Maiko from Yamagata Maiko Group will be performing.
Into the imaginary world of anime and manga, the Yamagata Maiko Group is getting ready to bring to the Los Angeles Convention Center the traditions and stories rarely witnessed outside of Japan when they perform at Anime Expo 2024 during the Fourth of July weekend (July 4-7).
Maiko are apprentice geisha who are trained in the arts of performing songs and dances and playing instruments. Maiko, who are usually between the ages of 17-20, graduate to geisha status after the training period.
First appearance by the Yamagata Maiko in L.A. will be during the Anime Expo opening ceremony on Thursday, July 4, at 10 a.m. The Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St. in Los Angeles.
The maiko troupe will also perform at the Miyako Hotel, 328 E. First St. in Little Tokyo, on Saturday, July 6, from 6 p.m. The Little Tokyo Business Association will present this special appearance. For reservations or information, email board@visitlittletokyo.com.
Anime Expo (AX) is the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America. Launched in 1991 as “Anime Con” by members of the UC Berkeley Anime Club, the event has grown past the bounds of animation and culture over the past 33 years.
Today, AX is produced in other cities such as San Jose, Anaheim, and Tokyo and includes Japanese entertainers, music, fashion, and video games.
This year’s AX, organized by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, is expected to be the largest since COVID-19 forced SPJA to curtail its activities. In 2022, AX returned as an in-person event for the first time since 2019.
The 2023 expo was marred due to overcrowding issues and occurred during a hotel workers’ strike.
Anime Expo 2024 offers over 1,000 hours of programming, panels and workshops. Every year, the event features some of the biggest names in the Japanese music scene, from J-pop to J-rock to anisong.
For the full schedule and registration, go to www.anime-expo.org.