As much as it pains the community it looks as though the 2020 summer convention lineup has been defeated. The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation has released a statement today regarding the status for Anime Expo 2020.
This is a day my team and I hoped wouldn’t come, but it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing the cancellation of Anime Expo 2020. Our utmost concern is for the health and safety of our amazing Anime Expo community. We understand your disappointment as we are anime fans first and foremost too. As you can imagine, this was one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make in the 29 years of Anime Expo.
With the COVID-19 situation continually changing, as well as more restrictions in place worldwide and in our host city Los Angeles, we can’t in good faith move forward with this year’s event. We know it will affect all of you differently and we did not come to this decision lightly.
The statement comes from Ray Chiang, the CEO of the SPJA after months of concern surrounding the convention. The news comes months after the closure of several events including conventions, sports events, concerts, and even the Olympics due to the tragic and concerning spread of COVID-19 otherwise known as the Corona Virus.
Those who have already purchased tickets for Anime Expo 2020 will have the option to request a refund or hold their tickets until 2021 in which they will be accepted. Those who have also scheduled hotel reservations through the AX affiliated hotels surrounding the convention center will be automatically cancelled according to the statement.
As I have said before, we are in this together. We love and support our community and know Anime Expo is an event like no other. Each summer, Anime Expo allows all of us to connect and share our love of anime and Japanese pop culture.
Be safe, continue to do your part, support your community, and most of all stay well!
We look forward to seeing you at AX 2021!
Anime Expo is an annual convention that takes place every summer in Los Angeles, California. Last years Anime Expo brought in over 115 thousand unique visitors to the Los Angeles area to enjoy a weekend with fellow fans and cosplayers alike.
Anime Expo 2021 will be celebrating 30 years on July 2nd-5th, 2021 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more details about this years cancellation check out the official statement.