Articles
Musings direct from our members
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 your weekend along with us so you don’t miss out on your favorite panels, events, and industry talks! Download Guidebook to draft your schedule. What’s…
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 all things Japanese pop culture but we can aim higher than that. That’s why we stepped up against social isolation, connected people with kindness, and…
Uniqlo in Chicago?
Anime and fashion aficionados are buzzing about Uniqlo’s expansion in the United States. This chain is known for affordable, high-tech clothing that withstands inclement weather and fickle fashion trends, sold in nearly 800 franchise stores across Japan. From firsthand experience, these clothes live up to the hype without leaving a dent in your wallet. So…
AnimeWorld Chicago 2012: Recap
Going on the basis of one that loves anime, it was refreshing to be in the same hotel with other like-minded people. AnimeWorld Chicago took place at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare (Rosemont) on August 3rd – 5th, 2012. I have never been to a con before, so this was my first one. I can say that…
Castles in the Sky: Ghibli Summer Film Fest
This summer, The Gene Siskel Film Center will be screening all of your favorite Ghibli films! Visit siskelfilmcenter.org for showtimes and ticket purchases. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Fri, Jun 8th at 6:00pm Sat, Jun 9th at 3:00pm Wed, Jun 13th at 6:00pmOnly Yesterday Sat, Jun 9th at 5:15pm Tue, Jun 12th at…
Ghibli Collection Tour Coming to Chicago
Word is that GKIDS will be bringing a theatrical release tour of old favorites like Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and more to Chicago theaters. Locations and times to be released at a later date. Follow this page for more details.
Convention Safety
After hearing reports about the man who brutally held his ex-girlfriend he met at a con captive for two months, and news earlier this year about the convicted sex offender who coerced an underage girl he met at a con, I’d like to stress convention safety. Anime conventions are some of the most fun places…
Good Anime Stores in Chicago?
The short answer is “no.” You can view our directory of local retailers which may appeal to anime fans, but they do not meet our criteria for an all-encompassing anime store. The continual frustrating question is “why not?” A true anime store needs to meet a few criteria to succeed in Chicago: 1) Be accessible…
Help Out Japan
The earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crises that’s devastated northeastern Japan will be one of the costliest disasters in history. Still looking for ways to help? Japanese American Society of Chicago has created a donation fund with the Japanese Red Cross. The Osaka and Humanitarian Committees of Chicago Sister Cities International presents a musical fundraiser. Mitsuwa…
Chicago Haunts
Not many understand the skill and passion that goes into making a truly fantastic cosplay. Anime fans often pour their hearts into a costume only seen for a three-day convention, leaving some great memories, a handful of photos, and an early retirement… a process repeated on an annual basis. Fortunately, Chicago has a few Halloween…
Dance Machines
Whether you’ve played a few rounds at a friends house or play regularly at an arcade, there’s nothing worse than dance game pads you can’t trust. Most experienced players devote hours on a dedicated cabinet and you might want to take the leap. For new players and new residents, here’s a primer on what to look for…
The Future of Anime in Chicago
The rise of legit anime streaming online indicates a new type of viewer has arrived on the scene. One who is unfamiliar with ways of old. No longer purchasing a series disk by disk as released by the local media store. Missing the connections made from borrowing VHS tape by tape from friends. Scripts? Forget…
Anime Central Primer
Whether you’re a seasoned con-goer or just a one-day attendee from last year, many of have already experienced the convention in some form and can offer a some tips for the uninitiated. Of course, there are quality convention survival guides out there, but here’s a few recommendations to get to know this convention specifically: Hotel…
The Anime Dabbler
I can still remember the day my childhood friend called me on the telephone during the summer before my sophomore year of high school and said, “I’m really into this show. It’s called Sailor Moon.” She seemed embarrassed, so I assured her I’d check it out for the sake of camaraderie. And check it out…
Anime Best Buys
If you haven’t heard yet, Best Buy is reducing anime inventories in 462 stores nationally. For some of you, this means a much smaller selection to choose from at your local store, but for others this means up to 50% off DVDs and even box sets through March 21st. We’ve compiled a list of local…
Gift Shopping: Valentine’s Day
Ahhh…otaku in love! What a delightful experience of having two souls with infatuations of giant robots and traveling samurai to share their love with one another. For some of you, this may be the first time you have ever had a significant other to dote on. Questions may begin racing through your head as the…