The convention for 2014 moved to the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo , California , with its format similar to a Japanese festival , or Matsuri , with events occurring both inside and outside convention center buildings . Many staff changes occurred before the 2014 event , and the convention used badges with lanyards due to fan feedback . The 2014 South Napa earthquake occurred on Sunday of the convention , but did not affect the event . Attendance was again hurt due to the start of the school season and other anime conventions . Japan Expo USA went on hiatus in May 2015 as the organizers announced they were unable to meet its goals for the event
2014 South Napa earthquake
2014 South Napa earthquake
Japan Expo USA