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Geeks, gamers, and japanese pop culture enthusiasts alike gathered this past weekend united by one common force: Saboten-Con. Downtown was swarming with fans of the event and anime over the labor day weekend.
Saboten is Japanese for cactus, and the con is a yearly event drawing anime and Japanese pop culture fans to the Sheraton Grand Phoenix over memorial day weekend.The Sheraton hosted the event which was organized by Monkey Paw Entertainment. The event advertises itself as “Arizona’s Premiere Japanese Pop-Culture Convention”; a title that, while accurate, does not fully convey the grand sensory experience that one will encounter. Swarms of cosplayers, decked out with colorful costumes, props, and wigs in every color imaginable converge on the lone bag check station, anxiously awaiting admission into an event commandeering the entire second and third levels of the hotel.
Fans from all over the state came for the 4-day-long anime-con. People dressed as their favorite anime characters while others sold comics, souvenirs and collectibles. The convention had artwork and booths to show off peoples love for Saboten-con and the anime genre. The event also had games around the venue, allowing everyone to get involved. Saboten-Con created a colorful atmosphere for every fan, anime-lover, and family to enjoy.
Contact the reporter snachbar@asu.edu.
