anime north protestors

Religious protesters showed up in Toronto to complain about Anime North

Anime North isn't just a three-day celebration for cosplay, manga, and Japanese pop culture—it's a congregation for sinning heretics, too, according to some. 

This past Sunday, a group of rallyers showed up outside the Toronto Congress Centre to protest the annual convention Anime North, now in its 22nd year. 

According to one convention attendee, a group of "self-proclaimed Texans" decided to spend the Lord's day protesting anime-loving world and "its lusts". 

They held posters saying "Jesus is God alone" (sorry Ryuk, guess you're not a shinigami then?) and other such signs indicating that cosplayers are headed straight for the fiery depths of hell (see you there Hozuki). 

This isn't the first year protestors have swarmed Anime North: last year's saw similar behaviour. Past attendees have reported being singled out and verbally harassed (to which they chanted "Hentai! Hentai!" back at rallyers). 

Another sign from this year (a personal favourite) said: "Enjoying your 'self' with sports, entertainment, partying, acting 'cool', looking 'hot' is your worldly pleasure and temporary." 

Sorry cosplayers, I guess you'll have to find another way to make senpai notice you.

Lead photo by

@gmacleod4083


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Runner turns Toronto map into a giant cartoon animation

Here's how to get tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Toronto

William Nylander models for new Toronto Maple Leafs collab with OVO

Toronto's free outdoor skating rinks are about to open for the season

Toronto Raptor pulled over by police before attending party at nightclub

Andre 3000 just performed a set wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey

Ex-Toronto Raptor OG Anunoby had hilarious encounter with Anne Hathaway

Toronto Blue Jays fans seem annoyed team is posting about Taylor Swift