Status Active Country United States Attendance 5,500 in 2014 | Inaugurated 1996 Location Grand Rapids | |
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Venue Amway Grand Plaza Hotel & DeVos Place | ||
JAFAX is an annual three day anime convention held during June at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel & DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The convention's full name stands for Japanese Animation Film and Art Expo. JAFAX was previously a two-day event held at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan and was organized by the university's anime club (Otaku No Anime) and tabletop gaming club (AltReal).
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Programming
The convention typically offers anime screenings, an artist alley, dance, fashion shows, game shows, guest speakers, maid cafe, masquerade, music video contest, panel discussions, tabletop gaming, vendors, and video games.
Charity events in 2016 included the 100 Tables Project and a Blood Drive.
History
The event was started in 1995 by Rob Grimes, to spread anime in West Michigan. JAFAX for its first two years was held at the Kendall College of Art and Design, before moving to Grand Valley State University. No 2015 convention was held due outgrowing Grand Valley State University, the search for a new venue, and organizational changes. The event was free until the 2016 move.
JAFAX moved to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel & DeVos Place in 2016. Registration experienced issues and the convention shared its hotel with several weddings.