St. Paul, Mn Goes Ninja: Emmy-winning Naruto Star Maile Flanagan Headlines Inaugural Anime Wonder Fest
Washingtoner/10300512

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Washingtoner -- Minnesota's anime scene welcomes a major new event this September as Anime Wonder Fest (September 20-21, 2025) debuts at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with a seismic draw:
Emmy Award-winner Maile Flanagan – the iconic voice behind Naruto Uzumaki – leads an unprecedented Naruto cast reunion. Joined by Tom Gibis (Shikamaru), Michael Yurchak (Tobi), and Doug Erholz (Asuma), the legendary quartet will headline Minnesota's hottest new pop-culture event.

Beyond autographs, fans will experience live voice reenactments, an exclusive cast panel, and immersive interactions with the actors who defined a generation of anime. The convention floor explodes with regional cosplay showcases, 50+ artist alley creators, Japanese-inspired food vendors, live music, and hands-on anime activities.

"We're not just launching a convention – we're igniting a next-gen anime experience where fans stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the legends who voiced their heroes," declares Xavier Sanchez, founder of Anime Wonder Fest. "Having Maile and the entire Konoha crew christen our first year makes this a historic moment for Midwest anime culture."

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Event Highlights:

• NARUTO LEGENDS UNLEASHED:

Maile Flanagan & cast live on stage – Q&A, voice performances & meet-and-greets
• COSPLAY SHOWDOWN: Midwest's most elite costume artists in spotlight competition
• ARTIST ALLEY: Discover boundary-pushing creators from across the region
• ANIME EATERY: Authentic Japanese food

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

• Capture Maile Flanagan's live Naruto voice performance (Saturday 2 p.m.)
• Behind-the-scenes access to cast panel and fan interactions
• High-energy cosplay visuals with Midwest's top talent
• Interviews with Xavier Sanchez on bringing major anime events to Minnesota

EVENT DETAILS:

• Dates: September 20–21, 2025

• Hours: Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. / Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Venue: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue N, St. Paul, MN 55108
• Tickets: Weekend Pass $39 (Children 6 & under FREE with adult)
• Website: www.animewonderfest.com

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PRESS ACCESS:
Complimentary media credentials available. Contact Xavier Sanchez for interviews, photography passes, or VIP cast access.

Konoha comes to St. Paul for one weekend only. Join thousands of fans where voices become reality – weekend passes grant full access to all Naruto cast events, artist discoveries, and unforgettable moments. Limited quantities remain at launch pricing.

About Anime Wonder Fest:
Launching in 2025, Anime Wonder Fest is Minnesota's immersive celebration of Japanese pop culture, featuring A-list voice talent, regional artists, and interactive fan experiences. Our mission: Make the Twin Cities the beating heart of Midwest anime fandom.

Xavier Sanchez
Founder, Anime Wonder Fest®
press@animewonderfest.com
(347) 586-9447
www.animewonderfest.com

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