Folks that happen to enjoy anime and video game news will sadly have to skip out on Anime Expo 2020 being a source this year since it has been canceled. Nevertheless, The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) has released a letter explaining that next year Anime Expo 2021 will kick-off in early July.
If you don’t know, Anime Expo acts as a physical hub for people around the world to come together to show off their cosplay of whatever game, anime, or manga that they are into at said event.
And speaking of video games, anime, and manga, the annual event (ever since 1992) won’t be happening this year, according to CEO Ray Chiang. Here’s the official COVID-19 response from Chiang via anime-expo.org:
“Dear Anime Expo Community,
This is a day my team and I hoped wouldn’t come, but it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing the cancellation of Anime Expo 2020. Our utmost concern is for the health and safety of our amazing Anime Expo community. We understand your disappointment as we are anime fans first and foremost too. As you can imagine, this was one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make in the 29 years of Anime Expo.
With the COVID-19 situation continually changing, as well as more restrictions in place worldwide and in our host city Los Angeles, we can’t in good faith move forward with this year’s event. We know it will affect all of you differently and we did not come to this decision lightly.
For exhibitors, artists, contractors, performers, and more, this impacts you on many levels. Anime Expo is an important source of income as well as inspiration for all of you. We know you have been working tirelessly in preparation for July and we appreciate your dedication to your craft.
For our staff and volunteers, who have been working hard, planning every detail of this year’s event since before AX 2019 ended, we share your sadness – please know we support you every step of the way as we turn our attention to next year, Anime Expo’s 30th anniversary!
For our attendees, AX is a place to see old friends, make new ones, and experience the immersive nature of the larger anime community. We will miss seeing you!”
The letter continues and explains that badge holders will have the option to receive a refund or have their badges roll over to Anime Expo 2021. As for hotels, room reservations booked through ConferenceDirect in the Anime Expo official hotel block will be automatically canceled, where an email regarding both hotel reservations and badges will be sent sometime next week:
“Badge holders will have the option to receive a full refund or to have their badges rolled over to AX 2021. As this is a big undertaking, please give us time to get the process solidified and stay tuned for more information in the coming days. Exhibitors and artists can expect to receive information via email sometime next week.
Hotel room reservations booked through ConferenceDirect in the AX official hotel block will be automatically cancelled. If you booked a room outside the AX hotel block, please contact your hotel directly.
It remains our goal to provide fans and industry partners from around the world with a safe space to come together to celebrate and share our love of anime. We are committed to bringing you the best of the best next year as we return to Los Angeles for our 30th anniversary on July 2-5, 2021!
As I have said before, we are in this together. We love and support our community and know Anime Expo is an event like no other. Each summer, Anime Expo allows all of us to connect and share our love of anime and Japanese pop culture.
Be safe, continue to do your part, support your community, and most of all stay well!
We look forward to seeing you at AX 2021!”
As mentioned above, next year will mark the expo’s 30th anniversary as the team returns on July 2nd, 2021. From here, you can expect the usual panels to go up until July 5th, marking the end of the annual anime-related event.
You can learn more about the cancelation of Anime Expo 2020 and what is planned for Anime Expo 2021 by heading on over to anime-expo.org.
