OKALOOSA ISLAND — Sukoshi Con, a company that hosts anime conventions in the Southeast, was founded as a way to give anime fans a more social and interactive convention experience, said James Carroll, its president.
“We do stuff a little differently,” Carroll said. “We don’t like a cookie cutter convention.”
The company’s conventions are more about fans mingling, participating in games and sharing their love of not just anime, but other pop culture icons.
Destination Anime, the company’s latest event, will be Jan. 4-6 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.
Carroll said the location is perfect: There are a number of people not only interested in the convention but also in enjoying the Emerald Coast.
“It’s a nice place for people to come down,” Carroll said. “A gorgeous location.”
Some main events include a “Cosplay,” or costume contest; an anime game show; Homestruck Q&A; a meet-up for My Little Pony fans; a discussion of Steampunk; Asian Beer Tasting; and game tournaments. There will also be a panel of voice actors and opportunities to meet professional Cosplayers.
“It’s just a big event that celebrates cartoon, pop and Japanese culture,” Carroll said.
There also will be DJs, artists and dealers selling anime, fantasy, gaming and other items, Carroll said. A video game room will be set up as well.
Costumes are not required.
“It’s just as fun to be an observer as it is to participate,” Carroll said.
Carroll estimated that more than 2,000 visitors will attend.
Visitors can preregister for $45 until Dec. 31. Tickets at the door cost $50.
TO LEARN MORE: For more information about Destination Anime, visit www.destinationanime.com.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.