{"results":[{"headline":"Important Announcement From Speed Dating","posted":"2026-05-21 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Unfortunately, we're not able to have our Speed Friending (Speed Dating) Session on Saturday at 12:00 pm this year. It will be replaced by a speed dating session. Online registration hours for all sessions will be extended to close at 10:00 pm.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10821"},{"headline":"Role-Playing, TCG, and Mahjong! Oh My! It's All at Tabletop Gaming!","posted":"2026-05-12 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Get ready to have a good time with all things Tabletop: role-playing games, trading card games (TCGs), Mahjong, and board games to borrow!<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Role-Playing Games are run by our Gaming Hall staff and focus on collaborative experiences and storytelling. SIGN UPS ARE OPEN! Sign ups will close 48 hours before the start of each event. Sign up here:&nbsp; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.fanime.com\/2026\/tabletop\/\"><strong>https:\/\/apps.fanime.com\/2026\/tabletop\/<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Blood on the Clocktower<\/em>: can you sniff out the demon before it's too late?<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Dungeon Meshi D&amp;D <\/em>One Shot: defeat monsters and\u2026 eat them?!<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Frieren: Beyond Journey's End D&amp;D<\/em> One Shot: so you have a midlife crisis after you\u2019ve slayed the Demon King\u2026 what now?<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Goblin Slayer <\/em>TTRPG: will your party survive the bounty?<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>KonoSuba <\/em>TTRPG: embrace the chaos (just don't blow up your teammates)<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>One Piece 7th Sea <\/em>TTRPG: set sail for the Grand Line!<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Resident Evil <\/em>TTRPG: escape the Baker mansion if you can\u2026\u00a0<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Learn-to-Plays: <\/strong>Know one TCG, but want to learn another?&nbsp; You\u2019re in luck - drop into our Learn-to-Play tutorials with our teachers from Laughing Dragon!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Check out our TCG Tournaments lineup:<\/strong><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Gundam<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Lorcana<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>MTG Commander<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Nexus Night<\/em> (<em>Riftbound<\/em>)<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>One Piece<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Pokemon<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>You asked, we deliver - even MORE <em>Magic: The Gathering<\/em> for 2026! Multiple <em>MTG Commander <\/em>tournaments per day, AND the option to drop by during the day so we can help make pods for you!\u00a0 Plus, Maids the Gathering is back and better than ever!\u00a0 Join us for a chance to play <em>MTG Commander<\/em> with the Fanimaids on stage! Lastly, we\u2019ll close out the con with <em>MTG <\/em>Staffer Showdown - help OR hinder our staff while they play <em>Commander<\/em>!\u00a0<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>MORE Mahjong for 2026:<\/strong><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Learn-to-Play Events: Not sure how to start? No problem. Learn with our teachers from the Pacific Mahjong League!<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Mahjong Tournaments: Take your skills to the next level by participating in our Riichi Beginner &amp; Advanced Mahjong Tournaments!<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Mahjong Exhibition Games: New for 2026 \u2014 join us at the Gaming Stage to experience Mahjong on a whole new level! (literally, because it\u2019s on a stage)<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Board Game Library:<\/strong><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Our board game library is at your service! If you\u2019ve got some downtime, why not relax in our Gaming Hall Tabletop area and play some board games with your friends before your next event? Or, make it competitive in board game favorites such as <em>UNO<\/em>, <em>Jenga<\/em>, and more!&nbsp; Board games are free to borrow during all hours of our Gaming Hall so\u2026 meet you at midnight?!<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>For event details, registration information, and more, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/tabletop-gaming\/\">https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/tabletop-gaming\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10779"},{"headline":"MusicFest Opener: Stray Violet","posted":"2026-05-11 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:image {\"id\":10717,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} --><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/MusicFest-2026-Stray-Violet-1.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/MusicFest-2026-Stray-Violet-1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10717\"\/><\/a><\/figure><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Stray Violet is an indie pop trio from the Bay Area that has performed at anime events and conventions across California. Influenced by a wide variety of genres, including soul, rock, R&amp;B, jazz, edm, and pop, they aim to share the kind of music that inspires them to inspire others.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Check out Stray Violet at MusicFest where they will be opening for ALI!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>MusicFest will be held at the San Jose Civic on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Doors for MusicFest open at 6:00 pm and the concert starts at 7:00 pm.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10716"},{"headline":"Feel the Excitement at Our Gaming Stage!","posted":"2026-05-10 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>The Gaming Stage is back!&nbsp; This is the place where our eGaming finalists will compete and show their skills on the big screen in classic games such as <em>Mario Kart, Street Fighter 6,<\/em> and more! Cheer on your friends!<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>We\u2019ll also have some new fun events this year!&nbsp; Be sure to check out:<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li><strong>Fanimaids Presents: <\/strong><strong><em>Silent Cleaning: <\/em><\/strong>Join the Fanimaids for a spooky playthrough of <em>Silent Cleaning<\/em>!<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><strong>Maids the Gathering on Stage!<\/strong>: In collaboration with the Maid Cafe, watch two attendees and two Fanimaids battle it out!\u00a0 The first 100 spectators will receive a <em>MTG Commander<\/em> Bingo Card for the chance to win fun prizes!\u00a0<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><strong><em>Rock Band<\/em><\/strong><strong> Freeplay<\/strong>: Get your groove on and jam out on the big stage!<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><strong>Mahjong Exhibition Games:<\/strong> Watch the pros play Mahjong on an elevated automatic table!<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><strong><em>MTG <\/em><\/strong><strong>Staffer Showdown: <\/strong>Join us in our FanimeCon finale with one last <em>MTG Commander<\/em> showdown! Help, hinder, and cause pure chaos to close out FanimeCon 2026! Who will survive the audience\u2019s \u201chelp\u201d?\u00a0<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>For event schedule and more details, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/gaming-stage\/\">https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/gaming-stage\/<\/a> or speak to a Gaming Hall staffer at-con!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10697"},{"headline":"Get Ready for the eGaming &amp; Arcade Events at FanimeCon 2026!","posted":"2026-05-09 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Looking for some good ol\u2019 classic video games?&nbsp; You\u2019d definitely want to check out the eGaming section of the Gaming Hall! And don\u2019t forget our Arcade section to get your fill of all your favorite arcade machines!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Drop-in and play your favorite Nintendo Switch, PS5, retro, and arcade games during all hours of the Gaming Hall:<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 am<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 am<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Sunday 9:00 am - 1:00 am<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Monday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>We\u2019ve got a multitude of arcade tournaments this year! Let\u2019s see your skills in:<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Dance Dance Revolution<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Pump It Up<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Love Live! After School Activity<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Pokemon Pro <\/em>Pinball<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Dungeons &amp; Dragons Pro<\/em> Pinball\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Have a competitive spirit? Test out your skills in our eGaming tournaments! Finals will be broadcast on our Gaming Stage! It\u2019s not too late to start preparing now so you\u2019ll be ready to bring your A-game at FanimeCon and win awesome prizes!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Super Smash Bros. Ultimate<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Guilty Gear Strive<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Mario Kart<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>2XKO<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Tekken 8<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Street Fighter 6<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li><em>Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Doubles<\/em><\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>For all things eGaming, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/egaming\/\">https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/egaming\/<\/a> or visit the eGaming help desk!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>For our Arcade events schedule and more details, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/arcade-gaming\/\">https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/arcade-gaming\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10694"},{"headline":"FanimeCon is proud to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization!","posted":"2026-05-08 12:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:image {\"id\":10643,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} --><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Volunteers-2026.jpeg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Volunteers-2026-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10643\"\/><\/a><\/figure><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Get involved behind the scenes and volunteer for FanimeCon! Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the convention\u2019s operations while getting your badge reimbursed. We also offer prizes and giveaways exclusively for volunteers.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Please visit our page for more information. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/volunteer\/\">https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/volunteer\/<\/a><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10642"},{"headline":"New for FanimeCon 2026: Art Lounge","posted":"2026-05-07 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Looking for a place to draw during FanimeCon? The Art Lounge by PaperDemon is the place you want to be!<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Drop by Room 232 in the San Jose Convention Center during our open hours for some time to relax and draw to your heart\u2019s content. Seasoned artist? You are welcome to bring your own art tools, including your tablets. Starting from scratch? No problem - drawing materials will be provided as well!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Our open hours will be:<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Friday: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm\u00a0<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Saturday: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm\u00a0<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Sunday: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm\u00a0<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Monday: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/art-lounge\">https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/gaming\/art-lounge<\/a> for more details and our events schedule! We hope to see you at FanimeCon!<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10648"},{"headline":"Dance is Moving to the DoubleTree!","posted":"2026-05-04 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>For FanimeCon 2026, Dance is moving to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose! Find us on the first floor in the Santa Clara and San Jose rooms. Please note that Dance will be an 18+ event this year, and will require proof of age verification (Government-issued ID or Oasis wristband).<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10650"},{"headline":"Roll for initiative! It\u2019s time to get excited about FanimeCon\u2019s Gaming Hall!\u00a0","posted":"2026-04-25 17:40:44","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>The Gaming Hall hours of operation will be as follows:<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Friday: 9:00 am \u2013 1:00 am<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Saturday: 9:00 am \u2013 1:00 am<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Sunday: 9:00 am \u2013 1:00 am<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><li>Monday: 9:00 am \u2013 1:00 pm<\/li><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>eGaming and Arcade:<\/strong> Drop by anytime to play your favorite arcade, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and retro games during all open hours of the Gaming Hall! Wanting to test your skills and claim glory? Our tournament schedule will be dropping soon!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Indie Games Showcase: <\/strong>Local game developers will grace the Gaming Hall to showcase their very own independent games! Try out something new and fresh?&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Tabletop Events:<\/strong> Mahjong and your favorite boardgames will be available to checkout during all open hours of the Gaming Hall! Want to learn Mahjong but don\u2019t know where to start? Participate in a Learn-to-Play Mahjong tutorial (and then test your skills in a tournament)! Same for Trading Card Games (TCGs) \u2014 participate in a Learn-to-Play tutorial to find your new favorite TCG! We\u2019ll also have even more TCG tournaments this year for your enjoyment. Last but not least, be sure to check out our tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) led by our Gaming Hall Staff \u2014 stay tuned on how to register!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Gaming Stage: <\/strong>The Gaming Stage is the place to be for tournament finals and game nights for your viewing pleasure! Also, keep an eye out for special Maid Cafe events on the Gaming Stage!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Prize Wall (New for 2026):<\/strong> Level up your Gaming Hall experience! Collect special tickets and trade them in at the Prize Wall to collect cool prizes! Tickets must be spent at the Prize Wall on the day they\u2019re earned. Look for signs at-con for activities where you can earn tickets. Plus, enter the BIG special prize giveaway every day (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:00 pm and Monday at noon). Don\u2019t miss out on a chance to win!&nbsp;<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Stay tuned for more details, events schedules, and more!&nbsp; See you all at FanimeCon!<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10640"},{"headline":"ALI (ALIEN LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL)","posted":"2026-04-15 17:00:00","description":"<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>ALI is a boundary-pushing project centered around its vocalist LEO, a multicultural artist whose roots span Japan, Spain, the UK, and the Philippines. Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, the group lives by the motto \u201cLong Live Music,\u201d blending the rhythms of funk, soul, jazz, and Latin music with the raw energy of hip-hop, rock, and ska to create a truly genre-crossing sound.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>They first made waves with their independently released 2019 single \"Wild Side,\" which served as the opening theme for the anime <em>BEASTARS.<\/em> Following this release, they skyrocketed to mainstream success with their first major-label track \u201cLOST IN PARADISE feat. AKLO,\u201d which was chosen to be the ending theme for the global hit anime <em>JUJUTSU KAISEN.<\/em> International baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani used the song as his walk-up song during his time with the Los Angeles Angels, shining even more light on the band and their work.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>In 2022, ALI contributed \u201cNEVER SAY GOODBYE feat. Mummy-D\u201d as the opening theme for the anime <em>Golden Kamuy,<\/em> and in 2024, their songs \u201cProfessionalism feat. Hannya\u201d and \u201cBEYOND feat. MaRI\u201d were used as opening and ending themes for the anime <em>The Fable.<\/em> In 2025, their song \u201cCASANOVA POSSE\u201d was chosen as the opening for the first part of the fourth season of the anime <em>Dr. STONE.<\/em> In 2026, Awich \u00d7 ALI\u2019s \u201cGolden Horizon\u201d was chosen as the theme song for <em>Golden Kamuy<\/em>\u2019s theatrical preview of the \u201cSapporo Beer Factory Arc\u201d and was used as the anime\u2019s opening theme. Their newest song, \u201cFUNKIN\u2019 BEAUTIFUL feat. ZORN\u201d features as the opening theme for the anime <em>Eren the Southpaw.<\/em><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>With a strong international presence, ALI enjoys enduring popularity, having performed across the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, and successfully completed an Asia Tour in 2025. They appear at major festivals and perform live every year in multiple countries. Their performances and cross-cultural sound continue to defy conventions, break barriers, and unite fans across the globe.<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Come experience their exciting energy yourself at their MusicFest concert, Q&amp;A Panel and Autograph Sessions!<\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Official Web: <a href=\"https:\/\/alienlibertyinternational.com\">https:\/\/alienlibertyinternational.com<\/a><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>X: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ALI_MUSIC_DANCE\">https:\/\/x.com\/ALI_MUSIC_DANCE<\/a><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ali.love.music.and.dance\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ali.love.music.and.dance<\/a><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>TikTok: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@ali_official_japan\">https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@ali_official_japan<\/a><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>YouTube: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ALI-ic5wf\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ALI-ic5wf<\/a><\/p><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","url":"https:\/\/www.fanime.com\/?p=10608"}]}