Anime Central (ACEN), one of the largest anime conventions in the United States, is just about a week away and AnimeChicago is proud to be presenting several panels throughout the weekend. Lately, we’ve noticed that the quality of panels at many anime conventions has declined, so our goal this year is to provide quality content and discussion-worthy topics in a fun way.
We’ve gathered a list of panels either run by AnimeChicago team members or by AnimeChicago members that will definitely be worth your time during ACEN weekend. Check them out!
Chicago’s Anime Scene: 29 Truths; 1 Lie
Friday, May 19th
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Panel Room 11
Join AnimeChicago president and founder Jamie as she talks about all things Japanese pop culture in Chicago. From food to fashion, there’s probably at least one thing you might not know about our great city. Plus, if you’re new in town, this is a great way to get acquainted with all the cool happenings and places in Chicago.
JoJo’s Bizarre Beauty Pageant
Friday, May 19th
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Panel Room 6
Fighting isn’t the only way that stands and stand-users can compete. Don your costumes, turn up the volume, and pose your way to victory. Join us for a whirlwind of creative battles fought at the hottest arena there is: the fashion show stage!
In Good Spirit: Japan’s Finest Liquors
Friday, May 19th
9:00 – 10:00 PM
Panel Room 5
Ever wanted to learn about beer and whiskey from Japan? Well, this is the panel to do just that. AnimeChicago board members Gabe and JPod will guide you through the history and the current tends in the Japanese liquor industry. Come hungry for knowledge, leave thirsty for booze.
Restricted Rock Paper Scissors
Friday, May 19th
10:45 – 11:45 PM
Panel Room 12
Think you could beat Kaiji at his own game? Test your luck at this (luckily) low stakes version of the game from the first season of Kaiji. You might not end up as a slave to the Yakuza, but you still won’t want to lose!
Anime Taboo
Saturday, May 20th
4:00 – 5:45 PM
Panel Room 6
Trying to get someone to name the show you’re thinking of without using a certain set of words is difficult. Like, how do you get someone to say “Evangelion” without mentioning Shinji or robots? Welp, you can try to do just that with AnimeChicago member Joshua’s Anime Taboo game.
Conversations on Under-appreciated Manga
Saturday, May 20th
10:15 – 11:15 PM
Panel Room 14
Explore the real deep cuts of manga with AnimeChicago board member Neil and friends. By the end of the panel, you should be a certified manga hipster. If not, then Neil isn’t doing his job.
Embracing Your Inner Geek and Creating Through It
Sunday, May 21st
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Panel Room 13
Friends of AnimeChicago, and all-around great music group, the Def Notes will be on hand to talk about accepting your obsessions and letting your nerd flag fly through artistic expression.
Who Made That? Directors in Anime
Sunday, May 21st
12:45 – 1:45 PM
Panel Room 5
If AnimeChicago has tried to teach anything, it’s that there is way more to anime than just fan service. At this panel, learn about the intricacies certain high-level anime directors use to craft a story, or even craft a single scene. After which, you’ll be looking for this kind of analysis everywhere.
Whew, that’s a lot of content! We hope to see you at Anime Central this year!