San Japan returns to downtown San Antonio
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A San Japan scene from 2014. Photo: Suzanne Cordeiro/Corbis via Getty Images
San Japan returns this weekend, bringing tens of thousands of anime, gaming and cosplay fans to the Henry B. González Convention Center and Grand Hyatt.
Why it matters: Billed as South Texas' largest anime and gaming convention, San Japan has grown from a volunteer-run event into a major draw for anime enthusiasts.
State of play: The three-day convention starts Friday and features an art market, gaming tournaments, a cosplay museum, karaoke and more.
- Other events include a Maid Cafe and Masquerade Dance, which require separate add-on tickets.
- The San Japan app has schedules and information to help attendees navigate the convention.
Zoom in: Dozens of actors, artists and creators are scheduled to appear throughout the weekend.
- Among this year's voice actors are Cristina Vee ("Hunter × Hunter," "Sailor Moon"), Kellen Goff ("My Hero Academia," "Attack on Titan"), Suzie Yeung ("Chainsaw Man," "Ranma ½") and Roger Craig Smith ("Sonic the Hedgehog").
By the numbers: Single-day tickets start around $38 for Sunday; a three-day pass costs $99.49. Add-on prices vary.
Flashback: San Japan debuted in 2005.
- Its first three-day convention drew more than 3,500 attendees in 2008. By 2011, attendance had nearly doubled.
- San Japan will take place at the Convention Center over Labor Day weekend through at least 2030, organizers have said.
Zoom out: You don't need a convention badge to join the fun. San Japan is also inspiring pop-ups and parties around downtown.
- The San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk will host Japanese food pop-ups all weekend, serving ramen, sandos, onigiri and more.
- Cherrity Bar will host a Studio Ghibli-themed market Saturday 7-11pm.
- Purgatory will host a neon anime party Saturday with cosplay, anime and J-pop music, live entertainment and $4 drink specials.