Hello, Everyone!

It is my pleasure to introduce you all to SoCal Anime Events (@socalanimeevents on Instagram). They are a rising star in the SoCal anime scene. Based largely in Orange County and parts of LA, this fast-growing Instagram creator has been making some waves in just a few short weeks—going from just over 5,000 followers at the time of scheduling this interview to now over 8,000. 

Their page is quickly becoming the go-to hub for local anime events, pop-up updates, and convention coverage in Southern California. With that kind of momentum (and quality content to match), it is my pleasure here at The Anime View to interview Hugo Moroyoqui, the creator behind SoCal Anime Events. 

This post is a write-up of our interview. Today, Hugo has agreed to sit down with our editor, Peggy Wood, for an interview where we’ll get to know a little more about the person behind the channel. You can watch the video recording of our interview above. In addition to watching the recorded interview, you can view a copy of our initial questions and Hugo’s replies in the text of this post.

How did you get started questions: 

1. What inspired you to create “SoCal Anime Events,” and how did it all start? One of the most shocking things that I encountered as a barber was that all my anime loving clients had no idea that anime events or conventions existed. This shocked me as I didn’t realize how disconnected the anime fandom is in SoCal. That itself gave me the idea to create a page dedicated to informing local fans about anime events in their area. 
2. You have a great mix of large-scale and lesser-known anime events in SoCal. How do you learn about all of these events? It’s all based on my years of following different anime organizers and active community cosplayers!
3. How do you decide which events to feature on your Instagram? I’ll feature any events that are Japanese gaming—or anime—related. My only requirement is they must be at least 80% anime-themed. However, there are exceptions of course.

Managing questions:

4. What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you do? Only take on this task if you’re passionate to unite the community. The fandom and organizers will not trust you until you’ve put in the work.
5. How do you afford this kind of work? Assumably some things are free entry or press pass-related, but what about travel and other expenses?  99% of expenses currently come out of my pocket. At the moment I rarely get offered free entry or benefits. So I have to be strategic when it comes to choosing what events to go to. Especially how I can turn going into an event into content.

Professional opinion questions:

6. What trends have you noticed in the local anime/manga event scene for your area? Is there something you’d like to see more of in SoCal’s anime scene? I’ve been seeing a large amount of cupsleeve events and idol events rise this last year! Which is neat! I personally would like to see more events focused on being more interactive. Whether it’s through fun activities that gets the community moving or social aspects.
7. How do you think the anime event scene in SoCal will evolve in the next five years? I think we see many new things in the market. Everything from more collabs, bigger events, and larger community. 

More personal questions:

8. What’s one anime event or moment that left a lasting impression on you? For example, have you had any memorable interactions with followers or event organizers? For me it was seeing Weathering With You in 4DX. I was so amazed with the experience that I felt more people needed to be aware that events like that existed.
9. What’s next for “Socal Anime Events”? Any exciting plans or collaborations in the works you’d like to share? What is next is I plan to start a news segment on YouTube sharing information about SoCal, anime, and more. In addition, I plan to start a Discord group for SoCal. This group will be a place for everyone to find a community. Whether you’re a cosplayer, a content creator, or a regular fan.
10. Where can people find and support your work outside of Instagram? Right now liking every post, reel, and sharing on Instagram is the best! I do plan to open up a Patreon or Ko-fi if people could donate to support the cause!
11. Is there anything not asked that you wish someone would, or that you’d like to share? At the moment I can’t think of anything.

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Copyedited by: Katherine Cañeba | @kcserinlee and Krow Smith | @coffeewithkrow