ANIME USA NEWSLETTER 2025 – ISSUE 3
18 Days until Showtime!
Going forward up until convention, new email newsletters will be coming out every Monday featuring different themes and parts of the convention that we have planned for 2025. We are extremely excited to be able to put this together and our teams have been working diligently to make this a great year.
Anime USA Cultural and Educational Programming!
Anime USA is thrilled to have three dedicated rooms with more than 60 hours of educational and cultural programming with a mix of panels, workshops and performances all weekend. Learn about Japanese history, the latest pop culture fads from Japan, the business side of anime, how to not be ‘that tourist’, or the cultural background of your favorite show. Our Culture Space room will have displays of Japanese toys and dolls and 10 free classes over the weekend to create your own one of a kind memento from our con!
Highlights of this year’s convention include:
Two tea ceremonies presented by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Washington DC
The Urasenke School is one of the three primary schools of the Japanese tea ceremony, and we enjoy welcoming students and teachers from their Washington DC teahouse to our convention each year. They will be presenting two tea ceremonies back to back, providing a unique opportunity to experience this twice and gain a deeper appreciation for this art form. Both presentations will feature commentary and the ability to ask questions about what is happening. Several lucky Anime USA members will have the opportunity to be ‘guests’ at each ceremony.
Koto concert with Yuriko Gandolfo
The koto is an iconic Japanese instrument that regularly appears in anime and film. Yuriko Gandolfo will present a concert of traditional songs as well as a discussion of how to play the instrument, its role in Japanese culture and why it is beloved around the world. She might even have you singing along!
Ikebana presentation Elizabeth Biddle of Kado Sensho Ikenobo
Elizabeth Biddle has been studying Ikebana for more than 15 years and is excited to share her passion and expertise! She will be giving a formal talk and demonstration as well as drop-by demonstrations at her table in Community Row all weekend!
Educational Panels with Otaku Brain Trust
Otaku Brain Trust is a supergroup of some of the best educational panelists in the DC area. Several years ago they joined forces to bring a wide range of educational and cultural topics to cons, and we’re lucky that AUSA is one of their favorite places to present! For everything from the business side of anime to some of their favorite directors and studios to deep dives into forgotten shows and failed series, with more than 14 hours of panels, there’s something for everyone by some of the best in the business.
Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai with Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe
In this traditional Edo era Japanese parlor game, attendees take turns telling ghost stories in a darkened room. Who better to attend Anime USA’s own version with then Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe, expert on cryptids, creepy occurrences and weird online phenomena. Come spend the evening with your fellow Anime USA members, and possibly a few ghosts…
At the very peak of Anime USA floats Club Ukiyo, a sanctuary of beauty, passion, and pure delight. Here, you are more than a guest; you are the star of the story. Lose yourself in an evening of romance and mystery, find comfort in the company of a new friend, or simply escape the world below with craft cocktails, engaging conversation, and the excitement of a signature host club experience.
This exclusive experience is an 18+ event. As with all 18+ programming, ID-checked wristbands are required for entry. Details on our gender-neutral hosts, club hours, and wristband locations will be announced soon.
New this year, Club Ukiyo will be introducing a nominal cover charge to help us enhance and expand the experience we provide. Prepare to be swept away at Anime USA’s most enchanting night event, where every visit writes a story you will not forget.
This year, Karaoke is all about fun and open expression. While there will be no contest, our open mic sessions invite you to take the stage and share your voice with the Anime USA community.
Open mic will be in Panel 1 on Friday and most of Sunday. Please note that Karaoke will most likely not be operating on Saturday.
Whether you want to belt out your favorite anime theme, perform a ballad, or simply cheer on fellow fans, Karaoke is the place to celebrate music, energy, and community.
Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe’s dad took her to her first Star Trek convention as a child, sealing her future as a card carrying geek. A librarian with the Springfield city library, she tours around new England lecturing on various aspects of geek culture. She’s performed for all sorts of venues from The Norman Rockwell Museum to the Massachusetts library association. The Dover Demon is her favorite cryptid
Staying at the convention hotel means you’ll be just steps away from all the excitement, panels, and events. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to immerse yourself in the full convention experience while enjoying the perks of a special rate.
Don’t miss out—register now for Anime USA 2025! Secure your spot at this year’s convention by visiting this link. Join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with anime, cosplay, panels, and more. We can’t wait to see you there!