Academic Talks
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Symposium Series
Twice Annually
We host casual talks exploring Japanese pop culture, historical influences, and personal experiences of how anime defines our identities and our communities.
Convention Panels
Based on convention schedules
Our team has hosted dozens of panels on anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture as both guests and applicants of large-scale conventions. It’s the best way to get the word out!
Festival Booths
Based on festival schedules
Local festivals allow us to educate folks through one-on-one discussion. We also bring our Anime Advice Bot to help folks discover their new anime obsession.
Past Talks
- Learn how your skills pay bills at “AMA: Passion to Profession”
Anime Central 2020 approved this panel and a pandemic thwarted it. So we’re bringing it online! Four AnimeChicago members will share how their respective fan labor projects created opportunities for career advancement… - Our Panels at Anime Central 2018
For Anime Central 2018, the AnimeChicago team is bringing back some of the most popular panels from the last few years, of course with some updates and added flash! Whether you’re an… - Announcing – Fright Parade: Creatures of Ukiyo-e that Lurk in Anime and Manga
AnimeChicago has always been focused on providing its members, and the community at whole, opportunities to discuss anime and Japanese pop culture on an academic level. It was the reason we’ve run… - Our Panels at Anime Central 2017Anime 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,…
- Presenters, Guests transform “Not Our Final Form,” AnimeChicago’s second Symposium
The finicky mix of winter and spring weather on April 2nd, 2016 did not keep 70 attendees from AnimeChicago’s second symposium. Hosted at the Japan Information Center in the heart of Michigan… - Tezuka’s works shine at AnimeChicago’s first Symposium “God of Manga”
On November 21st, 2015, AnimeChicago hosted its first ever symposium at the Cards Against Humanity Theater, focusing on the “God of Manga” Osamu Tezuka. Despite the uncooperative weather, a dedicated group of…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnimeChicago a convention?
No, we organize local meetups. Sometimes we’ll host an academic talk. But we love attending, promoting, and hosting panels and meetups at our favorite local conventions!
We would love to have you speak at our event.
Wow, we’re flattered! We’re on a mission to educate Chicagoans on all things Japanese Pop Culture. Please contact us for more details on your opportunity.
Who can become a member?
Meetup requires account holders be 18 years or older. Many of our members are in their 20s or 30s. Our activities might include sensitive content or more adult material. We do not offer programming for kids or teens at this time.