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Musings direct from our members

  • Anime Central 2025 – Across the Board

    Anime Central 2025 – Across the Board

    We’re a few days from Anime Central, Chicago’s biggest anime convention fondly known as ACen. So we asked AnimeChicago teammates what they were most excited to see and attend. Plan…

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  • 2024 Annual Report: A Year of Connection

    2024 Annual Report: A Year of Connection

    18 years later, and AnimeChicago not only keeps the lights on – we’re strengthening our social ties daily. Tough times call for resilient communities. Our focus is uniting Chicagoans through…

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  • Anime’s Game Changers – Sayo Yamamoto

    Anime’s Game Changers – Sayo Yamamoto

    Sayo Yamamoto’s catalog might still be small, but it is impossible to ignore her impact on anime. Focused on realism akin to fellow director, and sometimes collaborator, Shinichiro Watanabe, Yamamoto’s…

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  • Chicago’s Anime Clubs

    AnimeChicago Our shameless plug to join our nonprofit — with over 3,000 Meetup members and access to our Discord community. https://animechicago.com Facets Anime Club Local theater with monthly screenings of…

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  • Special Interest Communities in Chicagoland

    Special Interest Communities in Chicagoland

    Chicago Cosplay and Photography Meet-Ups Volunteer-run events and hub for cosplayers and photographers to gather, network, and collaborate. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cosmeetupchicago/ Gunpla Builders of Chicago Community of builders spreading the love of…

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  • Japanese Culture, Arts, & Industry here in Chicagoland

    Japanese Arts Foundation at the Japanese Culture Center Nonprofit programs and educational opportunities to share Japanese art equitably and accessibly. https://japaneseartsfoundation.org Japanese American Service Committee of Chicago Inclusive nonprofit for…

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  • Japanese-inspired Entertainment in Chicago

    Anime Mondays at Logan Arcade Presenting all things anime and animation every last Monday of the month, starting at 7pm. https://loganarcade.com BATSU! A live game show where comedians compete in…

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  • Our Favorite Spots for Japanese Cuisine + Nightlife

    Mitsuwa Food Court Ramen, curry, soba, crepes, matcha ice cream… Mitsuwa has you covered for whatever you’re craving. https://mitsuwa.com/ch/ Konbini & Kanpai Explore craft beers, wines, sakes, and non-alcoholic beverages available…

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  • Local Shops for Sourcing Cosplay

    Chicago Costume Company Outfitting Chicagoan in simple to elaborate costumes since 1976. Its two locations are a good choice for traditional costumes, vintage finds, theatrical pieces. Family-owned. https://www.chicagocostume.com Fantasy Costumes…

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  • Local Businesses for Merch, Goods, Snacks, and More!

    Local Businesses for Merch, Goods, Snacks, and More!

    Mitsuwa Marketplace Japanese goodies galore at this supermarket, bakery, gift stores, food court, Kinokuniya bookstore, and more! mitsuwa.com/ch/ Tensuke Market Japanese grocery, sushi café, and Daiso reseller that also carries…

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  • Local Creators

    AnimeChicago Members @Yamcans Kat Janda-DuWaldt, known as “@Yamcans” online, is an artist by night, and a dentist (yes, really) by day. They love creating bold, colorful devotions for their favorite…

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  • 2023 Annual Report: My Kind of Town

    2023 Annual Report: My Kind of Town

    Here at AnimeChicago, we’re serious about connecting our local anime community and celebrating the best of Japanese pop culture. That’s been our mission for 17 years now. Last year was…

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