The celebration of anime, manga and plenty more returns Dec. 2 to the Vistatech Center.
An anime invasion is coming to Schoolcraft College.
Otaku U, the convention that attracted hundreds last year to the Livonia college, returns Dec. 2 for its second year of celebrating all things anime, manga, video games and more.
The event, put on by the Schoolcraft College Otaku Anime Club and sponsored by RIW Hobbies & Games, will have activities and event for all ages, including:
- A vendor hall filled with local vendors and artists
- Anime AMV viewings
- A cosplay contest
- An array of panels
- Tabletop gaming area hosted by RIW Hobbies & Games
- Name that anime team trivia
Musical guest Playing with Power will perform in the afternoon. Special guests voice actors Tyson Rinehart and Aaron Campbell, known for their work on anime programs, will host panels and provide signatures to fans.
“Not only are we expanding our connection with the campus community but we are also focused on creating a safe, exciting space for all,” said Julianne Serson, a former student who is a member of the club and social media coordinator for the event. “This year will include more panels created by fellow students, more collaborative work between various organizations, more gaming options thanks to RIW Hobbies and Games, more amazing vendors, another phenomenal voice actor, and more!”
New to the event this year is a gaming tournament, which will take place in the lower level of the Vistatech Center.
Completely student-ran, students began planning for the second iteration of the event back in March. They hope to make it bigger than last year’s, making it a staple in metro Detroit celebrating all things anime.
“We feel that events like these are essential to the growth of our student leaders who are involved in the creation and execution of the program, but also provides those in our community wherever they may live a chance to come together around this common interest,” said Todd Stowell, director of the Student Activities Office at Schoolcraft College. “I am confident that we will have another wonderful show that the students and the community will say is an unforgettable experience.”
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Vistatech Center on Schoolcraft College’s campus, located at 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Advance tickets for those who are 11 and up can be purchased for $7 and $5 for those 10 and under at otakuu.org. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 per person.