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Friday
Welcome to Opening Ceremonies, where we introduce you to the fabulous world of this weekend's convention! The wait is finally over, it's party time! Let's get the convention started! Join us as we introduce you to some of the convention's amazing guests, do a little housekeeping with rules and safety, and learn about all the fun events that will be taking place over the weekend!
J-Pop: Anime Openings - US vs JP [by Zenbu-ita]
We're gonna watch JP and US openings to the "same" shows and see the differences. Growing up with Pokemon, Sailor Moon + more Toonami, and 4KidsTV "shenanigans" I watched a lot of anime that just felt like "normal cartoons" until I learned more about the Japanese source material. With all the changes from what aired in the US with censors and localization choices (dubbing songs, new music, refocusing plot, etc.) it's cool and crazy to see how different the lens makes the view. Come join me to view and discuss openings of nostalgic anime, etc. ~ Hoto from Zenbu-itadaku Re:Cover
Fighting Games and You! For Fun or For Glory!
Whether you’ve never touched a controller, or you’ve been gaming since the 90’s, this is place to come talk about all things fighting games! What is and isn’t a fighting game? What should I play? What controllers should I use? How do I get better? Let’s talk about that! (Or just listen to the host rant about how much they love fighting games, that’s always an option.)
Cosplay Pajama Party!
Get cozy and join us for a fun-filled cosplay pajama party! Whether you're rocking character-inspired sleepwear, a comfy onesie, or just want to chill in your favorite loungewear, this is the perfect place to relax and connect with fellow cosplayers. Enjoy games, music, and casual cosplay fun in a laid-back setting. Bring your friends, show off your creative pajama-inspired looks, and make some unforgettable memories. It's the ultimate slumber party vibe—cosplay style!
Attack on Titan, Sk8 The Infinity
Ranting, Raving, and Rolling Thunder - An hour with Greg Ayres
Recommended
Come spend an hour with voice actor Greg Ayres as he answers questions about all projects, old and new. You can be sure he’ll be talking about New projects like Saiyuki Reload Zeroin, Dark Gathering, Haikyu, Alice in Borderland, GetterRobo Arc, as well as any your favorites titles as well. After spending over two decades working in an industry that he used to be a fan of, he has been able to watch some amazing changes take place.. A fan boy till the end, he’ll also talk about the fact that while everything around him maybe changing - some things will always remain the same (for him).
Drawing swap challenge
Hey everyone! How about we spice things up a bit? Let’s get our imaginations going and trade our drawings with each other! It’ll be super cool to see how your artwork changes by the time it comes back to you. Let’s have a blast and see what we can create together!
Get ready, it’s time for the game show with lots of Whammies and lots of Big Bucks! Three players will answer questions to earn spins on our big board which is loaded with goodies, prizes and cash to spend in our prize coffers, but be careful! There are also some Whammies that would love to take everything away! Only the player with the most bucks at the end of the game gets to keep it all and maybe come back next year and do it again!
Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy
Quinton Flynn has done numerous anime and video game voices. Some of his most prominent voice roles include Reno, Axel, Raiden, and Doctor Riddles. Quinton’s voice has been burning up film and television since he first arrived in Los Angeles from his native Cleveland. He is an A-list voice actor, having played such famous animated characters as Jonny Quest, Spiderman, Speed Racer, The Human Torch, Timon, Snowbell in Stuart Little, just to name a few. His television and film appearances include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, King of Queens, Animaniacs, Woody Woodpecker, Robot Chicken, and many more. His best known roles in video game franchises have been his work providing the english voices of Raiden in the Metal Gear Solid series, Axel in Kingdom Hearts II, and Reno in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children the motion picture. If you’re hip to the anime scene you’ll know him as Iruka-sensei and Deidara in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, Marcus Damon in Digimon Data Squad, and Carl in Blood+, to name a few.
Join us to participate in a real sword class, utilizing the tactics and techniques of Japan's most infamous warriors, taught by a professional swordsman. Bokken provided. Sorry, but you can't bring your own sword.
Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors w/ Tom and Dorothy Fahn
Recommended
Let’s talk about VO! How we got here, how you can get started – and be ready for some volunteer audience participation on the mic! Volunteers will receive a little thank-you gift!
It’s everybody’s game of strategy, knowledge and fun! Defeat your opponent in a game of tic-tac-toe where every X or O is awarded by answering a trivia question! Score a Tic Tac Dough and you win prizes and a chance at taking home the bonus…if you can avoid the dragon! There is a tryout to get onto the show; check the schedule for its time and location!
Get Your Hands Off Me! Self Defense w/ Samurai Dan
Recommended
Join Samurai Dan and Jillian as they teach you all about the art of self defense!
Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure
Dating Advice from Yuri On Ice Voice Actor, Oscar Seung!
Recommended
Who's ready for real talk? Relationships, dating, and marriage, OH MY. Let's de-mystify relationships together!
SENPAI, NOTICE ME! 18+ dating game
Get ready for flirty chaos, suggestive questions, and unfiltered fun! Join the sultry and sharp tongued Veronica Lilac as she hosts this 18+ anime themed dating game where bold cosplayers and daring singles shoot their shot all without seeing each other first.
Three mystery contestants. One chooser. Spicy questions. Wild answers. And a big reveal you won’t forget.
Naruto, Delicious in Dungeon
FFD Presents: The Bunny Bar (21+)
When the sun sets on the con floor, the real magic begins. Join The Forbidden Fandom Dames—your favorite nerdlesque troupe—for a sultry, geek-chic escape in our exclusive 21+ lounge. Sip on cocktails, mingle with fellow anime lovers, and enjoy pop-up performances, cheeky games, and just the right amount of sparkle and sass. Whether you're here to flirt, chill, or nerd out over your latest obsession, this is your after-hours haven. Mature content, mature fans, unforgettable vibes.
Akame ga Parasyte Wars Academia - Voiceover Q&A with Jay Hickman
Recommended
Jay began his career in anime in the 1990s, when he landed his first role at ADV Films in Master of Mosquiton. Since then, he has appeared in more than 100 titles with studios including ADV Films, Funimation, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Okratron 5000, and others. As a character actor, Jay has been able to voice a broad variety of colorful roles, with the occasional romantic lead thrown in for good measure. His notable credits over the past two decades are Mechazawa in Cromartie High School, Spitfire in Air Gear, Sho Zama in Aura Battler Dunbine, Shiryu in Saint Seiya, Chuu and Hammond in One Piece, Kagetane Hiruko in Black Bullet, Chief Kurama in Elfen Lied, Koji in Generator Gawl, Toru Watanabe in Excel Saga, The Fool in Kaleido Star, Crusty in Log Horizon, SSS in Madlax, Dera Mochimazzi in Tamako Market, Sanetoshi Watase in Penguindrum, Prince Mytho in Princess Tutu, and Giraffe in Revue Starlight, among many others. Jay’s voice has also been featured in the live action features Dark Water, Synesthesia, Conduct Zero, The Fuccons, Touching Wild Horses, Gamera – Attack of Legion, as well as in the video game Unlimited Saga. Jay had his Toonami debut playing Dr. Stylish in Akame ga KILL!, followed by Shiro Kuramori in Parasyte – the maxim, Joichiro Yukihira in Food Wars!, and most recently, Taneo Tokuda in My Hero Academia.
Cards Against Humanity with your suggestions!! (+18 ONLY)
Watch some friends all get together and play Cards Against Humanity with a little twist. The twist being that you'll all be the ones writing the cards they gave to choose between! Write whatever you want and we'll have to read it!
Saturday
Two contestants compete to try to solve a rebus puzzle hidden behind 25 numbered squares. In order to see the puzzle, they must eliminate the squares by matching hidden prizes behind them. Solving the puzzle earns the contestant all the prizes they matched along the way and earns them a shot at the bonus round where they can win a bonus prize!
My Hero Academia
Saturday: 10:00am - 10:50am •
Meetups
Q&A: Making music, covers, and more! [by Zenbu-ita]
Zenbu-itadaku Re:Cover (Zenbu-ita) is an emerging Mankato-based band specializing in anime/J-Pop covers. The band wasn't available for a mini concert this year, so I'm hosting a solo Q&A as the lead singer, manager, etc. here to tell you about the band, my experiences with J-Pop, cover songs (Zenbu-ita, Youtaite, and karaoke), writing music, music performance, and more. If you're struggling to pursue music or your other passions, then I hope I can help inspire and equip you to keep with it and finally do what you love. ~ Hoto from Zenbu-itadaku Re:Cover
Samurai; the ancient, majestic warrior class of Japan's 12th-19th centuries. In this main stage event the majestic, mystic, and poetic swordsmanship of Japan’s mighty warriors are brought to life with style and power. This authentic display includes an abundance of precision, skill, and of all things, humor. This fast-paced show mixes comedy and combat in a dizzying trip to 16th century Japan.
Spy x Family, One Piece
Saturday: 11:00am - 11:50am •
Meetups
Scaling your online Growth
Going viral is great, but how do you turn clicks into community, and growth into something that lasts? In this panel, digital creators and growth experts spill the tea on what it really takes to grow online today. From beating the algorithm to building trust, finding your niche, and dodging burnout, we're covering the strategies no one tells you. If you're ready to level up your content and get seen, this one's for you.
Dandadan, Fate
Saturday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm •
Meetups
We’ve had pretty long careers... you may have questions! Come ask us those burning queries about how we started out, roles we’ve played, or anything else within reason!
Anime Improv LIVE! (13+)
Join our expert improv actors for a unique blend of rapid-fire comedy and anime-themed scenarios. Completely unscripted and interactive, this panel promises a rollercoaster of laughter and surprises, where anime characters and plots come alive in the most unexpected and amusing ways! (Formally Whose Line is it Anime?)
Demon Slayer, Alien Stage
Saturday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm •
Meetups
Interested in voice acting? Full-time film, tv, and voice actor, Oscar Seung, spills ALL the tea. Zero gatekeeping in this panel. From breaking down a script, to audition tips and tricks, Oscar reveals his process on how to book and stay booked as an actor
FFD MAIDS Teach: Kpop Choreography
You see us open for cosplay contests, you see us open for burlesque. Now come dance with us! With spooky season coming to an "end", we'd love for you to come participate in this SWEET yet enticing dance workshop! Let us FFD Maids teach you our dance for this cons cosplay opener!
What's better than a sword? Is it a shield? A hammer? No, how about TWO SWORDS! Come learn the methods of two sword fighting, made famous by Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest samurai of them all! Class taught by one of the only swordsmen skilled in samurai dual-wielding.
Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail
Saturday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm •
Meetups
It Gets Better - Anime Con Edition with Greg Ayres
Recommended
The "It Gets Better" project was created in response to a string of teen suicides in 2010 by kids who were bullied because they were perceived to be LGBTQ+. Sadly bullying is something that happens to one in four teens. In the past few years we've even seen an increase in bullying within our own fandom. So let's talk about our experiences, look for ways to resolve these conflicts, and find resources that will allow us to help and support each other, and try to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Four teams of three play a game similar to Family Feud. Surveys taken before the con result in a game board with twelve possible answers. The object of the game is to find the top seven answers among the possible ones…finding one earns the team money. Finding one of the five “strikeout” answers costs the team a member! The surviving team advances to the next round and has a shot to win big!
Quinton Flynn, Oscar Seung
Identity V, Frieren
Saturday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm •
Meetups
Video Game Basics (using Unreal Engine)
Part 2 - 'Video Game Basics' will showcase some community (video) highlights followed by the basics of how to use the Unreal Engine. We will be importing our environment (created in part 1, '3D Modeling Basics') and doing some programming involving "skills and abilities" including animations and particle effects.
Cosplay Life Drawing Workshop
Welcome to artists of all skill levels! Join us for a life drawing session with a twist: Your models will be in costume! Don’t draw but want to participate? We would love to add you to our model lineup! This is an all-ages event, with each pose ranging from 15-30 second gestures to longer 5-10 minute drawings. Grab your sketchbook and see you there!
Apothecary Diaries, Kaiju No. 8
Saturday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm •
Meetups
3D Modeling Basics (using Blender)
Part 1 - '3D Modeling Basics' will provide you with the fundamentals of 3D modeling and how to apply it to 3D prints, image/video renders, and video games. We will make a model of the room while discussing various topics and then, bring it into the Unreal Engine in our second panel.
The Cosplay Contest is our mainstage costume and cosplay competition, featuring some of the most spectacular costumes around. Have an amazing cosplay? Think it's worthy of a prize or medal? Come and show it off in our mainstage costume and cosplay competition! Contestants are judged on workmanship and performance (complete rules can be found online or at the cosplay table) as they battle for the chance to qualify for the Cosplay World Crown and a free trip to Japan! Come watch some of the coolest cosplays and performances of the weekend grace the mainstage! Advanced registration is required if you want to compete.
GUESS THAT YUGIOH CARD
You think you know your Yu-Gi-Oh Cards well come test your knowledge and let's see if the heart of the cards is with you
Danganronpa, Persona
Saturday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm •
Meetups
Final Metal Gear Fantasy Hearts - Voiceover Q&A with Quinton Flynn
Recommended
Quinton Flynn has done numerous anime and video game voices. Some of his most prominent voice roles include Reno, Axel, Raiden, and Doctor Riddles. Quinton’s voice has been burning up film and television since he first arrived in Los Angeles from his native Cleveland. He is an A-list voice actor, having played such famous animated characters as Jonny Quest, Spiderman, Speed Racer, The Human Torch, Timon, Snowbell in Stuart Little, just to name a few. His television and film appearances include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, King of Queens, Animaniacs, Woody Woodpecker, Robot Chicken, and many more. His best known roles in video game franchises have been his work providing the english voices of Raiden in the Metal Gear Solid series, Axel in Kingdom Hearts II, and Reno in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children the motion picture. If you’re hip to the anime scene you’ll know him as Iruka-sensei and Deidara in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, Marcus Damon in Digimon Data Squad, and Carl in Blood+, to name a few.
Beyond MSQ: Exploring All Corners of Eorzea
Whether you're farming BiS gear or building a nightclub from scratch, FFXIV has something for everyone. This panel brings together players from all walks of Eorzean life—raiders, venue owners, crafters, GPosers, and more—to talk about the vibrant communities and niche experiences that make this MMO truly unique.
An Anime and My Little Pony Recorder Show
Watch a professional recorder player as he performs anime themes, music from My Little Pony, and related melodies, all on his recorder. A Q+A session will follow after the performance, where he will discuss how he adapts music onto the recorder for performance.
Fursuit, Vtubers
Saturday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm •
Meetups
Oscar Seung, Career Nerd: From Bullied to Funimation/Netflix Actor
Recommended
How did a loud, overweight, flamboyant, LGBT, Asian-American immigrant go from being bullied in school, to being a voice actor at Crunchyroll and a film actor on Netflix and Hulu? It all came down to three simple words: I. AM. ENOUGH. Come find out what he means and ask Oscar anything at his panel!
Jujutsu Kaisen, Baldur's Gate
Saturday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm •
Meetups
FFD Presents: Casino Cabaret (18+)
When the sun sets on the con floor, the real magic begins. Join The Forbidden Fandom Dames—your favorite nerdlesque troupe—for a sultry, geek-chic escape in our exclusive 18+ lounge. Mingle with fellow anime lovers, and enjoy pop-up performances, cheeky games, and just the right amount of sparkle and sass. Whether you're here to flirt, chill, or nerd out over your latest obsession, this is your after-hours haven.
The Ninja Clans want you! Come take part in the contest of the ages, where two teams of congoers compete for prizes, risking life and limb to show their ninja skills.
Vtubing behind the scenes
Ever wonder what really goes into bringing a VTuber to life? We'll pull back the curtain on the tools, tech, and tricks that power virtual streaming. From character design to rigging to software setup, branding, and live performance, this panel explores the creative and technical side of VTubing that fans don't usually see. Whether you dream of becoming a VTuber yourself or are just curious about how your favorites do it, come discover what it takes to run the show when your avatar is on screen and you're behind the mic.
When good dubs go bad! (18+) w/ Jay Hickman
Recommended
When good dubs go bad!
Join us for an incredible and fun Saturday night dance party as our DJs pump up the dance floor with epic electronic beats! AnimeCon.org's regular DJ Greg Ayres and a host of other talented entertainers will pack the house and bring down the roof with some great music to dance to. No bags allowed in. Strobe lights may be used.
Sunday
Anime Bingo!
Join us for a thrilling round of Anime Bingo, hosted by the Live Entertainment department! Whether you're an anime superfan or just discovering the world of Japanese animation, this event promises fun for everyone.
Bring your friends, your luck, and your anime spirit—prizes await those who can claim victory!
Let's Talk About Hobo Con and Hobo Culture
Hobo Con, aka the National Hobo Convention, is an annual convention held in the town of Britt, Iowa. This convention promotes and preserves the history of hobo culture, and hosts events related to the American hobo community. Other regional Hobo Cons are also held as well throughout the United States. Meet a longtime attendee and staff member of Hobo Con as they describe this annual celebration of the American hobo, discuss various elements of hobo culture, and explain the similarities between hoboes and anime fans.
All Things Samurai: Samurai Dan takes the stage, willing to leave no stone unturned. The people managing our zen rock garden are really mad that he keeps turning their stones, please tell him to stop. Ask anything (SFW) and brace yourselves, the answers are coming fast and furious as a sword stroke!
My Little Pony, Sailor Moon
Sunday: 11:00am - 11:50am •
Meetups
Create your own D&D Character
Guess the Anime Tune!
Come test your anime music knowledge! At this panel, we will be hosting an anime music quiz featuring endings, openings and other iconic songs from both anime TV shows and movies. Guess enough correctly, and you could even win a prize!!
Disney
Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm •
Meetups
A Link to the Panel - Let’s Talk Zelda!
If you like Legend of Zelda, this is the place for you! Come join the Live Entertainment staff to talk all things Zelda - theories, timelines, and more! (edited)
[6:46 PM]
Are you ready for a new twist on trivia? Greggo’s new game show asks questions that were put to 100 people prior to the show, and the object of the game is for contestants to come up with the answers those people DIDN’T say. The more obscure your answers, the lower you’ll score…and that’s the point of Pointless! If you’d like to be a contestant, make sure you’re there at the beginning and make sure you have a teammate!
Any time, as long as I have a gap before and after; 1 hr Ever wonder about what it takes to build a fursuit? How people can see in those things? What’s a handler? What makes a good character design for a fursuit? All those questions and more will be covered in this intro to fursuits and related cosplays, including an open Q&A. So come BEAR-ing your curiosity and let’s discuss fancy wearable carpets!
Marvel, DC, Bungou Stray Dogs
ARE YOU A POKEMON TRIVIA MASTER?!?!?!?!
Want to prove to everyone that you're the very best like no one ever was, then come prove you're a pokemon trivia master, see you there.
Con Swap Meet
Got old stuff? Want to trade it for other old stuff? Come to the swap meet and do just that.
A large number of anime and gaming fans deal with depression on a daily basis, and two years of pandemic uncertainty just added more stress to that battle. Many of us have turned to video games, and online communities for comfort and cool down. From gamers kept company by “lets play” videos and content creators, to acting mayors of towns filled with cute talking animals - come discuss how gaming and fandom have helped you through the rough patches of your day to day adventures.
Greggo hosts a lot of game shows, and many of them require surveys of at least 100 fans! In this panel, everyone will be taking a bunch of these fun anime and video game surveys for a future Greggo's Game Show! The surveys will all be provided via QR code so make sure you have your smartphones ready! And don't worry, there are no wrong answers. Test your knowledge and have fun! Door prizes for fans chosen at random!
Disabilities in the Anime Fan Community
Many people with disabilities belong to the anime fan community. Listen to an anime fan with a disability discuss the reasons why people with disabilities enjoy anime, issues people with disabilities can face at anime conventions, and how the anime fan community can be more understanding of people with disabilities.
You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. It's that time when we say goodbye to the guests, artists, and new friends we've made over a fun filled convention weekend. Don't worry, there's always next year, but if you can't wait that long check out some of our other great conventions at www.animecon.org!
