Naka-Kon encourages members of the press, including news reporters, student reporters, content creators, and more to apply for the 2026 Press Program!
Naka-Kon offers two tiers of perks for creators and journalists
- Press Corps Membership
- Complimentary Weekend Badge for you and up to 3 guests
- Special Access Pass
- Special Access Pass
- Pass allowing filming/photography during the convention
Applications for 2026 Press Program will be accepted starting on October 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026.
All requests are at the sole discretion of Naka-Kon and are not guaranteed to be approved. Members of the Press Program and the Special Access Program who are approved are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
Photography/Videography
Photography and videography is welcome at Naka-Kon by those who hold Special Access passes. We ask that any photo backdrops or static photo settings, with or without additional hardware, be set up away from any official Convention settings, such as during Cosplay Photography by convention staff, and to clearly identify themselves as members of the media, and not Convention Staff. This is to reduce the opportunity for confusion by attendees and staff. Photographers and videographers are reminded that they are to defer to staff, including PR Staff, Access Control, Photo/Video staff, or Convention Directors when asked to move or tear down a setting.
Interviews
Attendees: Members of the program may set up and conduct interviews in common areas with the consent of the attendees, provided they are not disruptive to attendees or the convention. Access Control or building security may request that members of the program conduct their interviews in another location if the current location impedes traffic.
Guests: All interview requests for guests are subject to approval from the guest management team. If your interview is approved, the PR Team will contact you with further information. Guest interviews will be arranged prior to the convention. You may need to submit questions to the PR Team for approval before the convention. Please ensure to submit any questions or requests by the deadline communicated by the PR Team.
Naka-Kon Staff: Interviews with Volunteers and Staff not allowed. Please contact PR@Naka-Kon.com for any interview requests or questions.
Panels
Any coverage must not interfere with the operation of panels. If you wish to take photographs of or record a panel, you must obtain permission from the panelists beforehand. A Special Access Pass does not guarantee you entry to a panel, nor does it provide you early entry, as many attendees line up in advance to gain entry into some of our most popular panels. If you are interested in covering a panel, you may line up in the queue with other attendees. A Special Access Pass is not a substitute for a valid photo ID. You must still obtain an 18+ wristband in order to attend any 18+ events.
Paid Events
Special Access Pass holders are exempt from the fees associated with paid events (Lolita Tea Party, Maid Café, Bunny Bar, Charity Ball, Saké Tastings), provided they are attending the event to provide coverage and NOT to participate. You do not need to be there when the doors open for these events, but your entry must not cause a disruption. This is at the discretion of Access Control Director, or the event’s coordinator.
Other Events
Special Access Pass holders are also welcome to cover non-paid events that are not panels. These may include concerts, dance parties, the cosplay contests, charity events, and Kon Events relating to the interactive story line. If you are interested in covering the concerts or dance parties, you must indicate as such by contacting PR@Naka-Kon.com. If you take any photographs of any Japanese guests, please know that there are different publishing rules. You must submit and obtain permission from PR staff before you can publish any photos of Japanese guests. If you do not obtain prior approval before publishing, you will be barred from the Press Program at the discretion of the PR Director.
Additional Notes
All members of the Press Program are subject to the same rules and policies as convention attendees, including dress codes and harassment policies. Violation of any of these rules is grounds for revoking of your Press Program membership, and potential banishment from future events. Press Program members must wear their Weekend Badge and Special Access Pass at all times when filming in convention space. If you are not currently photographing or filming, you are not obligated to wear your Special Access Pass.
Members of the program who abuse badge privileges in any way may have their Press Program membership revoked and may not be eligible to attend future conventions. If such an abuse occurs, convention committee members, or the Press Director have the authority to revoke Press Program membership privileges.
Naka-Kon reserves the right to pursue removal or modification of content that is in violation of these rules, infringes on our rights, or would expose Naka-Kon to legal action. Naka-Kon reserves the right to escalate these pursuits to official take down notices, Cease and Desist documentation, or other actions as appropriate. Naka-Kon guarantees, however, that your content will not be policed for opinions, and urges you to share honest feedback and thoughts on the convention and our events. This feedback helps us improve the convention experience for future events.
Naka-Kon reserves the right to use small, selected quotes (in appropriate context as to not change the intent of the quote) or to share work (such as YouTube videos) resulting from the access we grant you, in social media channels or other platforms, as well as to a limited extent in our advertising. Naka-Kon claims no ownership over your content.
If you have any questions, please contact PR@naka-kon.com.