Anime is a worldwide phenomenon. And if you’re a globetrotting anime fan, then there are some anime conventions you can’t afford to miss. These expos give you first looks at some of the most popular upcoming anime shows, video games, and you get to see the most spectacular cosplay from fans who love anime as much as we do. 

With the pandemic rocking the world and shutting down large gatherings, it’s been a rocky couple of years for anime conventions across. However, now the doors are opening back up, and they’re ready to welcome anime fans back to enjoy what they love most. 

We’ve put together a list of the X best conventions around the world, so you can find like-minded people here at home or take an adventure to experience what’s like in a different country.

The X Best Anime Conventions Happening Across the Globe

(NOTE: Although these conventions are coming back after the COVID-19 pandemic, many are still imposing strict rules such as vaccine records, test results, etc. So double check the rules before purchasing convention and plane tickets!)

1) AniMinneapolis, Minnesota (United States)

Let’s start with one right here at home in the United States. AniMinneapolis is a 3-day event that happens in May in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have cosplay events, video game expos, and their signature “Maid Cafe,” where people dress up as anime-style maids and butlers for a good time. 

They also present concerts filled with cosplay and dance routines. And there are panels with some of your favorite voice actors and actors from popular anime shows and movies. It’s an annual event, so if you missed this year, be sure to be on the lookout and buy your ticket ASAP– they sell out quickly! 

Also, AniMinneapolis is put on by Anime Midwest which hosts similar events in other states in the midwest area so you can catch one of those if you fancy too.

2) Anime Expo, Los Angeles (United States)

Keeping it local again, Anime Expo is one of the biggest anime conventions in the U.S. It’s a 3-day event that goes on during the summertime, and you’ll get to see some of the biggest names in anime and video games there. This year, they had Bleach release its new trailer for its return for its final arc in the Thousand Year Blood War and much more. 

Anime Expo has been going on for over 30 years, and we’re happy to see it back in full swing after the pandemic. When it first started in 1992, attendees would only top a few thousand at most. Today, however, it easily attracts over 100,000 people from across the nation and globally.

3) Montreal Comiccon, Canada (Montreal)

Another 3-day event, Montreal Comiccon is a huge event that takes place in Canada, our northern neighbor. It celebrates all things from gaming, comic books, and, yes, anime. While it lasts only a weekend, they can pack in a lot from special guest speakers (from voice actors to social media influencers), panels, screenings, and small concerts for guests to enjoy.

If you can’t make Comiccon in Montreal, there are other conventions just like that happen in areas such as Ottawa and Winnipeg.

4) Comic Fiesta, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Taking our sites across the Pacific, Comic Fiesta happens every December in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is one of the largest anime events that happen in Asia– aside from the ones in Japan, the birthplace of anime.  What sets Comic Fiesta apart from other anime conventions is that it focuses on highlighting the art and style found in manga, giving the artist their spotlight to shine.

Of course, you’ll find cosplay, music shows, special guest speakers, and more. If you’re a fan of manga and light novels, this is definitely one convention you should put on your bucket list. Plus, Malaysia is a beautiful place to visit, full of lush jungles and beautiful beaches– so it will make a great vacation spot to boot.

5) Animangapop, United Kingdom

The biggest anime convention in the UK, Animangapop combines four different events across four cities– Newport, Plymouth, Glasgow, and Brighton. The event happens every year in August, and people from across the EU are in attendance. They focus on anime and manga, so you’ll find the usuals, including cosplay, guest panels, screenings, and more.

 You’ll also find some of the best after-parties and gamers can find themselves occupied with various tourneys to compete in or watch.

6) Japan Expo, France (Paris)

So this isn’t an anime convention per se, but more of a celebration and appreciation of all things from Japanese culture. It features Japanese history, cooking, clothing, and much more. However, that’s not to say anime, manga, and video games aren’t featured either since they are integral to what we see as Japanese culture today.

It’s a fantastic event to visit if you have the chance to learn more about Japan. It happens on the outskirts of Paris during the summer in July. And don’t worry, you’ll still get to see cosplay and everything else you expect from a typical anime convention but so much more.

7) Anime Japan, Japan (Tokyo)

Rounding out our list is the big daddy of all anime conventions: Anime Japan which is held in Tokyo every year. As it’s the home of anime, manga, and some of our favorite video game companies such as Bandai, Nintendo, and Square, you’ll see some of the most exclusive screenings and panels. 

Beyond cosplays, new game releases, and the like, you’ll also get to see some of the best new gadgets and tech Japan has to offer. And with big names like Toei joining the show, you’ll likely be the first to see upcoming anime releases. Plus, as anime fans, who wouldn’t love to visit the birthplace of it all and visit the famous Akihabara with its streets filled with anime and video game shops?

Have you been to any of these conventions or know of one we didn’t mention here? Share with us in the comment section down below!