What is AniMarketplace?
AniMarketplace is a grassroots anime event focused on supporting independent artists, creators, and small businesses. Designed as a vibrant outdoor Artist Alley experience, it brings together fans, vendors, and performers in a community-driven space in the heart of Little Tokyo where creativity and culture collide.
Unlike large-scale conventions, AniMarketplace offers an accessible, inexpensive and inclusive environment for both newcomers and hardcore fans. Whether you’re here to shop exclusive merch, discover indie talent, or just vibe with fellow otaku, AniMarketplace is a celebration of fandom, art, and authentic connection!
What is The AMP Organization?
The AMP Organization is the event production group behind AniMarketplace. It is one part event production company and one part community organization. AMP seeks to create synergy and strike a balance between the needs of the anime industry and the fans and always strives to put the fans, artists, and community first and to provide a space and a venue where people can gather, network, socialize in a safe environment, and above all, for the anime community's enjoyment and benefit for all.
Our Sister Events
The AMP Organization doesn’t just host AniMarketplace, but several events that cater to subcultures and niches within the larger anime scene. Please check out our other events below!
TouhouFest
TouhouFest is a convention run by Touhou Fans, for Touhou Fans. It is held at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center in Torrance, California. Touhou fans from across the country will gather to celebrate the coming season and enjoy all the Touhou community has to offer such as art, music, and more!
Weebmart
By popular demand, AniMarketplace is launching a special event where fans and community members can sell their pre-owned anime merchandise! Going back to our own roots, Weebmart was established to provide a dedicated space for fans to sell their second-hand goods and merchandise. As AniMarketplace grew, we recognized the need for more space.
LA Idol Matsuri
LA Idol Matsuri is Southern California’s premier fan-driven idol music festival, brought to you by The AMP Organization. Since its debut, it’s been a one-day celebration where local and touring J‑Pop/Kaigai idols take the stage, surrounded by cheering fans waving penlights in full cosplay spirit! Recognizing that many idols apply and perform at AniMarketplace, AMP decided to create another spin-off event, this time dedicated to the Idols, Idol Culture and Idol fans!
Little Tokyo Zine Fest
Welcome to AMP’s fifth official event division: Little Tokyo Zine Fest! This one’s all about shining a spotlight on zine makers, artists, and all-around creative folks. We’re bringing that DIY energy right into the heart of Little Tokyo, just like our sister event, AniMarketplace!
LT Zine Fest was born out of a simple idea: creators deserve more spaces to share, connect, and grow. Southern California’s art scene is huge and full of life, and AMP wants to help keep that energy flowing. We’re here to make room for small businesses, artists, and makers to do what they do best — create and build community.
Our Story
AniMarketplace began in 2019, born from a simple but powerful idea: to create a space where anime fans and indie creators could come together in a more personal, community-focused setting. At the time, the Southern California convention scene was booming with large-scale events—but something was missing. Smaller artists and vendors often struggled to find their footing, and fans craved something more grassroots, accessible, and authentic.
Recognizing this gap, the very first AniMarketplace was launched in Little Tokyo at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) as a curated artist alley experience with some light performances from various local groups.
Despite its humble beginnings, the event quickly gained traction. Word spread among artists and congoers alike, "This feels like home." Over the years, AniMarketplace has moved to the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) and has been there since. We would not be where we are today if it were not for the Little Tokyo community and we will always be there to support the community that helped get us started.
Although AniMarketplace has grown and evolved, it remains proudly independent, grassroots, and community-powered and focused, just like it started in 2019.
