Rise of Anime in the UK: London Card Show Celebrates Cultural Phenomenon in August

London, July 2024 – The Anime phenomenon has captivated the UK, growing from a niche interest to a mainstream cultural force over the past decade. As this vibrant culture continues to flourish, the London Card Show (LCS) is at the forefront of this trend, offering a unique blend of activities, special guests, and community-building opportunities. 

The upcoming London Card Show (LCS) will be an immersive experience and bring together anime fans, sports card collectors, TCG fans, and pop culture aficionados for an unforgettable weekend on August 3rd and 4th. It promises to be the show’s largest and most exciting event yet, uniting over 4,200 enthusiasts from around the world. 

The Rise of Anime in the UK 

Anime has seen a meteoric rise in popularity in the UK, driven by its rich storytelling, diverse genres, and vibrant characters. The cultural fascination with Japanese media, as noted by BBC News, has fuelled this surge, bringing anime into mainstream consciousness.  

In terms of viewership, some of the most popular anime series in the UK include 'Pokémon,' 'Attack on Titan,' 'My Hero Academia,' 'Naruto,' 'One Piece,' 'Demon Slayer,' and 'Jujutsu Kaisen.' These shows resonate deeply with fans due to their compelling narratives, complex characters, and high production values. 

Netflix reported that over half of its global subscribers watched anime in 2021, showcasing a broadening appeal across diverse age groups and tastes. This surge in digital consumption has significantly broadened anime's reach beyond traditional TV broadcasts. 

James Hughes, Director of Marketing for the London Card Show, highlights this trend: "Anime's rising popularity in the UK can be attributed to several key factors. Streaming services have made it easier than ever to access a wide variety of anime content. Additionally, the broad range of genres and storytelling styles in anime cater to diverse tastes and age groups. There's also a growing cultural fascination with all things Japanese, from food to fashion, which naturally extends to anime." 

 Impact of Streaming Services 

Streaming services have revolutionized the way UK audiences consume anime. A study highlighted in ‘The Everyday Magazine’ points out that the availability of high-speed internet and streaming platforms has been pivotal in making anime more accessible to a younger audience. 

According to Mercer, a notable portion of respondents aged 18-24 in the UK have discovered anime through streaming services like YouTube after encountering it on TV. Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming service, reported having over 5 million paid subscribers and 120 million registered users worldwide as of 2021, with a significant user base in the UK. 

Platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime offer extensive libraries and even simulcast new episodes, allowing fans to stay up to date with their favourite series. Shows like "Pokémon," "Dragon Ball Z," and "Naruto" have become cultural touchstones, with fans often discovering more series through these online platforms. This immediate access and variety have significantly boosted anime's visibility and popularity. 

 A Growing Demand for Anime-Related Products 

Consequently, there's been a substantial increase in the purchase of anime-related products also. From figures and clothing to trading cards and accessories, the demand has grown exponentially. Major UK retailers have expanded their anime sections, reflecting growing consumer demand. According to the NPD Group, sales of anime-related merchandise, including TCGs, figures, and apparel, have shown double-digit growth in the UK over recent years. 

Vendors at the London Card Show have also added more items to their anime offerings to meet this demand and offer more variety to the fans. 

 London Card Show: A Family Friendly Hub for Anime Enthusiasts 

The London Card Show is a testament to the growing influence of anime in the UK. This August, the show will feature a host of anime-related activities, special guests, and engaging events, solidifying its role as a central hub for fans. It’s designed to be a family-friendly event, where families can bond over shared interests, and people of all ages can enjoy a plethora of activities. 

Highlights of the upcoming event include: 

• Main Stage Events: Featuring a Whatnot Live Stream, the Topps UCC 23/24 collection box break, the Pokémon Trainer Challenge, and a live session with renowned Pokémon influencers Poki Chloe and Poke Dean. Fans can also participate in the popular 'Risk it or Leave it' segment for a chance to win exciting prizes.
• Special Guests: The show will host Former England footballer David James who will be interacting with fans and sharing his experiences. The August show will also mark the debut appearance of Star Wars Unlimited Artist Sandra Chelwińska.
• Cosplay Competition: For the first time, fans are invited to participate in a cosplay competition, dressing up as their favourite characters and bringing their cards to life.
• Interactive Zones: The Trade Zone, Live Streaming Zone, Creator Studio, Vlogger Zone, and Retro Gaming Zone will feature iconic video games such as Pacman and Street Fighter, providing immersive experiences for all attendees.
• Kids Zone: Young fans will enjoy a range of activities, including custom card creation, arts & crafts, and a dance lesson to the Pokémon theme song by Instagrammer Daisy of @daysofdaisy.
• Workshops and Artists: Renowned Lorcana illustrators Kasia Brzezinska and Emily Abeydeera will host workshops.

 Anime’s rise in popularity has fostered a sense of community among fans. The LCS aims to extend this sense of community into a live event, providing a space for fans of all ages to connect, share stories, and enjoy their hobbies together.  

 Harry Reynolds, Founder and CEO of the London Card Show, emphasizes the event's family-friendly nature: "The London Card Show is more than just an event for collectors; it's a place where families can come together, share their passions, and make lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of trading cards, there's something for everyone." 

 Katie Hughes, COO of the London Card Show, adds: "Our event offers something for everyone, from kids to seasoned collectors, creating a space where families can bond over their shared interests. It's heartwarming to see parents and children exploring the show together, participating in activities, and connecting with the larger community." 

 Join Us 

Whether you're a long-time anime fan, a TCG enthusiast, or someone looking to explore a new hobby, the London Card Show offers an unparalleled experience. Join us this August and be part of the cultural wave taking over UK. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.londoncardshow.com. 

For media inquiries or interviews with Tara Sands, founder & CEO Harry Reynolds or COO Katie Hughes, please contact: londoncardshow@plus1comms.com. 

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Editors notes

Sources

• Mercer, C. (2018). “The evolution of broadband in the UK: Development, impact, and future trends”. London: Palgrave Macmillan. 
• The Everyday Magazine. "The Rising Popularity of Anime." 
• Mercer, C. (2018). "Broadband Uptake in the UK: A Historical Overview." 
• Annett, S. (2014). "Transcultural Animation Fan Communities." 
• BBC. “Anime: How Japanese animation has taken the West by storm”  

About London Card Show 

Founded in 2021, the London Card Show was set up with a singular mission: to bring card collectors of all types under one roof. What initially began as a gathering of 10 tables and 40 attendees has since blossomed into a spectacular weekend-long event, attracting over 4,000 enthusiasts from across the globe. Their journey has been ignited by the passion of fans, having recently been crowned the UK’s Card Show of the Year! 

About Harry Reynolds, Founder & CEO of the London Card Show 

Harry Reynolds, a natural-born entrepreneur, embarked on his journey at a young age, continually seeking innovative ways to seize opportunities and bridge market gaps. His passion for trading cards began during university, where he turned a £10 investment into an impressive £10,000 after discovering the value of cards. Harry's YouTube live streams and TikTok presence catapulted him into the UK card community, where he gained recognition for his unique trading card mystery box breaks. With unwavering determination, he pioneered the London Card Show, and saw it evolve from a small gathering to Europe's largest card event. Harry's dedication has led to global recognition, and he remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive card community for enthusiasts of all backgrounds. 

About Katie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at the London Card Show 

Katie Hughes, driven by a passion for creativity ignited during her school years, found her true calling in the world of marketing. After a marketing degree at university and six rewarding years within Hard Rock Cafe's marketing department, she embarked on a remarkable journey with the London Card Show. Initially unsure of what to expect from the card industry, she quickly fell in love with it. Her marketing strategy thrived on ingenuity, emphasising community engagement over traditional methods and achieving an exceptional 7% engagement rate, far surpassing industry standards. Her dedication and vision were instrumental in propelling the London Card Show to unprecedented success, doubling attendance and vendor tables within a year. Her dedication to her role, her family's support, and her commitment to the event's success have made her an indispensable asset to the London Card Show's remarkable transformation.