How can an anime convention help Galway?
Opening night of Akumakon anime convention / Photo by Mark Hernandez
Anime and manga enthusiasts from all over Ireland celebrated the opening of the anime convention, Akumakon, for the eleventh time since 2010.
The event was organised by the Anime and Manga Society from the University of Galway and will run for three days starting Friday evening. The convention began with an opening ceremony where the organizers of the event welcomed attendees, special guests, and the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, Maruyama Norio.
“I heard that Galway was a sanctuary for anime lovers and I’m glad to see that,” said Ambassador Maruyama.
The event will host different activities such as discussion panels about different manga and anime, tournaments of different video games and special guests that include voice actors and cosplayers. The event last year had over 2,000 attendees and the organisers hope to have more people this year.
Working with Galway Autism Partnership
The event itself is a time for people to get together and enjoy their love of all things anime and manga. And there is another aspect of the convention: all proceeds will go to their charity partner.
This year, the charity that Akumakon is working with is the Galway Autism Partnership (GAP), who are based here in Galway and work with children who have autism.
“We’re very happy to be Akumakon’s official charity for 2024,” said Ailbhe O’Connor, the GAP administrator. We’ve worked with Akumakon in the past so we know the tremendous amount of work that goes into the convention.”
The partnership provides services and support to people with autism and their families. The organisation hosts social clubs, summer and holiday camps, as well as information and advice. They work with people in Galway City and all of County Galway.
“Between the auction, the pub quizzes, and so much more, we know a lot of money tends to be raised at Akumakon,” said Mx O’Connor. “This money will go towards the running of camps here at GAP, trips for the kids, our therapy that we offer here and so much more regarding our daily operations.”
