The San Japan x Nine-Tails Mini-Mini Con
Where: Wonderland of the Americas Mall, San Antonio, Texas
When: Saturday, June 14th, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

It was a hot humid San Antonio day outside, but it was a different matter in the air-conditioned confines of the Wonderland of the Americas Mall in San Antonio, TX this weekend. Nine-Tails, a unique anime and J-Pop culture shop set up in 2010 by co-owners Justin and Nati, in conjunction with San Japan, a local fan-run organization, held a “mini-mini con” for fans of anime, manga, and cosplay to come out, show their support for the upcoming San Japan: Samurai 7 anime convention, and pre-register for the main event coming in July at the HBG Convention Center in downtown San Antonio.

The event was free and open to the public, and by all appearances, well attended. Live music was provided and booths were set up both inside and outside the mall.

A quick word about Wonderland of the Americas: I think I can safely say – without exaggeration – that this mall has become ground zero locally for San Antonio geekdom. The spate of fan-related events held here on a regular basis, including the Sci-Fest, which was being held on the same day, has helped to resurrect the old mall’s fortunes and increase foot-and-shopping traffic in the venue. It was a great afternoon to hang out and mingle with fans of every kind and genre. All in all, I’d say the event was a success.

This writer will be in attendance at San Japan 7 this July, so keep your eyes peeled.