The 2025 Mississippi Animefest took place at the Jackson Trade Mart on March 8-9, attracting hundreds of fans from across the region to celebrate anime, cosplay, and pop culture. The two-day event, hosted annually by Jay Branch, featured merchandise vendors, special guests, and opportunities for fans to meet their favorite voice actors.
Throughout the weekend, attendees shopped for a wide variety of merchandise, including unique props, rare collectibles, fan-made art pieces, and tapestries. The convention also featured panels with several well-known voice actors, who participated in autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and hour-long interviews with fans. Notable voice actors in attendance included Dante Basco, known for voicing Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Marty Grabstein, the voice of Courage in Courage the Cowardly Dog, and Brian Drummond, Brad Swaile, and Alessandro Juliani, who voiced characters Ryuk, Light Yagami, and L from the popular anime Death Note.
In addition to meeting voice actors, many attendees participated in cosplay, dressing as their favorite anime and pop culture characters. The convention also hosted a cosplay contest, drawing participants who showcased their intricate costumes.
Several students from The University of Southern Mississippi attended the event, including members of the USM Anime Club. One of the attendees, Bailey Dupree, expressed excitement about meeting one of her favorite voice actors, Johnny Yong Bosch.
“I fangirled really hard this weekend. I got to meet Johnny Yong Bosch, one of my favorite voice actors, and I even got to ask him to say a line from Blue Exorcist in character,” Dupree said. “What makes Animefest so fun is that it’s a place where everyone can be who they are. It’s a place where you never meet a stranger, and you make new friends to create fond memories with.”
Another USM student, Kaz Edge Ledet, spoke about his love for cosplay and the inclusive environment of the convention.
“I love seeing all the work people put into their costumes and how their faces light up when they recognize the character you’re cosplaying,” Ledet said. “The MS Animefest brings many different people together to fully enjoy their unique and somewhat niche culture. Its impact and influence reach all across Mississippi.”
Mississippi Animefest continues to grow each year, providing a space for fans to connect, celebrate their interests, and create lasting memories.
