[photo credit: Anime Pasadena]
Anime Pasadena opens Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Pasadena Convention Center. The three-day event begins with pre-registration from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and runs through Sunday, Nov. 9.
More than 60 celebrity voice actors will appear. The roster includes Sean Schemmel and Christopher Sabat, voices of Goku and Vegeta from Dragon Ball.
Johnny Yong Bosch, known for voicing Ichigo in “Bleach,” will also attend.
The convention has grown into the region’s second-largest anime event. Only Los Angeles’ Anime Expo draws more attendees.
Over 400 vendors and artists will fill the exhibition halls. Celebrity signings take place in Halls A and B.
Cast panels at the Civic Auditorium feature popular franchises. “Dragon Ball,” “Naruto” and “One Piece” panels are scheduled. A “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” panel and “Dandadan” discussion round out the offerings.
On Friday, a launch party at 8 p.m. hosted by Haunted Signal follows pre-registration.
Saturday and Sunday feature full programming. Doors open at 10 a.m. for general admission. Early Signature Pass holders enter at 8 a.m.
VIP ticket holders get access at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
The convention includes a free arcade zone and photo rooms. Cosplay contests, gaming tournaments and a karaoke lounge are also planned.
A PowerUp TCG room caters to trading card game enthusiasts. Live music performances and stage shows add to the entertainment.
A maid café will operate throughout the weekend.
Screen Rant serves as the official media partner. The outlet will moderate select panels, including the “Dragon Ball” cast discussion.
Saturday’s programming runs until 7 p.m., with an after-party at 9 p.m. Sunday’s events conclude at 6 p.m.
Single-day tickets cost $25. Weekend passes are $40. Children 12 and under enter free with an adult ticket.
The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street.
Organizers emphasize family-friendly programming. All prop weapons must pass inspection at a designated check station. Real and functional weapons are prohibited.
For more information, visit https://www.animepasadena.com/
