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Animethon
Logo since 2024
StatusActive
VenueEdmonton Convention Centre
LocationsEdmonton, Alberta
CountryCanada
InauguratedAugust 13, 1994; 32 years ago (1994-08-13)
Attendance15,000+ (2025)[1]
Organized byAlberta Society for Asian Popular Arts (ASAPA)
Websiteanimethon.org
Conventions goers enjoying the Japanese concert at Animethon 19

Animethon is a three-day anime convention held annually at Edmonton Convention Centre in Edmonton, Alberta and organized by the non-profit organization Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts (ASAPA). It is Canada's longest-running anime convention, the first being held in 1994.

History

[edit]

Animethon was formed back in 1994 by the University of Alberta's anime club, Banzai Anime Klub of Alberta (BAKA), with the intention of promoting Japanese anime. The first Animethon was a one-day event that allowed people to view different Japanese anime movies and television shows within two classrooms at Grant MacEwan.[2][3] It became a success by presenting well-known and more obscure anime to audiences and has since grown to what it is now. From there, it expanded to the whole 106 Street building during Animethon 2 through 10. It was not until Animethon 11 that the festival grew to utilize the entire university campus for events, artist alley, education panels, and a large vendor hall. As such, the steady increase of numbers in attendees to Animethon has allowed for various vendors to expose themselves to a unique group of people both young and old.[4]

Due to the convention's growth, in 2018 it moved to the Shaw Conference Centre (now known as the Edmonton Convention Centre).[3] Since 2019, Animethon has hit the 10k attendance mark and also to be one of the longest running anime convention in Canada.[5]

The event was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned in August 2022.[6]

Animethon has experienced several years of consecutive growth in attendance while increasing their scope to include musical guests from Japan such as Flow, Rookiez Is Punk'd, Yoko Ishida, Kanon Wakeshima, An Cafe, and Ladybeard.[4]

In 2024, Animethon introduced Music Fes, a concerts series featuring international musical acts performing each night during the convention.[7]

Events and programming

[edit]
Logo prior to 2024

Animethon has expanded their focus beyond screening anime and now also include voice actor guests from North America, musical acts from North America and Japan, improvisation groups, as well as various related activities such as gaming, costume contests, anime music video compilations/contests, and more.

Event history

[edit]
DatesLocationAttendanceGuests
August 13, 1994[8] Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta
July 8–9, 1995[9] Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		80[10]
July 13–14, 1996[11] Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		300[12]
July 12–13, 1997 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		1,200[13]
July 11–12, 1998 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		2,500[14]
July 10–11, 1999 Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton, Alberta		2,700[15]
July 15–16, 2000 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		1,800[16]
July 14–15, 2001 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		3,000[17]
July 13–14, 2002 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta[18]
July 12–13, 2003 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,000[19]
July 17–18, 2004 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,700[1]The 404s and Debbie Munro[20]
August 5–7, 2005 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		3,755[1]The 404s, Rob Bakewell, Brian Dobson, and Debbie Munro.[21]
July 7–9, 2006 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		3,450[1]Randy Brososky, Consplayers.com, Trevor Devall, Brian Dobson, Michael Dobson, Tom Edwards, Cole Howard, Kirby Morrow, and PikminLink.[22]
August 10–12, 2007 Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,349[1]The 404s, Trevor Devall, Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield, Kyle Hebert, and Vic Mignogna.[23]
August 8–10, 2008[24] Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,679[1]The 404s, Randy Brososky, Michael Daingerfield, Kyle Hebert, Stephen Notley, and Sonny Strait.[25]
August 7–9, 2009[26] Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta		4,881[1]The 404s, Michael Daingerfield, Aaron Dismuke, Paul Dobson, Caitlin Glass, The Slants, and Brad Swaile.[27]
August 6–8, 2010 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		4,753[1]The 404s, Chris Cason, Brian Dobson, Michael Dobson, Paul Dobson, Kyle Hebert, L33tStr33t Boys, Wendy Powell, Spike Spencer, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Thwomp[28]
August 5–7, 2011[29] Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		5,346[1]The 404s, Bespa Kumamero, Todd Haberkorn, L33tStr33t Boys, Kirby Morrow, Trina Nishimura, Synaptic Chaos Theatre[30][31]
August 10–12, 2012 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		6,404[1]The 404s, Johnny Yong Bosch, DaizyStripper, Eyeshine, Todd Haberkorn, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Cathy Weseluck[32][33]
August 9–11, 2013 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,058[1]The 404s, Troy Baker, Capella, Combofiend, Carol-Anne Day, DJ Shimamura, Lucas Gilbertson, Brendan Hunter, Christopher Sabat, Patrick Seitz, Twinfools and Nova, Kanon Wakeshima.[34][35]
August 8–10, 2014 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,728[1]The 404s, An Cafe, Cherami Leigh, Magistina Saga, Monica Rial, Karen Strassman, Cristina Vee, Vensy, Satsuki Yukino[36]
August 7–9, 2015 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		9,468[1]The 404s, Liui Aquino, Christine Marie Cabanos, Flow, Josh Grelle, Carrie Keranen, Jamie Marchi, Brina Palencia, Sarah Williams[37]
August 5–7, 2016 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,874[1]The 404's Improv, Akira, Another Story, Misa Chiang, Caitlin Glass, Ladybeard, Lotus Juice, Orbis Symphony Orchestra, Bryce Papenbrook, Eric Vale[38]
August 11–13, 2017 MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta		8,218[1]The 404's Improv, Baozi & Hana, Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond, Josh Grelle, Mika Kobayashi, Max Mittelman, Orbis Symphony Orchestra, Micah Solusod, TeddyLoid, TheIshter, The Sixth Lie[39]
August 10–12, 2018 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		9,821[1]The 404s, Stella Chuu, Kanako Ito, Mela Lee, Erica Lindbeck, Jamie Marchi, Orbis Symphony Orchestra, Monica Rial, Rookiez Is Punk'd, Daisuke Sakaguchi[40]
August 9–11, 2019 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		10,062[1]The 404s, ChouCho, Erika Harlacher, Brendan Hunter, Yoko Ishida, Kengo Kawanishi, King Redeem, Daman Mills, Phil Mizuno, Masakazu Ogawa (Sunrise Beyond), Mami Okada (Bang Zoom! Entertainment), Sayaka Sasaki, Ricky Watson (Bang Zoom! Entertainment)[41]
August 5–7, 2022 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		14,617[1]The 404s, Apricity Dance Crew, Khoi Dao, Chris Hackney, Nano, Pure Octane, SennaRin, Laura Stahl, Windrise Band, VTuber Talents (Aries Shepard, Ariru, Hazumi Aileen, Melon Minty, Muga, MuyingVT, OniGiri, Silvi, Yumemi)[42]
July 14–16, 2023 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		15,473[1]The 404s, Apricity Dance Crew, Ai Furihata, Brianna Knickerbocker, James Landino, Mimyu Dance Group, Pure Octane, Ratana, Stereo Dive Foundation, Sarah Williams, Windrise Band, YuzuPyon, VTuber Talents (EIEN Project, Silvi, Teeny, Yumemi)[43]
August 9–11, 2024 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		15,000+[1]The 404s, Sally Amaki, Yoshiharu Ashino, Miura Ayme, Demondice, Aika Kobayashi, Myth & Roid, Yuki Nakashima, Pure Octane, Kaho Shibuya, Konomi Suzuki, Yoshihiro Watanabe, YuzuPyon, VTuber Talents (Dokibird, EIEN Project, Silvi, Teeny, Yumemi)[44]
August 8–10, 2025 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		15,000+[1]The 404s, Asaka, Bill Butts, ClariS, Junna, Maho Film (Kumiko Habara, Nobuyoshi Habara, Mayuka Kawasumi), May'n, Sick2, Hidetaka Tenjin, Yuc'e, VTuber Talents (3AM, Cottontail, Glitch Star, Hazumi, Kira Lily, Little Nii, Nene Amano, PiaPiUFO, Raki Kazuki, Ririsya, Sayu Sincronisity, Silvi, Unnämed, Vivaria)[45]
August 7–9, 2026 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton, Alberta		The 404s, Minori Chihara, Daoko, Densetsu.Exe, Hellbroth, Kamei Hiroshi, Alan Lee, Maho Film (Naoki Okamoto, Satoshi Shibata), Ma'Scar'Piece, Erica Mendez, Kenji Nojima, The Idolmaster Shiny Colors (Azusa Shizuki, Sayaka Kitahara, Saran Tajima), Who-ya Extended, VTuber Talents (Aida Lyra, Araka Luto, Bear the Witch, Bonnie Barkswell, Ekkomori, Essie, Eva Ananova, florAtelier, Inanna Bell, Lazuli, Lucky Loveshot, Majokko Meimi, Miyuora, Mwocha, Nana Asteria, Nemimi Yane, Oshiriko, Penny Puffball, PillowDear, rachie, Raki Kazuki, Rio Fukai, Roseychuu, Seion Aera, Sena Praline, Starbii, Vivaria Virtual, Xiulan Long, Yukinoshita Peo)[46]

A Taste of Animethon

[edit]

A Taste of Animethon was first created in 2010. Initially, it was a smaller event meant to supplement ASAPA's lineup of events, but grew quickly and was eventually moved to the Shaw Conference Centre in 2016. It was suspended after the 2018 event due to the difficulties of simultaneously planning Animethon and an increasingly-large Taste of Animethon.[47]

The event was intended to be revived in 2022 to make up for the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the event was ultimately cancelled due to Omicron variant.

DatesLocationAtten.Guests
February 27, 2010 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		600Synaptic Chaos Theatre[1][48]
February 12, 2011 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		800The 404s[1][49]
January 28, 2012 Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		1,200Synaptic Chaos Theatre[1][50]
January 26, 2013 The Ramada Conference Centre Downtown
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		1,505The 404s[1][51]
January 31 – February 1, 2014 The Ramada Conference Centre Downtown
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,295The 404s, Kyle Hebert, TheIshter[1][52]
February 20–21, 2015 The Ramada Conference Centre Downtown
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,371The 404s, Courtney "Courtoon" Morelock, Bryce Papenbrook[1][53]
January 22–23, 2016 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		3,065The 404s, Misako Aoki, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Edmonton Concept Pop Orchestra, Reika, TheIshter[1][54]
January 20–21, 2017 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,915The 404s, Aimee Blackschleger, Clifford Chapin, Hey Listen, Aza Miyuko, Cassandra Lee Morris, Mike Sass[1][55]
January 19–20, 2018 Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada		2,926The 404s, Bryson Baugus, Nobutoshi Canna, Lauren Landa[1][56]

ASAPA control

[edit]
ASAPA Official Logo

In 2004, the event was transferred to a new society, the Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts (ASAPA), a non-profit society that focuses on the promotion and enjoyment of Asian popular art and culture. The society is also the financial and legal backbone of Animethon, formed under the Societies Act of Alberta.[57]

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 "Animethon Summary". ASAPA. Archived from the original on February 21, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  2. ↑ Lye, Chandra (August 13, 2013). "Animethon comes of age". CTV Edmonton. Bell Media. Archived from the original on August 25, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Cook, Stephen (August 6, 2018). "Animethon kicks off its 25th year starting Friday". Edmonton Journal. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Animethon 27 - About". animethon.org. ASAPA. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Ten largest North American anime conventions of 2003". AnimeCons.ca. January 1, 2004. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  6. ↑ Regev, Nir (June 22, 2022). "J-Pop singer SennaRin to perform at Animethon 2022 in Canada". The Natural Aristocrat. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Animethon 2024 - Animethon Music Fes". Animethon. ASAPA. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Animethon 1994 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  9. ↑ McConnell, Rick, ed. (July 7, 1995). "Ten Best: Turning Japanese". Edmonton Journal. p. G1.
  10. ↑ "Animethon 1995 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  11. ↑ Standring, Chris, ed. (July 12, 1996). "Ten Best: Japan gets animated". Edmonton Journal. p. F4.
  12. ↑ "Animethon 1996 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Animethon 1997 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Animethon 1998 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Animethon 1999 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Animethon 2000 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Animethon 2001 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Animethon 2002 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Animethon 2003 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Animethon 2004 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Animethon 2005 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Animethon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Animethon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  24. ↑ Bouchard, Gilbert A. (August 8, 2008). "Animethon has much to offer". canada.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2009.
  25. ↑ "Animethon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  26. ↑ "'Cosplay' chess highlights Edmonton Animethon 16". edmontonjournal.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2009.
  27. ↑ "Animethon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Animethon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Animethon Date Announced". anime-alberta.org. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  30. ↑ "GuestArticles". animethon.org. Retrieved November 8, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  31. ↑ "Animethon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Animethon 19 guests". Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Animethon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Animethon 20 guests". Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  35. ↑ "Animethon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Animethon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Animethon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Animethon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  39. ↑ "Animethon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Animethon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Animethon 2019 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  42. ↑ "Animethon 2022 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Animethon 2023 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Guests - Animethon 2024". ASAPA. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  45. ↑ "Guests - Animethon 2025". Archived from the original on February 18, 2026. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  46. ↑ "Guests - Animethon 2026". Archived from the original on August 13, 2026. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Welcome to ATOA!". atoa.animethon.org. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  48. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  49. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  50. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  51. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  52. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  53. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  54. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  55. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  56. ↑ "A Taste of Animethon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  57. ↑ "Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts". Asapa.ca. Retrieved May 10, 2008.
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