Anime Fans in the United States
Madonna in cosplay-like outfitThe 15th annual Anime Expo in the United States in 2006 attracted 55,000 fans, up from 1,750 its first year in 1992, including many who engaged in cos-play an dressed up like their favorite anime and manga characters. The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Society for the Promotion Japanese Animation. In 2009, more than 9,000 people showed up an the “Sakura Con” anime event in Seattle, twice the number as the previous year, and paid $30 to $60 to be there.
American anime fans tend to be teenagers and young adults aged 18 and 24 with a considerable number between 13 and 18 and some “tweenies” who are under 13. The fans are equally divided between males and females, with the younger groups embracing more females. The reason for this is thought to be related to the popularity ofSailor Moon among young girls.
The anime market in the United States is very girl driven. Naruto, Bleach and One Pieceare more popular among girls in the United States than in Japan. Death Note was popular with both genders and Gundam Wing is thought to be more popular with American girls than boys despite its “mecha” (giant robot warrior) theme. Escaflowne—“a mecha-magical girl series with a lot of elements of romance”—is bigger in the United States than it is in Japan.
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