Anime Expo 2004 (AX2004) is the largest convention in the United States devoted to anime (Japanese animation) and manga (comic books). More than 20,000 fans and professionals from across the country are expected to attend. Artists and designers from Japanese computer game companies, computer animation companies and American animation companies will also be on hand to discuss the growing influence of anime on mainstream American entertainment.

The 13th Annual Anime Expo will host panel discussions, video and film programming, workshops, masquerade events, karaoke contests, anime art exhibitions and much more. A center piece of the Expo are the Cosplay (costume play) events, where participants dress up and compete as their favorite anime characters.

Thousands of devoted fans are expected to attend and participate in an Anime Masquerade event, AX Idol karaoke and Anime Music Video contests.

Hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans.

For more information, visit http://www.anime-expo.org/.