[Con Report] Anime NYC 2025
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The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center transformed into a huge celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture from August 21-24, 2025. For the first time in the convention’s history, Anime NYC claimed the Javits Center for four days, drawing together 100,000 passionate fans from across the globe in the Big Apple.
Though I couldn’t attend Thursday’s programming, I stopped by at 7:30pm for badge pickup and immediately felt the electric anticipation that only comes with the opening of a major convention. The energy was palpable— there were already lots of cosplayers in stunning costumes, and the exhibitor hall was already bustling with shoppers.
The exhibitor hall had so many vendors and artists. From industry titans like Crunchyroll commanding impressive booth spaces to independent artists showcasing original artwork, the vendor landscape offered everything an anime enthusiast could desire. Beyond traditional anime merchandise and fanart, I was delighted to discover street fashion and alternative fashion designers had claimed their territory as well. My quick walkthrough revealed this year’s exhibitor hall to be the most expansive yet—a testament to the convention’s remarkable growth.
Friday morning brought my first exploration of Destination Cosplay, an entire area dedicated to the art of cosplay located in the River Pavilion on Level 4. The Candiiland Cosplay Photo Sets section charmed me with its thoughtfully designed backdrops ranging from manga page aesthetics to fantasy scenes—perfect for capturing that ideal cosplay shot.
Pro tip for anyone who needs a coffee/tea fix during the con: The Javits Center houses two Starbucks locations (one on the main floor, one below), and while lines are inevitable, ordering ahead through the app lets you bypass the wait entirely. Trust me on this one!
When hunger struck, I decided to check out the Japanese Food Court presented by Dream Asia, conveniently nestled within the exhibitor’s hall. The salmon maki roll I chose proved delicious, though I should mention that the Food Court setup requires standing—they provide bar-height tables without stools. I wanted to sit to eat, so I left the Exhibitor’s Hall to find a table.
The convention’s energy extended well beyond the official 10:00 PM conclusion of Friday’s panels. Anime NYC’s afterparty scene sprawled across the city. I was a featured cosplayer at the We Touch Grass Entertainment rave at Le Poisson Rouge—a perfect way to continue the convention experience into the night.
Saturday marked my transformation into Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion, beginning with an essential stop at the Cosplay Repair station within Destination Cosplay. This resource stocks everything from safety pins to hot glue, fashion tape to emergency sewing supplies. The lengthy line spoke to its necessity—countless cosplayers rely on this service to repair their costumes throughout the weekend.
The Artist Alley, in the exhibitor hall, was next on my list. It was amazing to see so many webcomic artists, illustrators, and crafters in one place. It’s worth noting Anime NYC’s forward-thinking AI policy: artificial intelligence-generated artwork is prohibited, ensuring the space remains dedicated to authentic human artists.
For lunch, I ventured to the Javits Center’s lower-level food court, enjoying dumplings and tea while people-watching the incredible diversity of attendees and cosplayers streaming past.
The Gaming & Community Hall, presented by Starlight Re:Volver, offered a welcome respite with its tabletop, arcade, and video gaming experiences alongside booths for local community groups. PLAY.nyc also returned for its second year at the con.
My timing was perfect —I stumbled upon a Wotagei (ヲタ芸) performance that had audience members enthusiastically participating in idol fan choreography. Hearing Love Live! tracks during the event brought an extra smile to my face.
Post-convention, I opted for dinner at a nearby Shake Shack rather than diving into Saturday’s afterparty circuit—sometimes you need to recharge for the final day ahead.
Despite being the final day, Sunday’s crowds remained impressively dense, particularly in the exhibitor’s hall where last-minute shopping reached a fever pitch. The NIKKE booth provided a highlight for me with professional cosplayers and a delightful card pull activity (essentially real-life gacha!). I successfully pulled Crow!
Sunday’s vendor landscape buzzed with discount announcements and special deals, though shoppers risk finding desired items sold out by waiting until the final day. For those seeking specific merchandise, earlier shopping proves wiser, but bargain hunters will find Sunday’s deals irresistible. I got some cute hypoallergenic earrings with an attractive buy-two-get-one-free deal.
As the convention wound down, exhibitors and artists began packing their wares, creating a bittersweet atmosphere of conclusion. As the largest anime convention on the East Coast, Anime NYC 2025 delivered an experience that masterfully balanced intimate connection to Japanese culture with distinctly New York-scale ambition.
Whether you’re a seasoned otaku with decades of fandom experience or a newcomer curious about anime culture, Anime NYC offers something meaningful. The convention’s thoughtful touches—from comprehensive cosplay support to diverse food options, from AI-free artist spaces to a wide variety of programming— welcome everyone.
For anyone considering attending Anime NYC, my advice is simple: come prepared for the crowds, stay hydrated, bring comfortable shoes (even if you’re a cosplayer!), and embrace every moment of this celebration of all things anime.
Con Report by Pearl Peony
IG: @pearlpeony
Tumblr: @xiaorawr
Twitter: @treizemacarons
