Naka-Kon is an annual anime convention held in the Kansas City metropolitan area, specifically in Overland Park, Kansas, United States. It is a multi-day event that celebrates Japanese animation (anime), comics (manga), and pop culture, alongside various aspects of traditional Japanese culture.
History Naka-Kon was founded in 2005. The name "Naka-Kon" is derived from two components: "Naka," a Japanese word meaning "middle" or "center," referencing the convention's location in the "Midwest" of the United States; and "Kon," a common abbreviation for "convention." Since its inception, Naka-Kon has experienced consistent growth, evolving into one of the significant anime and Japanese culture conventions in the Mid-American region.
Activities and Features Naka-Kon provides a diverse array of programming and activities designed to engage attendees of all ages and interests. Key features and common events typically include:
- Panels and Workshops: A schedule of educational and fan-led discussions covering a wide range of topics related to anime, manga, Japanese culture, cosplay, voice acting, and creative arts.
- Cosplay: A fundamental aspect of the convention, where attendees dress as characters from various media, including anime, manga, video games, and Western pop culture. The convention hosts a prominent masquerade (cosplay competition), costume contests, and opportunities for cosplay photography.
- Artist Alley: An area dedicated to independent artists who sell original artwork, prints, crafts, comics, and offer commissions directly to attendees.
- Exhibitors' Hall (Dealers' Room): A marketplace where retailers and vendors sell official merchandise, including DVDs, Blu-rays, manga, figures, apparel, accessories, and Japanese snacks.
- Gaming: Dedicated spaces for various forms of gaming, encompassing video games (console, PC, arcade), tabletop role-playing games, board games, and collectible card games.
- Live Events: The convention frequently features concerts, Japanese fashion (J-fashion) shows, cultural performances, and engaging opening and closing ceremonies.
- Guests: Naka-Kon regularly invites and hosts a variety of guests from the anime and manga industries. These often include Japanese and English voice actors, industry professionals, musical performers, webcomic artists, and other creators, who participate in Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and exclusive panels.
- Cultural Programming: Events and demonstrations focused on traditional Japanese arts, crafts, and customs, such as calligraphy, martial arts, and tea ceremonies.
Location and Dates The convention is typically held annually in the spring, often in March. Its primary venue is the Overland Park Convention Center, with additional events and accommodations frequently utilizing connected hotels within the Overland Park, Kansas area.