About Naka-Kon | Naka-Kon

What to Do at Naka-Kon

Scenes from Naka-Kons of the past showing attendees enjoying themselves

Every year, we bring your favorite voice actors, musicians, cosplayers, artists, designers, and industry experts to the Overland Park Convention Center. Catch guest panels and performances, be part of our cosplay competitions, enter contests, and learn about working in the anime, manga, and music industries.

We’re thrilled to provide a truly Japanese experience, including not just anime, manga, and cosplay, but also culture. Naka-Kon brings Japan to the Midwest in an authentic way, from panels about language, food, and the symbolism behind your favorite stories to saké tastings and cultural festivals. We also host a variety of fan panels, so you can celebrate the fandoms you love with people just like you!

Each year also brings an interactive story event where you, the attendees, play a role. Don’t miss out on a ton of fun with special events and live performances!

Naka-Kon began in 2005 as a single-day event at the University of Kansas. Since then, the convention has grown into a three-day convention with more than 10,000 attendees in 2016! Our attendees come from all across the country to celebrate anime, manga, music, video games, cosplay and many other facets of Japanese history and culture.

We celebrate all aspects of Japanese culture: anime, manga, music, design, gaming, and cosplay. Our programming celebrates not just the latest pop culture but also the rich traditions and history of Japan.

Naka-Kon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In addition to our event programming, we also do fundraising for charities that align with our commitment to sharing Japanese culture. In the past we have supported both the Miyagi Coastal Reforestation Project and the Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund.

The convention is open to attendees of all ages, with a mix of family-friendly and 18+ programming. We strive to provide an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, religion, or other demographic. You can learn more about our harassment policy here.

Anime Showings: Catch your favorite shows — both new and classic — in one of our showings rooms. We stream anime from Crunchyroll, Funimation, Aniplex and others around the clock!

Charity Ball: Dance the night away at our charity ball. In addition to our Waltz to the Moon competition we have a variety of activities to encourage to mingle with your fellow attendees. We’ll even show you how to waltz. Formal attire required. All proceeds go to Naka-Kon’s chosen charity.

Contests: Don’t miss your chance to showcase your skills in our karaoke, art AMV, Iron Fic, and Project Cosplay BJD contests!

Cosplay: Enter one of our cosplay competitions or watch your fellow attendees strut their stuff on the runway! Our guest judges host their own panels so you can sharpen your cosplay skills, too!

Exhibit Hall: The exhibit hall is home to more than 60 vendors and artists offering a little bit of everything. Whether you’re hoping to complete your anime and manga collections or find some awesome art to poster your walls with, you won’t be disappointed.

Gaming: Our gaming room is open for playing video and tabletop games. Stop by and enter in one of the tournaments, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Super Smash Bros!

Cultural Events: Our events are based on the interactive theme around our mascot Tomo and her friends. We perform skits during opening and closing ceremonies and host several events during the weekend. Team Tomo is dedicated to providing a fun way to learn about Japanese culture.