Reigning true to its name, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo encompasses all in comics and entertainment and continues to go beyond just being a traditional comic convention. As the convention releases new updates around featured guests, highlighted exhibitors, and advertised additions to the Artist's Alley, the convention grows its show floor by including attractions both old and new. Most recently, C2E2 has announced that they will debut Pop Asia during their 2021 show.
Pop Asia brings unites anime, manga, K-Pop, and other aspects of Asain culture throughout the weekend on the show floor. A section of the show floor will be designated to Pop Asia, which will include activities, exhibitors, and other engaging features. Nerds Know will provide anime-inspired, guest-interactive activities including the Anime Name Game, Japanese for Kids, and Insults and Cursing in Japanese (18+). Genshin Impact voice actors Zach Aguilar (Aether) and Cristina Vee (Bennet, Xingqiu) are to host a live question-and-answer session with fans that will answer questions about their roles in-depth, how they prepare for their roles, and what they look forward to most in Version 2.3. Those who are in Genshin Impact cosplay are encouraged to stay for a panel photo op.
Voice cast members from anime series including Sailor Moon, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, One Punch Man, and other series are among the guests that will attend C2E2 2021. Alongside the anime-based elements of Pop Asia, the Japanese Culture Center will share the riches of Japanese culture with the public. The Japanese Culture Center, which was established in 1977, will be located at Booth 895 and will run demonstrations on a daily basis. The Japenese Culture Center schedule of demonstrations include, but are not limited to:
ALL DAYS - Origami Workshop - 3:45 p.m. at Family HQ Workshop
Friday – The Art of Ikebana – 11:30 a.m. at S403
Saturday –Japanese Tea Ceremony – 11:15 a.m. at S504a
Saturday – Large Brush Calligraphy –4:30 p.m. at Family HQ Interactive
Saturday – Aikido and Iaido Demonstration – 6:30 p.m. at S402
Saturday – Shurikenjitsu: The Japanese Martial Arts of Shuriken Throwing – 8:00 p.m. at S405b.
The Kitaku Café is coming straight to C2E2 2021 and can be found at Booth 796 The cafe allows guests to interact with maids and butlers at this separately ticked event, and those who wish to attend Kitaku Café can purchase tickets for $5.00 USD, and are advised to do so prior to attending C2E2 as seating is limited. Available sessions for the cafe are as followed:
Friday and Saturday:
10:30-11:30 a.m.
12:00-1:00 p.m.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Sunday:
11:15am-12:15 p.m.
12:45-1:45 p.m.
2:15-3:15 p.m.
3:45-4:45 p.m.
C2E2 2021 will arrive at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill on December 10th-12th. The entertainment expo is the largest in the Midwest and has been an annual event hosted by ReedPop since 2010. Along with anime, C2E2 celebrates, film, television, comics, video games, cosplay, and other elements of pop culture. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.