AX Chibi may bill itself as the smaller, cuter sibling of Anime Expo, but this year’s event proved that “small” does not have to mean “less impactful.” Held over a packed weekend and infused with creativity, community and chaotic fun, AX Chibi delivered one of the most memorable convention experiences of the year. For me, it was easily the most fun I had at any con in 2025.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy from the moment the doors opened. A major part of that came from the strong presence of Senpai Squad, whose prominence reinforced AX Chibi’s evolving identity as a destination for fans of anime-themed JDM car culture. Their booths and displays transformed the space into a blend of artist alley and high-polish car meet, attracting crowds who treated the experience like a celebration of Tokyo street culture grafted directly onto the convention floor. For fans who live at the intersection of anime, streetwear and tuner aesthetics, AX Chibi has rapidly become a flagship event.
While AX Chibi’s programming was more limited than the massive lineup offered at Anime Expo, its panels stood out for their charm, interactivity and comedic energy. ProZD’s panel was a clear highlight, with attendees tasked with convincing him to watch specific anime titles. The crowd delivered unhinged pitches, heartfelt pleas and enthusiastic debates, creating a tight-knit, communal atmosphere that felt more like a late-night conversation among friends than a formal panel. The comedy show brought easy laughter and an infectious sense of play, while Bang Zoom’s live dubbing demonstrations gave fans an engaging behind-the-scenes look at English voice acting. Audience participation added a delightful chaos that only a convention of this size could pull off.
Starfall After Dark was one of AX Chibi’s standout additions, and the Husbando Café in particular was extraordinary. The theming, performances and interactions felt polished and lovingly crafted, but what elevated the café experience was the sincerity of the actors. At one point, a young girl dressed as Anya from Spy x Family became the star of the show. The cast showered her with attention, rose petals and free goodies, crowning her the highlight of the session. The moment radiated pure wholesomeness. Watching her light up as the performers treated her with such care and enthusiasm felt like a perfect encapsulation of what AX Chibi aims to be: a space where fans of all ages can feel celebrated. It became an unexpected capstone to the convention and a memory I hope the organizers carry forward into future events. Experiences like that deserve a permanent place at both AX and AX Chibi next year.
Food options were solid, though predictably overpriced. Fortunately, AX Chibi offered plenty of free entertainment to balance things out. Face painting stations became a surprise favorite, especially in the evenings when attendees wanted to refresh their look for night events or photos. The arcade and manga lounge created much-needed relaxation spaces, and the late-night raves kept the energy high for anyone unwilling to end the day early.
Still, the rave had some room for improvement. I wish it had been held on convention grounds so more people could attend without the added commute or logistical barriers. The sound levels were also noticeably low. Music at a rave should envelop you, not whisper above living room volume. While that may be a personal gripe, a louder and more immersive audio setup would significantly enhance next year’s dance events.
The artist alley was filled with incredible talent, but the tented layout made navigating it difficult. Narrow aisles meant that one person stopping to browse could trigger multi-lane gridlock. The art was impressive and worth the effort, but giving artists and attendees more space should be a priority moving forward.
The exhibition hall offered a mix of standout displays and less curated sections. Many booths showcased creative concepts, original merchandise and exciting new products. However, roughly a quarter of the hall had a yard sale feel, with vendors selling older toys and plush bins that felt disconnected from the event’s overall polish. Greater variety in vendor types would bring the hall closer to the standard set by the main Anime Expo.
Despite its smaller size, AX Chibi excelled in capturing the sincerity, fun and community spirit that define the best anime conventions. The stamp hunt to earn an exclusive pin added a sense of adventure that encouraged exploration and rewarded engagement. It was a simple but effective way to bring fans deeper into the experience.
From Senpai Squad’s defining presence to ProZD’s uproarious audience interactions, from the chaotic joy of live dubbing to the heartfelt sweetness of the Husbando Café’s Anya moment, AX Chibi proved that heart matters more than scale. It created a space where niche communities could collide, where fans could express themselves boldly and where even the smallest moments felt monumental.
AX may be the metropolis of anime fandom, but AX Chibi has solidified itself as its warm neighborhood festival, brimming with personality and imagination. I left wishing the rave had been closer, wishing the artist alley had more room and wishing the exhibition hall had more variety. Mostly though, I left wishing the weekend had lasted longer. AX Chibi was, without question, the most fun I had at a con all year.
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