Anime USA

Anime USA (AUSA) is a fandom convention for anime, manga and Japanese culture enthusiasts. It is an annual three-day event held over a weekend in Crystal City, Virginia (as of Anime USA 2007), part of the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Anime USA is traditionally held the weekend before Thanksgiving day, with the exception being the 2004 convention, which was held on Halloween weekend. The event is organized by Anime USA, a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Virginia, and operated and staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers many from local anime clubs, such as the Northern Virginia Anime Association. Anime USA's official tagline is "Of Otaku, By Otaku, For Otaku".

The convention features Japanese creators of anime and manga, cosplay, voice actors from anime and videogames, artists, vendors and exhibits, panels, workshops, and gaming. Anime USA's events focus on aspects of anime, manga, video games and Japanese culture. With the popularity of anime and manga growing in the United States, anime conventions have seen momentous growth in their attendance, and Anime USA is one of a growing number in the area.

History
Originally started in 1999 the attendance was small, only 350 people. As of 2006 attendance has passed 3,400 people. The Hyatt Regency convention space Anime USA currently operates from was previous used by two other notable conventions Katsucon and Otakon.