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Anime Expo Chibi 2025: A Weekend of Anime Culture in Ontario
- 88tumble
- Nov 10
- 5 min read
Anime expo chibi returned to the Ontario Convention Center for its fourth year from November 7-9, 2025, marking a significant expansion with an additional day of programming and an elevated lineup of attractions. The three-day convention offered Southern California's anime community a more intimate alternative to the massive summer anime expo in Los Angeles, while delivering a diverse mix of entertainment, shopping, dining, and special experiences.
Location and Logistics
The convention utilized both the Ontario Convention Center and the adjacent Delta Hotels Ontario Airport to accommodate its expanded footprint. Three-day wristbands were priced at $33 (plus fees) before November 3, increasing to $40 (plus fees) afterward, with single-day passes available for $30 (plus fees). The event offered free admission for children 13 and under when accompanied by an adult with a paid wristband, making it particularly family-friendly.
Musical Entertainment and Special Guests
Anime expo chibi 2025's headline attraction was Japanese rock band SPYAIR's exclusive outdoor concert on Saturday, November 8, at the chibi plaza stage from 8:15-9:15 PM. The band, celebrated for their anime theme songs from "BLEACH," "Gintama," "Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans," and "Haikyu!!," brought their high-energy rock sound to Southern California audiences. Their latest single "Orange" from "Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle" has surpassed 200 million streams worldwide, demonstrating their continued dominance in the anime music scene.
Japanese rock band SPYAIR performing live with pyrotechnics and vibrant stage lighting
SPYAIR extended their convention presence with an "Unplugged with SPYAIR" panel and autograph session on Sunday, offering fans intimate opportunities to engage with the band beyond the concert.
The convention also featured over 60 guests and talents across various entertainment sectors. Notable appearances included Mika Akitaka, the renowned mechanical designer who created MAX, anime expo's official mascot, and voice actor SungWon Cho (ProZD), known for roles in "Delicious in Dungeon," "God of War: Ragnarok," and "Sakamoto Days". The voice acting lineup featured Alan Lee, Xanthe Huynh, Sean Chiplock, Yong Yea, and Risa Mei, representing popular titles from "Genshin Impact," "Honkai: Star Rail," "Persona 5," and "Re:Zero".
Adding whimsical unpredictability to the weekend was Chiitan, the mischievous otter mascot from Japan famous for chaotic comedy videos. The internet-famous character made spontaneous appearances throughout Days 1 and 2, creating surprise photo opportunities and memorable moments for attendees. VTuber Zentreya also partnered with Senpai Squad for meet-and-greet sessions at the car showcase area.
Artist Alley and Shopping Experience
The Artist Alley remained a centerpiece of anime expo chibi 2025, featuring local and fan-favorite artists offering handmade art, prints, stickers, keychains, pins, and unique merchandise. Set up in an air-conditioned tent, the Artist Alley provided a relaxed shopping experience with easier navigation and personal interactions with creators.
Artist alley bustling with attendees at an anime convention, showcasing diverse anime art and cosplay
The exhibit hall complemented the Artist Alley with anime, manga, and pop culture merchandise from industry partners and independent businesses. The shopping experience offered quality and variety on a more manageable scale compared to the summer convention. Attendees appreciated the less congested atmosphere that allowed for meaningful connections with artists and comfortable browsing.
Programming and Entertainment
Anime expo chibi 2025 offered diverse programming across panels, workshops, performances, and activities. Highlights included idol showcases, sumo exhibitions, the chibi cosplay runway for attendees under 16, anime screenings, and workshops ranging from crafting to beginner cosplay tips.
The event featured two dedicated rave parties: the Kick-Off Party with We Touch Grass on Friday and the Anime Rave After Party with Senpai Squad on Saturday night. Lounge 21, the convention's dedicated drinking area, hosted DJs and live bands playing everything from The Cure and Kate Bush to remixes of anime themes. Asian Standard Time, an LA-based band specializing in J-Rock and anime music, performed live sets throughout the weekend.
Family-friendly programming included the chibi cosplay runway, parent lounge, and late-night karaoke and gaming that ran until midnight. The extended hours allowed attendees to enjoy the convention at their own pace in a welcoming environment.
Cosplay and Community Atmosphere
Anime expo chibi 2025 drew a notably young crowd, with many Gen Z attendees and families with children. Popular cosplay themes included characters from "Genshin Impact," "Spy x Family," "Honkai: Star Rail," "Chainsaw Man," and other trending anime series. The convention's intimate scale created an approachable environment for both experienced cosplayers and those new to the hobby.
The welcoming atmosphere allowed cosplayers to move comfortably through the venue, take photos, and interact personally with fellow attendees. Many described the environment as community-focused and intimate, creating opportunities for meaningful connections.
Attendee Experience
First-time convention-goers and families found significant value in the intimate, relaxed atmosphere and approachable price point. The event successfully served as an ideal introduction to anime conventions or a comfortable one-day family outing.
Attendees consistently praised the less crowded environment, which allowed comfortable exploration of the exhibit hall and Artist Alley. The event created a vibrant "night market" atmosphere with outdoor food trucks, live entertainment, and a casual community vibe. Visitors appreciated the opportunity to meaningfully interact with artists, guests, and fellow fans in a more personal setting.
The polite and helpful staff contributed to a positive overall experience, ensuring attendees felt welcomed and supported throughout the weekend. The convention's manageable scale made navigation easy and allowed fans to experience everything the event offered without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
A Growing Convention
Anime expo chibi 2025 demonstrated the success of a convention establishing its unique identity in Southern California's anime event landscape. The expansion to three days, addition of high-profile musical acts like SPYAIR, unique experiences like the Anime Husbando Café and Godzilla installation, and diverse guest lineup showed the convention's growth and ambition.
As Matthew Thomas, SPJA's VP of Operations, stated: "We've put so much thought and care into how we've grown anime expo chibi this year. Every new feature and collaboration was designed with our attendees, artists, and exhibitors in mind. This event is a celebration of the community that makes AXC possible".
For attendees seeking a more intimate alternative to the overwhelming scale of summer anime expo—particularly families, first-time convention-goers, and those living near Ontario—anime expo chibi offers a worthwhile and welcoming experience. The convention occupies a valuable niche: intimate enough for meaningful community interaction, yet ambitious enough to attract notable talent and unique programming.
Whether attending for SPYAIR's exclusive concert, spontaneous Chiitan photo opportunities, artist alley discoveries, Japanese food festival offerings, or simply a relaxed weekend celebrating anime culture, anime expo chibi 2025 delivered diverse experiences for Southern California's anime community. As the convention enters its fifth year, it continues refining its identity as a distinct celebration of anime culture with its own character, community, and charm.
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