Welcome to our first post for tokyohive's special series of recaps for the '2011 Anime Expo' (AX)!

Anime Expo � one of America�s top leading anime conventions - held its 20th Anniversary at the Los Angeles Convention Center with its biggest turnout in its history. Over 47,000 unique attendees took over the L.A. Live and L.A. Convention halls during the course of the four-day event over the Fourth of July weekend.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, AX brought over some of Japan�s biggest stars in the anime, gaming, and music industry. The list includes producer Birukawa Hiroyuki, Crypton Future Media CEO Itoh Hiroyuki, director Sugano Kenta, gaming director Chigira Koichi, and manga creater Matsumoto Izumi. Voice actress Sawashiro Miyuki also made an appearance, and musical guests Nirgilis, Kalafina, and Hatsune Miku performed at the Club NOKIA and NOKIA Theater.

But AX is not just about its guests, it�s about friends sharing their passion for Japanese pop culture. It�s a place where they can hang out; see friends they haven�t seen in a year, friends they met online, and of course dressing up as their favorite anime or game character.



This year, there were many Hatsune Miku and Vocaloid cosplays in honor of the 3D idol making her U.S. debut at the NOKIA Theater; the strength of Miku's popularity was seen again during her concert, when she filled more than 90% of the entire theatre.

But Hatsune Miku wasn't the only popular icon to be cosplayed this year - attendees felt the formidable presence of BLEACH, NARUTO, and Ouran High School Host Club fans as well.

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Two of AX's biggest annual attractions are the�'Masquerade' (where cosplayers show their�craftsmanship and talents on stage) and the 'AMV (Anime Music Video) Contest' (where fans make their own music videos using any song but must feature anime footage); both carry huge cash prizes for its winners. Other main events included AX Idol, Battle of the Bands, and Charity Auction.

The event was heavily fan-oriented, as fans were able to attend panel and autograph sessions for the guests of honor, watch anime in various rooms, and even attend a special maid cafe for those fans who always wanted to go, but couldn't afford a trip out to Tokyo's Harajuku district.

Of course, the musical guests were also a huge hit as well. Kalafina rocked the stage with their dramatic musical style, while� girl group trio Nirgilis had fans screaming in the club.



If you missed out on this year�s events, be sure to check it out in 2012, as Anime Expo will be held a little earlier than usual. Running from June 29, 2012 to July 2, 2012 at the L.A. Convention Center, hopeful attendees can purchase special 4-day passes right now for $45 (only until July 31st).

Stay tuned to tokyohive for our upcoming recaps on Hatsune Miku and Kalafina from this special '2011 Anime Expo' series!

Photography by: Alex Gao