What was Anime Expo like in the early 90s?

As part of Anime Expo's 30th-anniversary celebration in 2021, we assembled a panel discussion with SPJA/Cal-Animage founder along with various industry members who were a part of making Anime Con 1991 and Anime Expo 1992 possible!

Hear memories from the early years of Anime Expo. Moderator Robert Napton (formerly of Books Nippan and Bandai Entertainment) reminisces with SPJA founder Mike Tatsugawa and fellow industry guests from AnimeCon 1991 and Anime Expo 1992 including: Ken Iyadomi (formerly of LA Hero, Bandai Entertainment) David Riddick (formerly of Books Nippan, co-founder of US Renditions), and Toshifumi Yoshida (formerly of Animag, VIZ Media, Bandai Entertainment).

This panel, called "Anime Con 1991: 30 Years Later" originally aired as part of Anime Expo Lite 2021.

Sources:
Anime Con 1991 Sub vs Dub Panel:    • Anime Con 1991 Sub vs. Dub Panel Part...  
Anime Expo 1992 Opening Animation:    • Anime Expo 1992 Opening Animation - B...  

Insert photos provided by Mike Tatsugawa & Robert Napton
Edited by Meg Tsuruda