one!
Animangemu 