Consul-General Fukushima Joined Opening Ceremony of Anime Matsuri 2021
2021/7/13
Consul General Fukushima was invited to attend the opening ceremony of Anime Matsuri 2021, which was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from July 9-11.
Since its inception in 2007, Anime Matsuri has expanded year after year with the tremendous support of Japanese pop culture fans in the area, and is now one of the largest festivals of its kind in the United States. This year's event was the first in two years following the 2020 festival’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vast convention center was rented out for the event and featured countless booths selling Japanese anime, manga, cosplay and fashion goods, as well as various workshops, concerts and other activities. Droves of costumed attendees could be seen enjoying the festivities late into the night.
At the opening ceremony, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who appeared in a costume from the series "Demon Slayer", thanked Anime Matsuri organizer Deneice Leigh and other related people and organizations for promoting the internationalism and diversity of the city of Houston. He also welcomed the event as the first large-scale event to be held in the city as the COVID-19 situation gradually subsides.
Consul General Fukushima, also in costume, thanked Houston for embracing and loving Japanese pop culture with originality and respect, and welcomed the return of Anime Matsuri after a two-year absence, inviting everyone to join in the fun.
During the event, Consulate had booth and presentation in oder to offer Japanese cultural experiences to attendees.
Since its inception in 2007, Anime Matsuri has expanded year after year with the tremendous support of Japanese pop culture fans in the area, and is now one of the largest festivals of its kind in the United States. This year's event was the first in two years following the 2020 festival’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vast convention center was rented out for the event and featured countless booths selling Japanese anime, manga, cosplay and fashion goods, as well as various workshops, concerts and other activities. Droves of costumed attendees could be seen enjoying the festivities late into the night.
At the opening ceremony, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who appeared in a costume from the series "Demon Slayer", thanked Anime Matsuri organizer Deneice Leigh and other related people and organizations for promoting the internationalism and diversity of the city of Houston. He also welcomed the event as the first large-scale event to be held in the city as the COVID-19 situation gradually subsides.
Consul General Fukushima, also in costume, thanked Houston for embracing and loving Japanese pop culture with originality and respect, and welcomed the return of Anime Matsuri after a two-year absence, inviting everyone to join in the fun.
During the event, Consulate had booth and presentation in oder to offer Japanese cultural experiences to attendees.