Animazement 2025 Brings Fans Together in a Joyful Celebration of Japanese Culture
RALEIGH, NC — May 22–25, 2025
By Kilana Ann, Press Contributor
From the moment the convention center doors opened Thursday morning, Animazement 2025 welcomed thousands of anime fans, cosplayers, artists, and industry guests to a vibrant four-day celebration of Japanese pop culture. The Raleigh Convention Center once again transformed into a sea of colorful wigs, hand-crafted props, and passionate energy that only this long-running fan convention can deliver.
“This is my fifth year coming,” one attendee in full Nezuko cosplay told me. “It’s like a family reunion every May. We get to be ourselves here.”
🏯 A Legacy of Culture and Community: The History and Impact of Animazement
Animazement began in 1997 as a humble 36-hour anime marathon hosted by the Triangle Area Anime Society (TAAS) at NC State University. That initial gathering of over 200 fans would blossom into one of the Southeast’s most beloved anime conventions.
The first official Animazement was held in 1998 at the North Raleigh Hilton. Since then, the event has evolved in both size and scope—relocating over the years before settling into its current home at the Raleigh Convention Center in 2009.
Organized entirely by volunteers through the nonprofit Educational Growth Across Oceans (EGAO), Animazement has always focused on more than fandom. Its mission is to foster appreciation for Japanese language and culture through the lens of anime, manga, art, and community.
In 2024, Animazement drew more than 13,000 attendees and contributed nearly $9.75 million in direct economic impact to the city of Raleigh. Local hotels, restaurants, and businesses all benefit from the convention’s lively crowd and vibrant energy.
Today, Animazement stands not just as an anime convention, but as a cultural institution—one that has helped shape Raleigh into a welcoming hub for fans of Japanese pop culture.
Light Yagami: https://www.instagram.com/boyandere/
Three fans brought the Death Note universe chillingly to life with spot-on cosplay. Light Yagami stood confidently, scythe in hand and Death Note held aloft, embodying the series’ god-complex antihero. Alongside him, a brooding Ryuk casually held an apple—the Shinigami’s signature snack—while L leaned forward with analytical intensity, cake fork in hand, channeling the detective’s iconic quirks.
The detail in the props and the accuracy in character posture made this group an instant favorite among fans.
"We loved seeing group cosplays like this one. The energy they brought to the characters was eerie—in the best way possible."
Follow ObviousDisater here: https://www.instagram.com/Obviousdisaster
Decked out in her red blazer, pleated skirt, and signature gleam in her eye, this cosplayer’s take on Yumeko Jabami from Kakegurui was bold, confident, and full of charisma. The prop in hand—a spinning arc of playing cards—added movement and flair to the shoot.
The moment captured feels like it’s straight out of a high-stakes gambling scene at Hyakkaou Private Academy.
“She embodied Yumeko’s intense spirit,” one photographer noted. “It was like she stepped right off the screen.”
This hauntingly elegant cosplay reimagined No-Face from Spirited Away with striking creativity. The familiar blank mask and dark robes were expanded with detailed embellishments: flowing fabric, skeletal corsetry, and golden accents that gave the character a more mystical, regal presence—like a spirit stepping out of an Edo-period ghost story.
“I’ve never seen No-Face interpreted like this—it’s beautiful and eerie at the same time,” said an Artist Alley vendor nearby.
🔹 A Convention with Heart
Organized with care and powered by a passionate community, Animazement 2025 once again proved why it's so much more than an event. Whether it was your first year or your fifteenth, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity.
This year’s theme leaned into heartfelt appreciation for Japanese animation as an art form. Screenings of both classic and modern anime played throughout the weekend, alongside panels hosted by voice actors, industry veterans, and fan experts offering insight into everything from character design to cultural symbolism.
One longtime attendee, Cesi, (aka ObviousDisater, pictured below) captured the essence of the con:
“What I enjoyed most about Animazement is the people. I love that everyone is there to connect on a common interest—anime. I love how kind people are when you want to take a picture together or create fun memories at panels like the Waifu Wars.”
“My top moment was when someone dressed as Spider-Man handed me a note that said, ‘You are important.’ I was nearly in tears because it was such a sweet moment and a random act of kindness.”
“It’s my local convention and the first con I ever went to, so it’s nostalgic every year.”
Cosplay Craftsmanship Contest
Focused on the art of costume creation, the Cosplay Craftsmanship Contest is where stitchwork, prop-building, and accuracy take center stage. Entrants are judged on their construction techniques, materials, and attention to detail across categories like novice, journeyman, and master level.
Think your build could take home a ribbon next year?
🔗 View Contest Info
Project Cosplay
This high-energy event is all about stage presence. Whether you're doing a walk-on with flair or performing a full skit, Project Cosplay is a celebration of fan creativity in motion. It’s where big costumes and big personalities take the spotlight.
Interested in performing?
🔗 Learn More
Cosplay Chess
What happens when anime characters play a life-sized game of chess? Cosplay Chess! One of Animazement’s most beloved fan events, it brings together improv, stage combat, and cross-fandom hilarity.
Want to join the game next year?
🔗 Sign Up Details
🌟 Standout Guests and Performances
This year’s guest lineup was nothing short of stellar. Voice actors from fan-favorite shows filled panel rooms with excited fans, while manga artists, musicians, and creators brought new energy to the main stage.
Saturday night’s J-pop concert had the crowd glowing—literally—with LED light sticks and rhythmic cheers, while daytime programming featured live art demos, Q&As, and panels on anime history and voice acting.
A standout panel on “The Evolution of Anime” gave a heartfelt look at the genre’s growth, leaving the audience both inspired and nostalgic.
🛍️ Dealer’s Room & Artist Alley: A Treasure Trove
Dealer’s Room -
A vibrant view of Saturday’s crowd, full of energy and creativity.
The Dealer’s Room and Artist Alley were once again fan-favorite destinations. Collectors and casual browsers alike explored aisles of merch, handcrafted goods, and exclusive releases.
Flex, attending for his second or third time, shared:
“That big room with the figures and cards—man, that was awesome. The Sasuke and Itachi statue was definitely my favorite.”
“Anime is cool, and [Animazement] is close to my apartment, so it’s perfect.”
Meanwhile, Stephen, a five-time attendee, praised the artist community:
“Actually this time around, Artist Alley stood out. I keep coming back because it's anime-specific and closer to home.”
“My favorite purchase? Definitely the Kingdom Hearts ‘Dark Meridian’ art from Ghost Bunny Studio.”
And for Cesi, it was all about a heartfelt connection:
“I got a Luna the Dreamwalker plushie from the TOTYM booth. What made it special was getting to meet the creator. Seeing his face light up while talking about the project made it my favorite item by far.”
🎤 Conversations on the Floor
Throughout the weekend, one theme stood out: community. Attendees spoke of making lifelong friends, feeling accepted, and finding their place among fellow fans.
“It’s the only place I don’t feel weird for loving what I love,” said a first-time attendee from South Carolina. “Here, everyone just gets it.”
Whether cosplaying, gaming, or geeking out over the latest anime, people came together through shared passion and a deep sense of belonging.
Want More? Meet the 2025 Guests!
If you missed a panel or want to learn more about the special guests who made this year unforgettable, check out the full list of featured artists, voice actors, and creators:
🔗 Meet the 2025 Guests
Volunteer with Animazement
Interested in being more than just an attendee? Animazement is always looking for passionate individuals to help shape the convention from behind the scenes.
Whether you're looking to give a few hours or grow into a staff role, your contributions are welcome and appreciated. Volunteers play a critical role in maintaining the inclusive, fan-friendly environment AZ is known for.
Requirements:
Volunteers must be 17+ (Staff must be 18+)
All volunteers must follow Animazement and Raleigh Convention Center rules
Volunteer Table Hours (Outside Room 306C):
Day/Hours:
Thursday6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📬 For questions or to get involved, visit the volunteer area during con hours or email the Volunteer Coordinator via the official Animazement website.
A Final Word
From new friendships to stunning cosplays and moments of inspiration, Animazement 2025 was a shining example of what fandom can be. As we look toward next year, one thing is clear—this community isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving.
So until next May: stay creative, stay connected, and keep celebrating the art that brings us all together.
🎟️ Post-Con Special: Ready for 2026?
Already feeling the post-con blues? Good news—Animazement 2026 is already on the horizon, and early bird pricing is here!
From now until June 7th, you can purchase your full weekend badge for just $50—the lowest price you'll see all year.
Whether you're a returning veteran or planning your first con adventure, now’s the perfect time to lock it in.
🔗 Buy Your Badge for 2026 Here
See you in 2026!
