SAN ANTONIO \u2013 San Japan, the longtime anime and gaming convention, marks its 17th year this weekend and continues to grow as one of South Texas\u2019 largest fan gatherings.<\/p>\n
The three-day event took place over Labor Day weekend at the Henry B. Gonz\u00e1lez Convention Center, drawing attendees from across the country for cosplay, gaming, panels, meet-and-greets, artist vendors, and arcade experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were at 35,000 last year,\u201d San Japan Chairman Miguel Rodriquez said. \u201cEverything that we\u2019ve seen about the show, and our numbers show that we are on pace to break that number by quite a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
For many attendees, the convention is about more than costumes and collectibles. It is also a place to meet people who share the same interests.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always seen people going to San Japan having all these really cool cosplays, and it\u2019s really cool to be here in person,\u201d attendee Adriana Fazin said.<\/p>\n
Violet Casey, who traveled from Connecticut while on a family trip, said the community is one of the biggest reasons conventions stand out.<\/p>\n
\u201cConnecting with new people is, in my opinion, one of the best parts of conventions,\u201d Casey said. \u201cMeeting people who share interests with you and just getting to know everybody. It\u2019s so welcoming and so fun. Everybody\u2019s so kind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Longtime attendees said they have watched the convention expand in both size and scope.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been coming ever since San Japan 11, so to show up to San Japan 17 has been really cool,\u201d attendee Andrew said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen an increase in the number of guests around here, as well as the number of people cosplaying.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the event has also brought in more performers and guests from overseas in recent years. <\/p>\n
San Japan runs through Sunday and is scheduled to wrap up at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
Read also:<\/p>\n
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