Banner for ALA 20; animelosangeles.org.
By MARIE SEKIGUCHI, Kizuna NCI Intern
Anime Los Angeles (ALA) took place at the Long Beach Convention Center the weekend of January 10th.
Amidst the Santa Ana winds and devastating fires in SoCal, ALA was a gentle reprieve for some affected. Conventions like these have always been a safe place for people with similar interests to gather; attendees cherish Anime Los Angeles for its family friendly environment, which is inclusive for people of all ages and generations. The event was not too crowded, and a variety of guests could be easily spotted – from the youngest child to an old-timer nostalgic for Gundam and Pokémon.
@deadboicosplay on Instagram as a giant Eevee from Pokémon.
Long-time ALA devotees enjoy its smaller, cozier environment, which is reminiscent of the size of early conventions. Bri, a program participant for one of the convention events, reminisces about her favorite parts of ALA, “Although ALA is no longer the small con I went to 10 years ago, I keep coming back year after year because of how they try to preserve and keep the spirit of the earlier days. They keep a lot of memorabilia from the early days, like the benches the community made, and keep some of the traditions from cons a decade ago, such as the ribbon collecting and trading. My favorite parts of the con are the community things outside of programming.”
Trading for a ribbon from @goozeepins, a vendor; (collectible ribbons pictured on the right).
The ribbons Bri mentions are unique to ALA. Many patrons make and bring their own ribbons so you can collect or trade with them. Vendors also participate by giving away their own ribbons when you purchase their art and goods. It’s a special asset of ALA that other cons seem to offer less and less. Additionally, attendees can earn ribbons through quests and stations. Everyone competes to have the longest ribbon chain on their ALA pass.
One guest had seemingly been dragged along for his daughter’s fun at the anime convention. But when asked, he stated that he is an avid fan of animes like One Piece and Solo Leveling, and that he was excited to experience ALA with his daughter.
Anonymous father enjoying ALA.
YouTuber Chantelle attends ALA every year with her 2-year-old daughter, Charlotte. Chantelle continues to bring Charotte because she feels ALA is more “close knit and family friendly” than other conventions. Not to mention, it’s affordable for her and a great way for the wholesome pair to get some exposure for her YouTube channel: The Real Chanime.
Left: @strawbearbri Right: Therealchanime
Although Anime Los Angeles is smaller than other conventions, it definitely has its own charms. It’s also a great way to meet anime fans while enjoying the classic convention experience. See you next year!