On the 40th anniversary of studio Gainax’s foundation, the studio behind the making of many epics and well known legendary anime, such as Gunbuster, Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, and Gurren Lagaan, have filed for bankruptcy in Japan. They have been acknowledged by the Tokyo District Court. Surely cementing the end of their existence as an anime studio. Another legend from the anime industry disappears into history, and will now only live as a memory for many otakus of the anime industry, as Gainax dies as a hero for the anime industry.
Or, well, that’s what we think, but the truth is, Gainax has been in decline for more than a decade, and only now has all of their decline caught up with them. The truth is, studio Gainax has been in a mess for years. Ranging from scandals, financial failures, work politics, debt, famous figures leaving and giving harsh criticisms to the studio, and plenty of more. Gainax’s problems goes beyond the rabbit hole, and their slow death will be missed by many, but not all the famous figures from the studio will miss them. In fact, the mess of what Gainax has caused, and what they have been through, is the ultimate reason why former masterminds of the studio, such as Hideaki Anno, left to create Studio Khara and create the Evangelion rebuild movies. While other creative minds of Studio Gainax, left to establish the now famous studio Trigger. The studio famous for making hit anime shows, like Kill La Kill, Space Patrol Luluco, and Little Witch Academia. Also, the studio still continues to make new anime as of today.
Moreover, here is a painful fact. Gainax hasn’t produced an anime since Masamune Datenicle which was produced back in 2016. Also, it was only an ONA. The last time they produced a TV Show directly on their own as a studio was Wish Upon the Pleiades, and that was for spring lineup of 2015… Yes… That long ago… By reading this, I am sure you have come to the conclusion that Gainax was indeed DEAD a long time ago. The question is, how did they finally make it to their demise?
Studio Gainax’s downfall began in the year 2012, when their financial situation worsened due to a plethora of huge financial mistakes made by the company. The company’s success, converted to mistakes, and began to go foolishly big by gambling on managing a restaurant that did not meet the projections. However, that’s not all. The company also established a mismanaged CG which resulted in giving large unsecure loans to executives. Another huge failure was Gainax running the business as if it were a small personal venture. Business practices like these, especially in a highly competitive corporate business world like Japan, is a literal death sentence.
If you think that’s bad, then wait till you hear this. During the years, Gainax would become saddled with insane, massive debt that ultimately held the company back and found itself removed from production committees after not paying royalties. Because of that, the studio found itself sued by a myriad of companies, which ultimately worsened their financial situation for the now defunct anime studio. Another huge mistake Gainax made was establishing too many studios with the Gainax name in many regional areas, which ultimately resulted in failure, as the company had basically unplanned them for the future. This terrible mistake made by Gainax led to many resignations and putting a full stop to anime productions, as the company itself did not maintain the capacity to produce anime. Later on, These exact companies later declared that they were not related to the main Gainax studio. According to the statement by Gainax, the studio claimed that these companies “relinquished their administrative responsibilities.”
Tomohiro Maki, the former repressive and head of Gainax since 1992, transferred shares to an individual with no knowledge of film production whatsoever in 2018. Shockingly, the move had the approval of the management. Of course, that wasn’t the only issue that happened, but on December 2019, Maki was arrested for semi-coerced indecent acts. Arguably putting the company to lose all control of operating and still being saddled with a megalith of insane debt for the studio.
Finally, the final nail in the coffin. Gainax was forced to revamp the entire studio by February 2020. Although, the company began to review the document to fully understand the situation with Khara. It was later discovered that the companies borrowed large amounts of borrowing from financial institutions and defaulted on debt to companies in the anime industry. They also transferred and sold intellectual property and production materials to other companies and individuals without the permission of the original rights holders. The news discovered by individuals of Gainax must have been absolutely devasating for them…
Although Gainax’s management stated that it worked with Khara and other multiple companies to confirm the rights of the work, property manage, and intellectual properties, the studio was unable to resolve the debt crisis. The studio found itself in worse situations where it was unable to pay off the debt, and the studio found itself sued by a debt collector in May. Because of all the mess and chaos that Gainax kept suffering from over and over again, the studio came to a conclusion that it could no longer operate itself as a business, and filed for bankruptcy. The company also stated that it has no affliation with any of the other Gainax studios such as Fukushina Gaina, Gaina Studio, Gainax Kyoto, Gainax International, Gainax Nigita, and Gainax West.
The legacy of Gainax now rests in the hands of Khara as the studio has now acquired the Gainax trademark and will serve as the manager of the trademark. Gainax will soon provide more information in regard to the future use of their works it has managed after the bankruptcy procedure concludes.
To my fellow otakus, there you have it! This is how, according to the statements by Gainax, is how this once legendary studio fell into an oblivion of debt nightmare, financial mistakes, failure after failure, unable to produce new anime. The loss of many individuals who managed Gainax, and scandals that worsened the situation. All of this lead to the demise of Gainax, and now, although the studio is now officially bankruptcy and headed for its end, it will now officially live on the legacy with its company management, Khara, aka… The studio, that, ironically, was established by the man that, arguably, made Gainax the studio it’s famously known for… The man himself… Hideaki Anno…
Dear Gainax, as a fellow otaku who has watched many of your anime made by you, and how loves almost all of them. And even has one anime from you in my top 10 favorite anime of all time, which is Gurren Lagann. I also have other favorites such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, Gunbuster, Diebuster, and plenty of more. I want to say that, I, and I speak for all otakus, will never forget the greatness and epicness of the animes that you have produced. Although the studio has had its fair share of low moments due to scandals and other sorts of bad things, it doesn’t take away the fact that Gainax itself has been responsible for producing anime that changed. It reshapes the landscape of the medium of anime itself. They reinvented the mecha genre to the next level, set the foundation for anime’s of the future thanks to Neon Geneis Evangelion, revolutionized and reinvented the otaku culture that we know as of today. They also bought in anime greatness that still stand out to this day. Even though that was long ago, and the studio found itself in debt madness, I, and all of us will remember studio Gainax for who they were, and all the amazingness that they produced. In fact, to this day, Gainax is still one of my favorite anime studios of all time.
Not gone in the sense of the trademark, and the IP’s, but you will always be remembered.
Ladies and gentlemen, today is an important day for Animangemu. Because exactly on this day, two years ago, and a year ago, something happened that was significant for Animangemu, and those two anniversaries, are pretty much what helped Animangemu being kicked into full gear. The second anniversary was when I launched Animangemu as a website, and believe me, how it looked two years ago looks nothing like the Animangemu that you see today. In fact, when I launched Animangemu in 2022, its logo looked completely different, and this is how it looked.
I have come a long way since reinventing Animangemu’s logo, and at the time when I launched my website, I solely focused on anime, manga, and video games. That’s why if you see a lot of leftovers AMG letters, that’s because I was intending on making Animangemu solely focusing on those three. Of course, as time goes on, I became more educated, more knowledgeable, and developed new passions that were a part of the hemisphere, such as Tokusatsu, electronics, and airsoft. Eventually, other mediums from toys & games, live action, and books that involved the otaku culture, became a part of Animangemu. Finally, the otaku culture, the biggest definer of my brand, was added as a lot of interests of the otaku culture reside in this hemisphere. Looking back, It feels nice to see how much things have changed, and it will only get better.
This you see right here was my first article published on Animangemu, (excluding the previous articles before 2023). If you click on the picture, it will direct you to my first article. Looking back, Animangemu’s early goal was to be the best news source and provider for all things otaku, but, eventually, one of the plans was to expand my brand, and become holder of all narrative of everything otaku. News feeds still exist, but now only as an opinion source rather than a general article, and I did that experiment with the controversial Assassination Classroom ban by a Florida and Wisconsin school, and it was a HUGE success. Everyone became interested in it, and my view count just spiked like crazy. Eventually, I can’t wait to make my own self-published opinion articles on many topics that revolve around the otaku hemisphere. Looking back at this, I can feel like I have come a long way since I first started, and I feel pretty emotional knowing that this was a work of mine that is still running after a year and more. I thank God for this beautiful blessing, and I can’t wait to start more in the future. Don’t worry my fellow otakus, more greatness awaits soon God Willing.
Thank you for reading this article, and going down the memory lane with me. Stay tuned for more!
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 