Making sure to satisfy the needs of anime fans, cosplayers, and pop-culture lovers alike. Located in the heart of the Midwest this event is more than just one of the biggest anime, cosplay, and Japanese culture conventions in the United States. Ramen is a place for anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture fans alike, and is a must-see no matter how new to cons you are.
What is RamenCon?
RamenCon is an anime convention that takes place in the state of Indiana every year, usually in Valparaiso. The Spirited Away event is a celebration of our love for anime, manga, video games, and all things Japanese entertainment — and we invite you to join us! And it’s a one-of-a-kind convention in terms of its focus, with a friendly, community-focused vibe that draws in local attendees as well as anime fans traveling through the miles from outside the area.
It is typically a several day long event that allows attendees to partake in numerous activities such as panels, screenings, gaming tournaments, cosplay contests, and live presentations. To read the official post which we have used for these details, please click here: Rame Continue reading “Ramen: The Nested Community of Anime Fans”
A Convention Like No Other RamenCon
One thing that differentiates Ramen from other conventions is the welcoming nature of the event. The event is generally small and has a friendly atmosphere that encourages fans to mingle with exhibitors and creators. While anime conventions on the level of Anime Expo or Comic-Con may draw hundreds of thousands of attendees, RamenCon is a smaller, more community-centric space. It provides more access to panels, the ability to interact better with guests and a chance for fans to connect with other fans.
There is something for everyone at Ramen. For anime fans, there are more panel opportunities about the popular genre or about specific anime titles released recently. Screenings of popular anime films and episodes also give attendees the opportunity to see their favorite shows on the big screen.
Ramen is big on cosplay, and the convention often features some of the best and most imaginative costumes you’re going to find in the anime convention circuit. Not only do the cosplay contests at Ramen bring in some of the most talented cosplayers this country has to offer, with sharp outfits as well as fully thought-out performances. Whether you love cosplay or simply admire the craft, RamenCon is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded fans and see some truly beautiful costumes.
Panels, Fireside Chats, and More RamenCon
The anime convention is particularly well-known for its panels and guest speakers (who tend to be voice actors, artists, writers and other creators from the anime and gaming world). These panels give fans a chance to ask a questions, learn about the creative process (some people, it turns out, are getting paid to produce the work you readily consume), and get a professional perspective. One of the remarkable aspects of the convention is the opportunity to hear directly from the voices behind popular anime characters, and it is indeed a dream come true for a majority of anime fans.
We’re talking Q&A with classic voice actors, the ins-and-outs of the anime production process, a discussion on the future of anime: there’s something for everyone, and RamenCon certainly caters to this fact. They can also take part in smaller, more intimate events where they get to meet people with specific anime interests. These events allow fans to connect with each other and create a sense of belonging in the larger anime community.
RamenCon also has workshops that focus on different subjects and seminars. If you want to learn how to draw manga, if you want to learn how to make cosplay for yourself, or if you want to work in the anime industry, RamenCon has ample opportunities for you to develop your skills.
Gaming And Other Activities RamenCon
RamenCon isn’t solely for anime fandom, though — there are plenty of activities for those who geek out over gaming, especially Japanese video games. Attendees can pit their gaming skills against one another in everything from popular fighting games to fifth-edition RPGs at the convention’s gaming tournaments. For those who enjoy casual gaming, there is also a designated area for guests to unwind and play a wide range of games, new and classic.
RamenCon also features a lot of Japanese video games and their impact on the entire video game industry. Fans debate and dissect these well-known franchises, discuss the history of iconic trilogies like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Persona, or simply dream about them. Panels and gaming events like these offer a crossover experience for cosplayers and gamers, combining two fandoms with a mutually extensive Venn diagram of common interests.
The Art of Cosplay RamenCon
Cosplay at RamenCon is a huge part of the convention, and it is also one of the most well known conventions for the most amazing cosplay. For those seeking to display their own garb or those in search of just a good view, RamenCon provides an opportunity for cosplayers to strut their stuff. At RamenCon, one of the biggest highlights is the cosplay contest that draws eyes from every direction of the convention.
The contest participants are so dedicated, they’ve created intricate, high-quality costumes that mimic their favorite anime characters, manga, and video games. There are also categories for new and experienced cosplayers, so everybody has a chance to show off their skills and get credit for all that hard work.
RamenCon also has cosplay photo shoots where the professional photographer is happy to take photos of your costume. These events offer cosplayers an opportunity to display their hard work to the world while also letting photographers and fans honor the craft of cosplay.
The Vendors And Artist Alley RamenCon
However, one of the most exciting parts of RamenCon for many attendees is the vendor hall and artist alley. The vendor hall is packed with booths that sell all things anime related, from figures and posters to plushies and clothing. It’s a haven for anime collectors and fans hoping to stumble upon unique items they can’t find anywhere else.
By contrast, the artist alley is an area reserved for independent artists to display their anime-style creations. From gorgeous prints, and handmade jewelry to custom plushies and aplenty they can all be found within the artist alley and with plenty of local creators and loads of unique, one of pieces at that. Featured at many other tables across the convention, including RamenCon, are artists taking commissions — allowing fans to get original art or merchandise to take home as a customized souvenir.
RamenCon has got you covered whether you’re looking for official merch or something more unique and handmade, with the vendor hall and artist alley filled with loot to peruse.
Community And Cultural Festivals RamenCon
And yes there are panels and activities at RamenCon but it’s also a celebration of the anime community itself. A communal atmosphere is encouraged to the extreme, and you want everyone to be who they are, from one extreme of the most attached fan to the extreme of the least attached fan. The original caption was: From the first attendee to the long time anime fan, RamenCon greats people from all walks of life.
RamenCon also stresses the cultural side of anime and Japanese entertainment. Unlike most conventions that focus on the entertainment end of the spectrum, RamenCon is all about the culture behind and around anime, manga, and other types of Japanese media. Attending this conference presents an opportunity to learn more about an art form and its influence on world culture.
The Bottom Lines
RamenCon has become one of the favorite anime cons with a special and personable atmosphere, welcoming any genera of fans. There’s really something for everyone at this celebration of Japanese pop culture, from fascinating panels and guest speakers to amazing cosplay and gaming events. RamenCon is a convention for you whether you are an anime superfan or just someone wanting to enjoy a fun weekend of entertainment and create memories that last a lifetime.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of attending an anime convention, now’s your chance to take the plunge with RamenCon. RamenCon is a beacon of community and the spirit of fandom, with a number of activities and people passionate about all things Japan and the pop culture industries that stem from it.