San Japan, the longtime anime and gaming convention, marks its 17th year this weekend and continues to grow as one of South Texas’ largest fan gatherings
The three-day event took place over Labor Day weekend at the Henry B. González Convention Center, drawing attendees from across the country for cosplay, gaming, panels, meet-and-greets, artist vendors, and arcade experiences.
“We were at 35,000 last year,” San Japan Chairman Miguel Rodriquez said. “Everything that we’ve seen about the show, and our numbers show that we are on pace to break that number by quite a bit.”
For many attendees, the convention is about more than costumes and collectibles. It is also a place to meet people who share the same interests.
“I’ve always seen people going to San Japan having all these really cool cosplays, and it’s really cool to be here in person,” attendee Adriana Fazin said.
Violet Casey, who traveled from Connecticut while on a family trip, said the community is one of the biggest reasons conventions stand out.
“Connecting with new people is, in my opinion, one of the best parts of conventions,” Casey said. “Meeting people who share interests with you and just getting to know everybody. It’s so welcoming and so fun. Everybody’s so kind.”
Longtime attendees said they have <a href="https://comicvibe.com/how-to-watch-asu-arizonas-season-openers/” title=”How to watch ASU, Arizona's season-openers”>watched the convention expand in both size and scope.
“I’ve been coming ever since San Japan 11, so to show up to San Japan 17 has been really cool,” attendee Andrew said. “I’ve seen an increase in the number of guests around here, as well as the number of people cosplaying.”
He said the event has also brought in more performers and guests from overseas in recent years.
San Japan runs through Sunday and is scheduled to wrap up at 5 p.m.
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