Every year on Labor Day weekend, DragonCon invades downtown Atlanta. Though its main focus is on anything related to fantasy and science fiction, the convention has, for years, also featured a programming track dedicated specifically to anime. For the first time, starting in 2008, the convention added a special segment focusing specifically on Asian culture.

Entitled “Silk Road: Asian Culture,” the track featured panels and demonstrations which focused primarily on Chinese and Japanese cultures. Those interested in Japanese culture could attend classes to learn how to draw manga, make origami, write Haikus, or even to learn basic “survival” phrases for speaking Japanese while traveling to Japan. There were also demonstrations in both kimono and Ningage-ryu, a Japanese martial art, as well as a discussion on Japanese sword-smithing. Asian cinema, drum circle etiquette, the truth about Geishas, and adult themes in Asian culture were all subjects that were also discussed, in their own panels, throughout the weekend.

Con-attendees who were only interested in anime could attend “Anime Programming,” an anime-only track which includes everything from discussions about different types of anime, information on working in the anime business, Q & A sessions with anime voice actors, and an AMV “how-to” demonstration. DragonCon’s anime track also hosts an annual cosplay contest, in which manga, DVD’s, and figurines are given away as prizes to contestants who display the best anime costumes or costuming skills. A special anime video room screens anime movies and episodes of anime series throughout all hours of the entire weekend.

Aside from the programming tracks, two of the most frequented places at DragonCon are the Dealers Room and the Exhibit Hall, where merchandisers are free to sell their products, and anime distributors are not lacking in their presence amongst them. Fans leave having purchased anime plushies, figurines, soundtracks, and posters, in addition to anime and manga.

There’s a little bit of something for everyone if you’re a Japanese culture fan attending DragonCon. If you missed it this year, the convention will be back in Atlanta at the same time next year, so be sure to drop by on Labor Day weekend if you have a love for Japanese culture.