About us
Explore Chicago and Japanese pop culture together! Our nonprofit connects newcomers and veterans 21+ older in friendly spaces to celebrate Japanese media – since 2006.
Join on Meetup first, then Discord! Your RSVP does not require Meetup+.
✶ 2026 PROGRAMS ✶
- Spotlights – Curated adventure plus networking – Sporadic
- Anime Showcase – Watch hidden gems and chat – Random Tues
- Anime Discussion – Book club for selected title – 3rd Thu
- Manga Discussion – Book club for selected title – 2nd Sun
- Art Lounge – Jam on your project w/ friendly regulars – Weds
- Anime Sampler – Watch this season together! – 3rd Sat / Qtr
- Meetups – Outings to movies, cons, festivals & more!
✶ BEYOND MEETUP ✶
- Take our quiz to find something new to watch.
- Listen to our podcast Anime’s Game Changers.
- Get quarterly emails on our milestones, local events, anime hits.
- See our Calendar & Guides for more to do around our city.
- Support our 501(c)3 to help educate & connect Chicagoans!
Upcoming events
11
Manga Discussion: Neighborhood Story (Full Series - 4 Vols)
Goblin Market Manga & Curiosities, 2868 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, USWe are reading the whole series - 4 vols in English edition
Neighborhood Story, known in Japan as 「ご近所物語」is a shoujo manga by Ai Yazawa 「矢沢 あい」is one of the first big manga series from the aritst who brought us "Nana" and "Paradise Kiss" which are some of the most famous manga series that straddle the line between Shoujo and Josei demographics. Her work tends to have a bit of an alternative or indie flair (depending on the decade) in terms of the fashion that she showcases.
Mikako Kōda is an aspiring fashion designer who attends Yazawa Art Academy in Tokyo and is slowly building up her clothing brand, Happy Berry. Having been childhood friends with her neighbor, Tsutomu Yamaguchi, since infancy, Mikako reassesses her once-platonic feelings for him when he suddenly becomes popular at school due to his resemblance to the singer Ken Nakagawa and begins dating Mariko, a popular and attractive girl.
★★★ IF LOGGING IN - SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★
DISCORD LINK: https://discord.gg/KMtNz4P (Please show up in person if you can!)Manga Circle typically meets on second Sundays to discuss a selected work of manga and its international relevance. This event is suitable for attendees 18+ with any level of manga knowledge or experience. We recommend reading the entire selection beforehand – spoilers guaranteed!
Manga Circle typically meets on second Sundays to discuss a selected work of manga and its international relevance. This event is suitable for attendees 18+ with any level of manga knowledge or experience. We recommend reading the entire selection beforehand – spoilers guaranteed!
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Getting the Comic
Please support Goblin Market if you can as they are our gracious hosts, they'll be more than happy to get you the title if its not in stock.4 attendees
Anime Discussion: Frieren Beyond Journey's End Season 2
·OnlineOnline★★★ SETUP DISCORD & WATCH BEFORE EVENT ★★★
• Anime Circle is a book club for anime, so watch the selection beforehand
• We take No Shows very seriously
• First meetup? We’ll take a moment to welcome you!Our events are free! No funding comes to AnimeChicago from Meetup+ and we pay to use this service. Donations are appreciated.
6 attendees
Past events
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