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Prop and Weapons Policy
No functional props or real weapons are allowed at Anime San Diego 2026.
Realistic and replica firearms are not allowed.
Masks and face coverings are allowed.
Real knives, swords, guns, or anything considered or categorized as a weapon, or anything security sees as a danger to attendees, will not be permitted at the event or in any areas managed by or directly associated with Anime San Diego 2026.
All cosplay / costume props and weapons must go through weapons check, located at the front entrance.
Props will be inspected and tagged as checked.
Masks, cosplay accessories, blasters, lightsabers, foam weapons, and common cosplay props are allowed and encouraged.
Please use common sense. If a prop is dangerous to the public, you will not be allowed to bring it inside the convention center.
Note: If security finds any weapon, device, or object on your person that is deemed dangerous by staff, you will be asked to leave the event without reentry.
If you use any props or accessories in a harmful way toward yourself or guests, you will be asked to leave the event without reentry.
For any additional questions about our prop policy, please email support@animesandiego.com.
Let’s all have a safe and amazing time at Anime San Diego.
To be more specific...
Allowed Props:
Foam/Rubber/Plastic Guns (They MUST be inoperable and cannot launch projectiles)
Foam weapons, Lightsabers, lightweight plastic bats, bows
Swords constructed of light foam, plastic, wood or cardboard
Arrows if they are non-removable from their quiver or have a foam or no tip
Shields of all materials with no sharp edges
Staffs
Other items made from cardboard, foam, rubber and likewise lightweight materials
Obvious Sci-fi and fantasy guns and weapons are allowed
Prohibited Items:
Realistic and replica firearms of any kind
Tasers
Metal or sharp-edged weapons
Glass or stone props
Projectile weapons or any props or weapons that can launch a projectile
Brass knuckles
Real, replica, or simulated explosives, ammunition, chemical weapons of any kind, including but not limited to: Simulated bomb vests, cartoon bombs, bullets, hand grenades, claymore mines, firecrackers, pepper spray, mace, powder caps
Excessively noisy props including but not limited to: airhorns, bullhorns, whistles
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