[{"nid":"1332","title":"Guest Announcement: Diana \u0026quot;Binkxy\u0026quot; Tolin","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are so excited to announce that \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/diana-binkxy-tolin\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiana Tolin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will be joining us again this year! Diana has been an award winning cosplayer and member of the Anime industry for almost 30 years. She loves pop culture as much as she loves Japanese culture and has worked with some of the largest companies and conventions in the world including Marvel Entertainment, Nintendo of America, Square Enix, Aniplex, Anime Expo and World Cosplay Summit. She has represented and been the organizer of the World Cosplay Summit USA and now works directly with WCS Inc. as a member of their staff where she uses her knowledge of the cosplay community to support cosplayers from around the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EShe has brought multiple international cosplay events to the United States and as the Director of Cosplay at Holiday Matsuri, has helped to develop the Winter Cosplay Championship, the largest qualifier of international cosplay events in the United States. She has been a guest curator and speaker for the world of cosplay and has worked with Japan Foundation New York and the Japan Information and Cultural Center, Embassy of Japan in Washington DC. It is her pleasure to return to Naka-Kon as a guest and to welcome cosplay Naka-ma to Holiday Matsuri and the WCC!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are so excited to announce that \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/diana-binkxy-tolin\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiana Tolin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will be joining us again this year! Diana has been an award winning cosplayer and member of the Anime industry for almost 30 years. She loves pop culture as much as she loves Japanese culture and has worked with some of the largest companies and conventions in the world including Marvel Entertainment, Nintendo of America, Square Enix, Aniplex, Anime Expo and World Cosplay Summit.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Diana_Tolin-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Cosplay","link":"\/news\/2025-01-27\/guest-announcement-diana-binkxy-tolin","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1329","title":"2025 Cosplay Lineup Template","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, cosplay lineup graphics are ready! We have three variants ready to go. So show us what you\u0027ve got planned! We\u0027re excited to see your cosplays, fits, and coords that you\u0027re bringing to the con.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ETemplates are attached to this post.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, cosplay lineup graphics are ready! We have three variants ready to go. So show us what you\u0027ve got planned! We\u0027re excited to see your cosplays, fits, and coords that you\u0027re bringing to the con.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ETemplates are attached to this post.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Fri, 17 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-01\/Cosplay_Lineup-01.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/2025-01\/Cosplay_Lineup-02.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/2025-01\/Cosplay_Lineup-03.jpg","youtube":"","tags":"Cosplay, Cosplay Lineup","link":"\/news\/2025-01-17\/2025-cosplay-lineup-template","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1328","title":"Fan Panel Deadline Approaching [2025]","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHaven\u0027t submitted your fan panel application? The deadline for applications is this Monday, January 20th! \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.gle\/3Vnnsf16J2EEXkTo7\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESubmit your panel application today!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAll applicants will receive an email from Programming Directors within 48 hours after the deadline with details on the next steps of their application. Be sure to check your spam folder if you haven\u2019t received an email by then and email \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:programming@naka-kon.com\u0022\u003Eprogramming@naka-kon.com\u003C\/a\u003E with any questions.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EHaven\u0027t submitted your fan panel application? The deadline for applications is this Monday, January 20th! \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.gle\/3Vnnsf16J2EEXkTo7\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESubmit your panel application today!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 17 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"","link":"\/news\/2025-01-17\/fan-panel-deadline-approaching-2025","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1327","title":"Guest Announcement: Getty","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHello, Nakama!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re excited to announce \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/getty-ketsutei\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGetty\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as our musical guest for Naka-Kon 2025! Getty is a Japanese music producer\/DJ based in Tokyo, Japan. Getty specializes in intense EDM sounds, with a focus on UK Hardcore. His music is featured in many music games such as \u201cCHUNITHM\u201d and \u201cONGEKI\u201d by SEGA, \u201cSOUND VOLTEX\u201d by KONAMI and \u201cWACCA\u201d by Marvelous. In recent years, he has provided his music to \u201dD4DJ\u201d, \u201cHOLOLIVE,\u201d \u201cTHE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!\u201d and many others.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EPlease give Getty a warm welcome!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EHello, Nakama!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re excited to announce \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/getty-ketsutei\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGetty\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as our musical guest for Naka-Kon 2025! Getty is a Japanese music producer\/DJ based in Tokyo, Japan. Getty specializes in intense EDM sounds, with a focus on UK Hardcore. His music is featured in many music games such as \u201cCHUNITHM\u201d and \u201cONGEKI\u201d by SEGA, \u201cSOUND VOLTEX\u201d by KONAMI and \u201cWACCA\u201d by Marvelous. In recent years, he has provided his music to \u201dD4DJ\u201d, \u201cHOLOLIVE,\u201d \u201cTHE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!\u201d and many others.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/JP_Guest_Getty-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"","link":"\/news\/2025-01-16\/guest-announcement-getty","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1325","title":"Guest Announcement: BAN BAN BAN","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHello, Nakama!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re excited to announce our first-ever Japanese comedian and DJ guest of honor, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/ban-ban-ban\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBAN BAN BAN\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! BAN BAN BAN consists of the comedy duo of Hiromi Sameshima and Masatake Yamamoto and is famous for their performance act, Anison Disco. Anison Disco is a fun interactive event open to all ages and fandom, and attendees will be able to enjoy dancing (wotagei) to their favorite anime songs (anison)! On stage, Sameshima-san serves as the DJ, and Yamaoto-san cosplays and impersonates Frieza, the main antagonist of Dragon Ball Z, who is a favorite amongst the fans. Please give BAN BAN BAN a warm welcome to Naka-Kon, and please check out Anison Disco on the main stage!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EHello, Nakama! We\u2019re excited to announce our first-ever Japanese comedian and DJ guest of honor, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/ban-ban-ban\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBAN BAN BAN\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! BAN BAN BAN consists of the comedy duo of Hiromi Sameshima and Masatake Yamamoto and is famous for their performance act, Anison Disco. Anison Disco is a fun interactive event open to all ages and fandom, and attendees will be able to enjoy dancing (wotagei) to their favorite anime songs (anison)! On stage, Sameshima-san serves as the DJ, and Yamaoto-san cosplays and impersonates Frieza, the main antagonist of Dragon Ball Z, who is a favorite amongst the fans. Please give BAN BAN BAN a warm welcome to Naka-Kon, and please check out Anison Disco on the main stage!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Ban_Ban_Ban-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"dpEbbV540tI","tags":"2025, DJ, Performance, Japanese Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-01-14\/guest-announcement-ban-ban-ban","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1323","title":"Guest Announcement: Yaya Han","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! We are so excited to welcome our special guest \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/yaya-han\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYaya Han\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to our 20th Anniversary event! Yaya Han is a cosplayer, designer and author with more than 20 years of activity in the fandom world. Yaya has made over 400 costumes, been featured in two US Network TV Shows and countless magazines, books, newspapers and online media outlets, and she appears as a guest and speaker at hundreds of events all over the globe. Over the years, Yaya\u2019s work has impacted cosplay profoundly and has helped shape it into a commercial industry. Yaya is the first cosplayer to bring branded cosplay-focused sewing and crafting products such as fabrics, trims and a Yaya Han sewing machine to the mass retail market. She is also the first to chronicle a cosplayer\u2019s life story and the evolution of modern cosplay culture in the book, \u201cYaya Han\u2019s World of Cosplay\u201d.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! We are so excited to welcome our special guest \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/yaya-han\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYaya Han\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to our 20th Anniversary event! Yaya Han is a cosplayer, designer and author with more than 20 years of activity in the fandom world. Yaya has made over 400 costumes, been featured in two US Network TV Shows and countless magazines, books, newspapers and online media outlets, and she appears as a guest and speaker at hundreds of events all over the globe.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Yaya_Han-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Cosplay, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-01-13\/guest-announcement-yaya-han","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1320","title":"Guest Announcement: Sasara Sekine","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAttention, Nakama!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re proud to announce that \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/sasara-sekine\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESasara Sekine\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will be attending Naka-Kon 2025 as one of our Guests of Honor! Sekine-san is an actress, model, and former idol member of the group \u0022Houkago Princess.\u0022 She is currently the official supporter and MC for one of the world\u2019s largest pop culture events, the Tokyo and Osaka Comicon, and the MC for the official coverage and support program of the B. LEAUGE, the professional men\u2019s basketball league in Japan. Please give a warm welcome to Sekine-san!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EAttention, Nakama! We\u2019re proud to announce that \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/sasara-sekine\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESasara Sekine\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will be attending Naka-Kon 2025 as one of our Guests of Honor! Sekine-san is an actress, model, and former idol member of the group \u0022Houkago Princess.\u0022 She is currently the official supporter and MC for one of the world\u2019s largest pop culture events, the Tokyo and Osaka Comicon, and the MC for the official coverage and support program of the B. LEAUGE, the professional men\u2019s basketball league in Japan. Please give a warm welcome to Sekine-san!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Sun, 12 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/JP_Guest_Sasara-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Japanese Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-01-12\/guest-announcement-sasara-sekine","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1318","title":"Guest Announcement: Duff Cosplay","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are thrilled to welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/duff-cosplay\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDuff Cosplay\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as our Hallway Cosplay Contest judges! Duff Cosplay is a family that creates costumes and props to have fun and meet fellow cosplayers. They love displaying and our interpretations of pop culture characters. They create using multiple mediums including fabric, metal, and leather. Many of their cosplays incorporate electronics and mechanical systems. They have been humbled with great success competing around the country. Most notably winning Master class awards in Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago and Salt Lake City. They are most proud of the Judges Choice at San Diego Comic-Con 2018, Best in Show Nebraskon 2019, and 2nd Place Armor at Crown Championship: Midwest Region 2020!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are thrilled to welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/duff-cosplay\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDuff Cosplay\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as our Hallway Cosplay Contest judges! Duff Cosplay is a family that creates costumes and props to have fun and meet fellow cosplayers. They love displaying and our interpretations of pop culture characters. They create using multiple mediums including fabric, metal, and leather. Many of their cosplays incorporate electronics and mechanical systems. They have been humbled with great success competing around the country.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 10 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Duff-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Cosplay","link":"\/news\/2025-01-10\/guest-announcement-duff-cosplay","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1316","title":"Guest Announcement: Diana the Great","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPlease welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/diana-great\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiana the Great\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as our Hallway Cosplay Contest judge! Diana The Great is an accomplished cosplayer from the greater Kansas City Metro. She holds nearly ten years of experience in a variety of crafting and creative media; from sewing to foam work, wig creation, makeup, facepaint and more.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEntirely self taught, Diana\u0027s love for cosplay began with a fierce passion for the office Halloween contests, continually upping the ante every year until that admiration trickled over into the convention world where she also competed and began to rise in rank. As a master-level cosplayer, Diana\u0027s efforts are geared to empower others. She strives to educate with every cosplay that she creates. From the smallest detail to the biggest prop-- she loves to help! In addition, Diana actively seeks to bring representation, promote diversity and inclusion in all that she does, with a little of her creative flair mixed between. Her overarching goal is to show that cosplay truly is for everyone.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can find out more about Diana and her endeavors at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.dianathegreat.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Edianathegreat.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EPlease welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/diana-great\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiana the Great\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as our Hallway Cosplay Contest judge! Diana The Great is an accomplished cosplayer from the greater Kansas City Metro. She holds nearly ten years of experience in a variety of crafting and creative media; from sewing to foam work, wig creation, makeup, facepaint and more.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 10 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Diana-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Cosplay, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-01-10\/guest-announcement-diana-great","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1314","title":"Guest Announcement: Malinda Chan","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPlease give a warm welcome to our final Mainstage Cosplay Contest judge, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/malinda-chan\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMalinda Chan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMalinda Chan especially loves sewing and wig styling, and you might be familiar with the numerous tutorials she\u0027s created for Arda Wigs. Thanks to her clean craftsmanship and experience as a cosplay educator, she\u2019s been invited as a guest speaker and contest judge internationally.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EPlease give a warm welcome to our final Mainstage Cosplay Contest judge, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/malinda-chan\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMalinda Chan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMalinda Chan especially loves sewing and wig styling, and you might be familiar with the numerous tutorials she\u0027s created for Arda Wigs. Thanks to her clean craftsmanship and experience as a cosplay educator, she\u2019s been invited as a guest speaker and contest judge internationally.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Malinda-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Cosplay","link":"\/news\/2025-01-08\/guest-announcement-malinda-chan","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1312","title":"Turtle Smithy Cosplay","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are so excited to announce our second Mainstage Cosplay Contest judge, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/turtlesmithy-cosplay\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETurtle Smithy Cosplay\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Turtle Smithy has had a passion for breathing life into his favorite characters since he was a kid. His specialties are armor and props, but he\u2019s no stranger to sewing either. He has traveled far and wide as a cosplay panelist and judge. A few of his accomplishments include being the first winner of C2E2\u0027s Crown Championships of Cosplay and creating armor patterns for Simplicity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are so excited to announce our second Mainstage Cosplay Contest judge, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/turtlesmithy-cosplay\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETurtle Smithy Cosplay\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Turtle Smithy has had a passion for breathing life into his favorite characters since he was a kid. His specialties are armor and props, but he\u2019s no stranger to sewing either. He has traveled far and wide as a cosplay panelist and judge.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Turtle-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Cosplay, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-01-07\/turtle-smithy-cosplay","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1310","title":"Guest Announcement: Bee Nerdish","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are so excited to announce our first cosplay contest judge, \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/bee-nerdish\u0022\u003EBee Nerdish\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBee was born and raised in Georgia and has been deeply immersed in sewing, costuming and craftsmanship since 2011. She is inspired by all things whimsical and magical and focuses on creating pieces to emphasize her passion and creativity. Bee is also a plushie artist, and her work has sold nationally and internationally. Bee celebrates imagination and personality, focusing on empowering cosplayers in any stage of their journey.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can follow her on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/beenerdish.bsky.social\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBluesky\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/beenerdish\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@beenerdish\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETikTok\u003C\/a\u003E @beenerdish\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are so excited to announce our first cosplay contest judge, \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/bee-nerdish\u0022\u003EBee Nerdish\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E! Bee was born and raised in Georgia and has been deeply immersed in sewing, costuming and craftsmanship since 2011. She is inspired by all things whimsical and magical and focuses on creating pieces to emphasize her passion and creativity. Bee is also a plushie artist, and her work has sold nationally and internationally. Bee celebrates imagination and personality, focusing on empowering cosplayers in any stage of their journey.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2025-01\/Guest_Bee-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Cosplay","link":"\/news\/2025-01-06\/guest-announcement-bee-nerdish","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1308","title":"Guest Announcement: J. Michael Tatum","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, careful around that\u00a0\u00a58,000,000 vase! Break it and you\u0027ll have to work for one hell of a butler. Or is that something you want to do? Sorry, that was a strange thing to ask.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAnnouncing, voice actor for characters such as Kyoya Otori, Sebastian Michaelis, and Teyna Iida, give it up for \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/j-michael-tatum\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJ. Michael Tatum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, careful around that\u00a0\u00a58,000,000 vase! Break it and you\u0027ll have to work for one hell of a butler. Or is that something you want to do? Sorry, that was a strange thing to ask.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAnnouncing, voice actor for characters such as Kyoya Otori, Sebastian Michaelis, and Teyna Iida, give it up for \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/j-michael-tatum\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJ. Michael Tatum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Sat, 28 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-12\/Guest_J_Michael.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-12-28\/guest-announcement-j-michael-tatum","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1306","title":"Guest Announcement: Misako Aoki","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGreetings, Nakama!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re honored to announce fashion model \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/aoki-misako\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMisako Aoki\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will return as a guest of honor for Naka-Kon 2025! Appointed as the \u201cKawaii Ambassador\u201d by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Aoki-san has visited over 45 cities and 25 countries on cultural diplomacy as the leading representative of Lolita Fashion. She helped found the Japan Lolita Association and served as the first president. In addition to being a model, Aoki-san works as a nurse in Japan. Please give Aoki-san a warm welcome back!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re honored to announce fashion model \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/aoki-misako\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMisako Aoki\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will return as a guest of honor for Naka-Kon 2025! Appointed as the \u201cKawaii Ambassador\u201d by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Aoki-san has visited over 45 cities and 25 countries on cultural diplomacy as the leading representative of Lolita Fashion. She helped found the Japan Lolita Association and served as the first president. In addition to being a model, Aoki-san works as a nurse in Japan. Please give Aoki-san a warm welcome back!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-12\/Guest_Aoki.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Japanese Guests, J-Fashion","link":"\/news\/2024-12-23\/guest-announcement-misako-aoki","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1305","title":"Guest Announcement: Emily Temple cute \u0026amp; Melody BasKet","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHello, Nakama!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re excited to announce that the Japanese fashion brands \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/emily-temple-cute\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEmily Temple cute\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/melody-basket\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMelody BasKet\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, along with their President and Director, will return for Naka-Kon 2025 due to high demand! Emily Temple cute and Melody BasKet specializes in fun, feminine clothing suitable for casual, otome, and lolita styles. At Naka-Kon 2025, please check out their store at the exhibit hall, their fashion show, and their tea party!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re excited to announce that the Japanese fashion brands \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/emily-temple-cute\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEmily Temple cute\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/melody-basket\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMelody BasKet\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, along with their President and Director, will return for Naka-Kon 2025 due to high demand! Emily Temple cute and Melody BasKet specializes in fun, feminine clothing suitable for casual, otome, and lolita styles. At Naka-Kon 2025, please check out their store at the exhibit hall, their fashion show, and their tea party!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-12\/Guest_Emily_Temple_cute.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-12\/Guest_Melody.jpg","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Japanese Guests, J-Fashion","link":"\/news\/2024-12-23\/guest-announcement-emily-temple-cute-melody-basket","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1301","title":"Guest Announcement: Brandon McInnis","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma! Greetings! I hope you have a sunny disposition and are ready to sing some catchy songs for our next guest!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EGrab your Demon Slayer uniforms and make sure you\u2019ve filled out your applications for your hero internships! Because between fighting him as Gyuutaro in Demon Slayer and working with him as Sir Nighteye! Your hands may be a bit full! But if you\u2019re able to manage that you and him cause discuss which spouse you chose together with him as Alear in Fire Emblem Engage!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWarm up those voices to give \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/brandon-mcinnis\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrandon McInnis\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E a big welcome! If it makes him happy, he might just release Odysseus!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma! Greetings! I hope you have a sunny disposition and are ready to sing some catchy songs for our next guest!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EGrab your Demon Slayer uniforms and make sure you\u2019ve filled out your applications for your hero internships! Because between fighting him as Gyuutaro in Demon Slayer and working with him as Sir Nighteye! Your hands may be a bit full! But if you\u2019re able to manage that you and him cause discuss which spouse you chose together with him as Alear in Fire Emblem Engage!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-12\/Guest_Brandon.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-12-20\/guest-announcement-brandon-mcinnis","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1299","title":"Guest Announcement: Ray Chase","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhat\u2019s up Naka-ma!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAccording to the Oratrice Mecanique d\u0027Analyse Cardinale, it\u2019s time for our next guest announcement!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ETry your best not to get too hot as you step into the Malevolent Kitchen and no unfortunately, he\u2019s not taking applications for a fourth wife.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBut he\u2019ll be so happy to see you all, as long as you keep your greeting Flashy!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAnnouncing, voice actor for characters such as Sukuna and Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui, give it up for \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/ray-chase\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERay Chase\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWhat\u2019s up Naka-ma!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAccording to the Oratrice Mecanique d\u0027Analyse Cardinale, it\u2019s time for our next guest announcement!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ETry your best not to get too hot as you step into the Malevolent Kitchen and no unfortunately, he\u2019s not taking applications for a fourth wife.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBut he\u2019ll be so happy to see you all, as long as you keep your greeting Flashy!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAnnouncing, voice actor for characters such as Sukuna and Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui, give it up for \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/ray-chase\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERay Chase\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-12\/Guest_Ray.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-12-16\/guest-announcement-ray-chase","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1297","title":"2025 Hotels Now Available","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! We apologize for the long delay. Hotel blocks are now open for booking! Please visit our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/hotels\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehotel page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E for reservation links and room information.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUpdate 12\/13\/2024:\u003C\/strong\u003E At this time, Friday night at the Sheraton is sold out. Rooms may become available again as people cancel reservations or if the block is able to be expanded so check back if you missed out.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! We apologize for the long delay. Hotel blocks are now open for booking! Please visit our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/hotels\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehotel page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E for reservation links and room information.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUpdate 12\/13\/2024:\u003C\/strong\u003E At this time, Friday night at the Sheraton is sold out. Rooms may become available again as people cancel reservations or if the block is able to be expanded so check back if you missed out.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-12\/Hotel-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, hotel","link":"\/news\/2024-12-13\/2025-hotels-now-available","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1296","title":"Guest Announcement: Max Mittelman","body":"\u003Cp\u003EOkay, Naka-ma, I hope you\u0027re ready for our next guest! Did you all do your workout routine? Cause between the 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run, you\u0027re gonna need to summon your Persona and pilot a Gundam! Does that seem doable? If not I\u2019m sure our next guest, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/max-mittelman\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMax Mittelman\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, can give you some pointers on how to do all three. If you\u0027re nice, I bet he\u0027ll throw in some demon slayer lessons too! Let us know how excited you are for Max Mittelman returning to Naka for our big 20th anniversary!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EOkay, Naka-ma, I hope you\u0027re ready for our next guest! Did you all do your workout routine? Cause between the 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run, you\u0027re gonna need to summon your Persona and pilot a Gundam! Does that seem doable? If not I\u2019m sure our next guest, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/max-mittelman\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMax Mittelman\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, can give you some pointers on how to do all three. If you\u0027re nice, I bet he\u0027ll throw in some demon slayer lessons too!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-11\/2025-Max-Mittelman.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-11-29\/guest-announcement-max-mittelman","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1294","title":"Guest Announcement: Robbie Daymond","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma! These long nights got you feeling sad? Don\u2019t feel blue, our very own Tuxedo Mask, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/robbie-daymond\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERobbie Daymond\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, will be coming back to Naka-Kon for our 20th Anniversary! Just don\u2019t get too excited, wouldn\u2019t want him to summon Mahoraga on you!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ERobbie Daymond is an LA-based voice-actor \u0026amp; performer best known on-screen as Dorian Storm from the hit shows \u201cCritical Role\u201d \u0026amp; \u201cExandria Unlimited\u201d. As a voice actor he has portrayed countless lead and fan-favorite roles such as: Akechi in Persona 5, Megumi in Jujutsu Kaisen, Prompto in Final Fantasy XV, Spider-man\/Peter Parker in Marvel\u2019s Spider-man, Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon, Oden in One Piece, Chai in H-Fi Rush, Sorey in Tales of Zestiria, Mumen Rider in One Punch Man, Kayn in League of Legends, Shoya in A Silent Voice, Mitsuki in Boruto, Chrollo in HxH, Hubert in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Mori Jin in God of The High School, Kenshiro in Fist of the Lost Star, Haganezuka in Demon Slayer, Minato in Re-main, Flect Turn in My Hero Academia, Jesse in Infinity Train, Fret in Halo Infinite, Raymond in OK-KO, Professor Willow in Pokemon Go, Sway Sway in Breadwinners, Ikoma in Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Id in Gran Blue Fantasy Re-Link, Curious Cat in RWBY and Zhao in Yakuza 7.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma! These long nights got you feeling sad? Don\u2019t feel blue, our very own Tuxedo Mask, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/robbie-daymond\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERobbie Daymond\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, will be coming back to Naka-Kon for our 20th Anniversary! Just don\u2019t get too excited, wouldn\u2019t want him to summon Mahoraga on you!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-11\/2025-Guest-DaymondRobbie.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-11-22\/guest-announcement-robbie-daymond","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1292","title":"Apply to be a panelist for 2025","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAre you interested in becoming a Fan Panelist at Naka-Kon 2025? Head on over to our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\u0022\u003Eprogramming page\u003C\/a\u003E and fill out a panel application before the deadline on January 20, 2025! We know you have been sitting on some amazing ideas and we can\u0027t wait to see what panels you all bring to the table.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EAre you interested in becoming a Fan Panelist at Naka-Kon 2025? Head on over to our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\u0022\u003Eprogramming page\u003C\/a\u003E and fill out a panel application before the deadline on January 20, 2025! We know you have been sitting on some amazing ideas and we can\u0027t wait to see what panels you all bring to the table.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025","link":"\/news\/2024-11-20\/apply-be-panelist-2025","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1291","title":"2025 Cosplay Contest Update","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, get your crafting supplies ready!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is the official announcement of the cosplay showcases available at the 2025 show! We are excited to announce that we will again be partnering with Holiday Matsuri to offer the Winter Cosplay Championship Delegate Contest as part of the Main Stage Cosplay Contest. Registration opens January 7 at 6:00 p.m. CT!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ECheck out the 2025 rules, and learn more about the cosplay showcase events on our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/cosplay\/showcase\/main-stage-contest\u0022\u003EMain Stage Cosplay page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E#Nakakon #cosplay #cosplaycontest Holiday Matsuri\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, get your crafting supplies ready!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is the official announcement of the cosplay showcases available at the 2025 show! We are excited to announce that we will again be partnering with Holiday Matsuri to offer the Winter Cosplay Championship Delegate Contest as part of the Main Stage Cosplay Contest. Registration opens January 7 at 6:00 p.m. CT!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ECheck out the 2025 rules, and learn more about the cosplay showcase events on our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/cosplay\/showcase\/main-stage-contest\u0022\u003EMain Stage Cosplay page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-11\/Holiday_Matsuri-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"Cosplay, Cosplay Contest, 2025","link":"\/news\/2024-11-18\/2025-cosplay-contest-update","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1290","title":"2025 Sunflower Idol Fest Application Open","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\ud83c\udf3cSUNFLOWER IDOL APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!\ud83c\udf3c\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThis form will close on Sunday December 1st at 6pm CST. Final decisions will be announced on Sunday December 15th. Keep an eye out on the email you provided.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EFor details and the application form link, visit our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/sunflower-idol-festival\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESunflower Idol Fest page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003E\ud83c\udf3cSUNFLOWER IDOL APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!\ud83c\udf3c\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThis form will close on Sunday December 1st at 6pm CST. Final decisions will be announced on Sunday December 15th. Keep an eye out on the email you provided.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EFor details and the application form link, visit our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/sunflower-idol-festival\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESunflower Idol Fest page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-11\/sif-2025%20apps%20open.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"IdolFest","link":"\/news\/2024-11-01\/2025-sunflower-idol-fest-application-open","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1289","title":"2025 Exhibit Hall applications open!","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVendors and Artists of Naka-Kon, the Exhibit Hall applications are now open! The application period starts today November 1st and runs until Sunday, December 1, 2024 11:59 CST. We\u0027ll review all the applications during December and inform applications in early January.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EVisit our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/vendor-hall\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EExhibit Hall page\u003C\/a\u003E for a few more details about our exhibit hall and also the link to the application.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EVendors and Artists of Naka-Kon, the Exhibit Hall applications are now open! The application period starts today November 1st and runs until Sunday, December 1, 2024 11:59 CST. We\u0027ll review all the applications during December and inform applications in early January.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EVisit our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/vendor-hall\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EExhibit Hall page\u003C\/a\u003E for a few more details about our exhibit hall and also the link to the application.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-11\/Exhibit_Hall_2025-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"vendor, artist","link":"\/news\/2024-11-01\/2025-exhibit-hall-applications-open","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1288","title":"2025 Early Bird Tickets","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, it is time. \u003Ca href=\u0022\/registration\u0022\u003EEarly bird tickets for Naka-Kon 2025 are now available\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarly bird pricing runs through the end of this year. Also note: We have a very limited supply of VIP badges and they will go fast. Get them while you can!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, it is time. \u003Ca href=\u0022\/registration\u0022\u003EEarly bird tickets for Naka-Kon 2025 are now available\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarly bird pricing runs through the end of this year. Also note: We have a very limited supply of VIP badges and they will go fast. Get them while you can!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-10\/Early_Badges-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"","link":"\/news\/2024-10-17\/2025-early-bird-tickets","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1287","title":"2025 Staff Applications now open!","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStaff applications for 2025 are NOW OPEN\u2728 Help us create an unforgettable experience for our attendees. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/form.jotform.com\/241936024292152\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EApply at via our JotForm\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EStaff applications for 2025 are NOW OPEN\u2728 Help us create an unforgettable experience for our attendees. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/form.jotform.com\/241936024292152\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EApply at via our JotForm\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Mon, 16 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-09\/Staff_App_Open_2025_1.png","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"staff, volunteer","link":"\/news\/2024-09-16\/2025-staff-applications-now-open","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1285","title":"2024 Cosplay Contest Winners [Mainstage, Hallway, and IC4]","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma please give some love to the winners of the various cosplay contests this weekend! Check out the website for images, as well as more information about the contestants. Thank you to our sponsors for the fantastic prizing we were able to give out over the weekend: Holiday Matsuri, 3DHQ, Hammerspace, Arda Wigs, Oliso and Sewtites!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch4\u003EMainstage Cosplay Contest Winners\u003C\/h4\u003E\n\n\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDahlia and Bunny - Naka-Kon X Holiday Matsuri WCC Delegate Award\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EThunderforge Cosplay - Best in Show\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ECrazy Chibi Cosplay and Amaris - Best Skit\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EKitterBunz - Master Overall\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EStitchMonkey Cosplay - Master Craftsmanship\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EBetter than Toast Cosplay - Master Runway\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EBreannasplit - Intermediate Overall\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EDuckDuckMoose - Intermediate Craftsmanship\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ERDeesCosplay -\u00a0 Intermediate Runway\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EIronyIncarnate -\u00a0 Beginner Overall\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EPink Sheep Cosplay - Beginner Craftsmanship\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ELucinatti - Beginner Runway\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ETastyBranFlakes - Meow Meow Cosplay\u0027s Judge\u0027s Choice\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EPrincess Knight - Chibi Tifa\u0027s Judge\u0027s Choice\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EShroom - Diana\u0027s Judge\u0027s Choice\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EHallway Cosplay Contest Winners\u003C\/h4\u003E\n\n\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECrystal and Taylor - Hallway Best in Show\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EMajor Murphy - Best Master - Sunday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EKatherine - Best Intermediate - Sunday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESunny - Best Beginner - Sunday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EMelissa - Diana\u2019s the Great\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice - Sunday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ELady Silvernight - Aubin\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice - Sunday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESundrop Cosplay - Angus\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice - Sunday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EBad Ash Cosplay - Best Master - Friday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ETarah - Best Intermediate - Friday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ELacey - Best Beginner - Friday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EMaura - Diana the Great\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice - Friday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EEleanor - Aubin\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice - Friday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EMadison - Angus\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice - Friday\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EIC4 Winners\u003C\/h4\u003E\n\n\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe Boyz - Best in Show\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003E[Sen]tinels Valorant - Runner Up\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EYahaha! - Best Use of Materials\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESupport Team Special - Les\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ECare Bears - Sam\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ECamp Pain - Jasmyne\u2019s Judge\u2019s Choice\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma please give some love to the winners of the various cosplay contests this weekend! Check out the website for images, as well as more information about the contestants. Thank you to our sponsors for the fantastic prizing we were able to give out over the weekend: Holiday Matsuri, 3DHQ, Hammerspace, Arda Wigs, Oliso and Sewtites!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"\/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Dahlia%20and%20Bunny.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Thunderforge%20Cosplay.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Crazy%20Chibi%20and%20Amaris.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/KitterBunz.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Stitch%20Monkey.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Better%20Than%20Toast%20Cosplay.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Breannasplit.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/DuckDuckMoose.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/RDees%20Cosplay.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/IronyIncarnate.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Pink%20Sheep%20Cosplay.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Lucinatti.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Princess%20Knight.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/TastyBranflakes.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/cosplay\/contestant\/2024\/gallery\/Shroom.jpg","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Cosplay","link":"\/news\/2024-06-05\/2024-cosplay-contest-winners-mainstage-hallway-and-ic4","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1280","title":"2024 Shuttle","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama \u2013 in collaboration with VisitOP and Agenda USA, we are happy to announce the return of complimentary shuttle buses for attendees. The buses will run between the hotels and overflow lots and also to local restaurants and shops.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/about-naka-kon\/location\/shuttle\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBus map and schedule\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama \u2013 in collaboration with VisitOP and Agenda USA, we are happy to announce the return of complimentary shuttle buses for attendees. The buses will run between the hotels and overflow lots and also to local restaurants and shops.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/about-naka-kon\/location\/shuttle\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBus map and schedule\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Thu, 23 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-23\/2024-shuttle","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1278","title":"Naka-Kon 2024 is almost here!","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! Are you ready? Our pack of Inari are! Naka-Kon 2024 is in just a couple days with early badge pickup starting tomorrow (Thursday) 6 pm to 9 pm outside of Ballroom C*.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027ve got panels and events aplenty to attend, so check out our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/schedule\/2024\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2024 schedule\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to see all there is going on.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u0027t forget to look up what times our mainstays, like vendor hall or registration, are open. Those hours and locations are listed on our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/convention-hours\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Econvention hours page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe also have several ticketed events occurring this year. Limited space remains for the \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/kimodameshi\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Espooky Kimodameshi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/tea-party-fashion-show\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Efashionable Tea Party \u0026amp; Fashion Show\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/shop-misako\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShopping Experience with honored guest and fashion model Misako Aoki\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Our exciting \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/cos-lesque-18\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E18+ burlesque show, Cos-lesque!,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E also has some tickets remaining. So get yours today!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMake sure you know what\u0027s going on when, even when the internet is slow at con. We\u0027ve got a \u003Ca href=\u0022\/app\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Edigital program book\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! That\u0027s right, mobile friendly and super packed full of information. Installable on most Android \u0026amp; iOS devices via your web browser, just follow the on screen prompts and you won\u0027t even need internet access! Load it up at home and all the information will be at your fingertips no matter how slow the internet may be.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWhew. With that, we need a nap. We\u0027ll see everyone soon! Rest well and prepare for an exciting weekend!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E*Please note the change in the location of badge pickup compared to years past. Please bring your registration confirmation either printed or on your mobile device. Additional details on registration and badges can be viewed on \u003Ca href=\u0022\/registration\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ethe registration page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"Nakama! Are you ready? Our pack of Inari are! Naka-Kon 2024 is in just a couple days! This article is jam packed with information so please check it out.","published":"Wed, 22 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/Inari-Ready.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-22\/naka-kon-2024-almost-here","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1275","title":"Aoki Misako Video Message","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama \u2013 here is a video message from our fashion guest, Aoki Misako. Tickets to the \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/tea-party-fashion-show\u0022\u003Etea party \u0026amp; fashion show\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/shop-misako\u0022\u003Eshopping experience with Misako-san\u003C\/a\u003E can be purchased via our website\u0027s \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\u0022\u003ETicketed Event page\u003C\/a\u003E. Or you can go directly to our EventBrite pages for the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/naka-kon-2024-tea-party-and-fashion-show-tickets-901485516447\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETea Party \u0026amp; Fashion Show\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E or the \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/naka-kon-2024-shop-with-misako-registration-901501022827\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EShop with Misako\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E events.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama \u2013 here is a video message from our fashion guest, Aoki Misako. Tickets to the \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/tea-party-fashion-show\u0022\u003Etea party \u0026amp; fashion show\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/shop-misako\u0022\u003Eshopping experience with Misako-san\u003C\/a\u003E can be purchased via our website\u0027s \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\u0022\u003ETicketed Event page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"FwOW_LSQM-U","tags":"2024, Japanese Guests, J-Fashion","link":"\/news\/2024-05-21\/aoki-misako-video-message","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1274","title":"Industry Guest Announcement: Maison de minette","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJapanese Lolita fashion fans, we are excited to share the news that \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/maison-de-minette\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaison de minette\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E clothing will be available to purchase at Emily Temple cute and Melody BasKet booths! Please swing by the booth in the exhibit hall to check out this new brand. And don\u0027t forget to purchase tickets to the \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/tea-party-fashion-show\u0022\u003Etea party \u0026amp; fashion show\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/shop-misako\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eshopping experience with guest of honor Misako Aoki\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EJapanese Lolita fashion fans, we are excited to share the news that \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/maison-de-minette\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaison de minette\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E clothing will be available to purchase at Emily Temple cute and Melody BasKet booths! Please swing by the booth in the exhibit hall to check out this new brand.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-05\/2024-Guest-Maison%20de%20minette.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, J-Fashion","link":"\/news\/2024-05-21\/industry-guest-announcement-maison-de-minette","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1271","title":"Inari-kun Plush Returns!","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKon-kon! The Inari-kun plushie wait is finally over with help from Tasty Peach Studios! Inari-kun and friends are back with a bigger and blushier new design that makes them more huggable than ever.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThey will be waiting for adoption at the Naka-Kon booth in the exhibit hall.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EKon-kon! The Inari-kun plushie wait is finally over with help from Tasty Peach Studios! Inari-kun and friends are back with a bigger and blushier new design that makes them more huggable than ever.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThey will be waiting for adoption at the Naka-Kon booth in the exhibit hall.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Mon, 20 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/Inari-kun%20Plushie_Reveal.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"","link":"\/news\/2024-05-20\/inari-kun-plush-returns","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1269","title":"2024 Gaming Announcement: ReRoll Tavern","body":"\u003Cp\u003EReRoll Tavern returns to Naka-Kon! One of our local tabletop\/board game\/trading-card-game shops in the area, Reroll Tavern will be running the tabletop section this year, with a bigger rental library of games for everyone to enjoy. The Tavern will allow you to rent out a game to play with your friends while you\u0027re in the area. There will also be open spots available if you want to bring your own tabletop games to play with friends. There may even be campaigns of Dungeons and Dragons. Bring your Trading Card Game decks, too! You may meet up with other Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, One Piece, and other TCG players to play against.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EReRoll Tavern returns to Naka-Kon! One of our local tabletop\/board game\/trading-card-game shops in the area, Reroll Tavern will be running the tabletop section this year, with a bigger rental library of games for everyone to enjoy. The Tavern will allow you to rent out a game to play with your friends while you\u0027re in the area. There will also be open spots available if you want to bring your own tabletop games to play with friends. There may even be campaigns of Dungeons and Dragons. Bring your Trading Card Game decks, too!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Sun, 19 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/Reroll.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Gaming","link":"\/news\/2024-05-19\/2024-gaming-announcement-reroll-tavern","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1268","title":"2024 Gaming Announcement: Psychic Drive","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPsychic Drive returns to Naka-Kon! This popular Arcade Vendor from Michigan will be bringing their unique Japanese cabinets for free-to-play action throughout the weekend. KC Bemani will be joining forces with the crew to bring you a bigger arcade selection:\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDance Dance Revolution: Extreme\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ETaiko no Tatsujin HD\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EFlash Beats\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EDance Maniax\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EMonkey Ball\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EKickthrough Racers (2 cabinets)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EF-Zero AX (2 cabinets)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EInitial D: Arcade Stage 8 (2 cabinets)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ECrazy Taxi\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EPop\u2019n Music HD\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EWACCA\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003Ejubeat\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESound Voltex (2 cabinets)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EChunithm (2 cabinets)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EStreet Fighter III: 3rd Strike (VS)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EMarvel VS Capcom 2\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ETetris The Grand Master 2\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESonic The Fighters\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ETekken Tag 2\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ECapcom VS SNK 2\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESoul Calibur II\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EPuzzle Bobble 3\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESuper Puzzle Fighter II Turbo\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ETwinkle Star Sprites\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EHyper Bishi Bashi Champ\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EStepManiaX\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EIn The Groove\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EPump It Up\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EDance Evolution\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EBeatmania IIDX\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ECrossbeats\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EReflecBeat\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ESound Voltex\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003ENostalgia\u003C\/li\u003E\n\t\u003Cli\u003EMuseca\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EPsychic Drive returns to Naka-Kon! This popular Arcade Vendor from Michigan will be bringing their unique Japanese cabinets for free-to-play action throughout the weekend. KC Bemani will be joining forces with the crew to bring you a bigger arcade selection:\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Sun, 19 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/Psychic.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Gaming","link":"\/news\/2024-05-19\/2024-gaming-announcement-psychic-drive","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1267","title":"2024 Gaming Announcement: Circean Studios","body":"\u003Cp\u003EReturning to Naka-Kon is indie-developer Circean Studios. Based in Overland Park, this team is currently working on multiple gaming projects. The team will be bringing an updated version of their fighting game, Konsui Fighter for attendees to demo throughout the weekend. But that\u0027s not all of the surprises.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ECircean Studios will be having Konsui Fighter\u0027s first tournament at Naka-Kon on Saturday, May 25.\u00a0 Do you have what it takes to be the best? Sign up for the tournament using the link below. You will need to make an account on Start.gg, and there is no fee to enter! Winners of the tournament will receive copies of the game. 1st Place will receive a custom Mayflash F500 v2 Arcade Fightstick with the game art design.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-center\u0022\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022btn btn-danger btn-natural-width btn-md \u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.start.gg\/tournament\/konsui-fighter-nakakon-2024-attendees-only\/details\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESign Up for the tournament here\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EReturning to Naka-Kon is indie-developer Circean Studios. Based in Overland Park, this team is currently working on multiple gaming projects. The team will be bringing an updated version of their fighting game, Konsui Fighter for attendees to demo throughout the weekend. But that\u0027s not all of the surprises.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Sun, 19 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/Circean.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Gaming","link":"\/news\/2024-05-19\/2024-gaming-announcement-circean-studios","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1265","title":"NEW Autograph Virtual Queues","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHate the thought of standing in lines all con, but still want to meet your favorite guests at Naka-Kon 2024? \ud83e\uddcd\u200d\u2642\ufe0f We have good news for you!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EStarting this year, attendees will join a VIRTUAL QUEUE to get in line for autographs. Virtual queues open at the same time as the Exhibit Hall each day, and can be joined from the individual guest pages on our website or by scanning the QR codes in the Exhibit Hall. Simply join the queue for the guest you want to meet, go enjoy Naka-Kon, and get a text or email when it\u0027s time to come back!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce you\u0027re notified, return to the Exhibit Hall to check in for the autograph session and browse the guest\u0027s price list or merch options before it\u0027s your turn. VIP attendee? Skip the virtual queues entirely and speak with a member of Guest Relations staff at the autograph area!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/rules\/autograph-rules\u0022\u003ECheck out our full autograph rules.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you have questions, we\u0027re here to help - join us on our official Discord server!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ESee you soon, Nakama!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EHate the thought of standing in lines all con, but still want to meet your favorite guests at Naka-Kon 2024? \ud83e\uddcd\u200d\u2642\ufe0f We have good news for you!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EStarting this year, attendees will join a VIRTUAL QUEUE to get in line for autographs. Virtual queues open at the same time as the Exhibit Hall each day, and can be joined from the individual guest pages on our website or by scanning the QR codes in the Exhibit Hall. Simply join the queue for the guest you want to meet, go enjoy Naka-Kon, and get a text or email when it\u0027s time to come back!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 17 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/Naka-Kon%20-%20Autograph%20Diagram.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-17\/new-autograph-virtual-queues","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1264","title":"2024 Sponsor: Oliso","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are proud to announce that the cosplay contest has received some fantastic prizing from Oliso! Oliso is known for their ergonomically designed irons and pressing gear, and a winner from our Mainstage Cosplay Contest will receive an iron to keep their costumes wrinkle free. Learn more about Oliso and their products on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/oliso.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Oliso\u0027s web site\u0022\u003Etheir website\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-center\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022c973cf26-d131-4226-ab34-28327475c93b\u0022 height=\u0022434\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/2024%20Sponsor%20-%20Oliso.png\u0022 width=\u0022792\u0022 \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are proud to announce that the cosplay contest has received some fantastic prizing from Oliso! Oliso is known for their ergonomically designed irons and pressing gear, and a winner from our Mainstage Cosplay Contest will receive an iron to keep their costumes wrinkle free. Learn more about Oliso and their products on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/oliso.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Oliso\u0027s web site\u0022\u003Etheir website\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 17 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-17\/2024-sponsor-oliso","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1261","title":"Aika Kobayashi Photo Shoot","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAika Kobayashi will be holding a special photo shoot after each of her concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. Photoshoot slots will be limited and will be awarded by a raffle. For more details on how to enter the raffle, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/aika-kobayashi\/photo-raffle\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Evisit the raffle page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EAika Kobayashi will be holding a special photo shoot after each of her concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. Photoshoot slots will be limited and will be awarded by a raffle. For more details on how to enter the raffle, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/aika-kobayashi\/photo-raffle\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Evisit the raffle page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Wed, 15 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/Aika_Kobayashi_Profile_Pic.png","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Guests, Japanese Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-05-15\/aika-kobayashi-photo-shoot","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1259","title":"Announcing the Bunny Bar \u0026amp; Sake Lounge!","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, we have a new event for our 21+ crowd: The Bunny Bar \u0026amp; Sake Lounge! Spend the evening enjoying a drink with our lovely bunny girls and bunny butlers!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOur Sake Lounge is a chill bar where you can hang out and enjoy a drink with friends. This section is open to all attendees with a 2024 Naka-Kon attendee badge and a valid 21+ ID.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to the Sake Lounge, we have our \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/bunny-bar-21\u0022\u003Eticketed Bunny Bar\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E. In this exclusive section, you will be served appetizers, participate in a sake tasting, and play games with our bunny hosts to win fun prizes!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EJoin us in the Sake Lounge or buy a ticket for the exclusive Bunny Bar experience.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, we have a new event for our 21+ crowd: The Bunny Bar \u0026amp; Sake Lounge! Spend the evening enjoying a drink with our lovely bunny girls and bunny butlers!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOur Sake Lounge is a chill bar where you can hang out and enjoy a drink with friends. This section is open to all attendees with a 2024 Naka-Kon attendee badge and a valid 21+ ID.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Tue, 14 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/inline-images\/2024-bunny-bar.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Ticketed Events","link":"\/news\/2024-05-14\/announcing-bunny-bar-sake-lounge","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1256","title":"2024 Schedule \u0026amp; Ticketed Events Available","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! The wait is over! The Naka-Kon 2024 schedule is live, jam-packed with exciting panels, special events, contests, and more. We\u0027ve also released the 2024 ticketed events, including a few brand new ones!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ESecure your spot for these extra special events before they vanish faster than a shadow clone! Then head over to the schedule and start planning your weekend! Remember to check back closer to the convention for any last-minute updates. See you in just under two weeks!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022row  justify-content-around\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022col-auto\u0022\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022btn btn-outline-danger btn-lg\u0022 href=\u0022\/schedule\/2024\u0022\u003E2024 Schedule\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022col-auto\u0022\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022btn btn-outline-danger btn-lg\u0022 href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\u0022\u003E2024 Ticketed Events\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! The wait is over! The Naka-Kon 2024 schedule is live, jam-packed with exciting panels, special events, contests, and more. We\u0027ve also released the 2024 ticketed events, including a few brand new ones!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ESecure your spot for these extra special events before they vanish faster than a shadow clone! Then head over to the schedule and start planning your weekend! Remember to check back closer to the convention for any last-minute updates. See you in just under two weeks!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 13 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/In_running.png","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-13\/2024-schedule-ticketed-events-available","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1134","title":"Aika Kobayashi Video Message","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama - our musical guest of honor, Aika Kobayashi is coming to you all the way from Japan with a very special message! Check it out below and be ready to catch Aikyan performing live and hosting photo sessions after each concert on both Friday and Saturday nights of Kon weekend. That\u2019s May 24th and 25th - we\u2019re less than a month away now!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EDetails on how to enter the raffle to be part of the photo session will be shared next week.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama - our musical guest of honor, Aika Kobayashi is coming to you all the way from Japan with a very special message! Check it out below and be ready to catch Aikyan performing live and hosting photo sessions after each concert on both Friday and Saturday nights of Kon weekend. That\u2019s May 24th and 25th - we\u2019re less than a month away now!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EDetails on how to enter the raffle to be part of the photo session will be shared next week.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Sat, 11 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"-k9T8nCJA54","tags":"2024, Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-05-11\/aika-kobayashi-video-message","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1133","title":"2024 Sponsor: SewTites","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are thrilled to announce that SewTites has generously provided prizing for this year\u0027s Mainstage Cosplay Contest! SewTites has an array of sewing supplies, including their incredible magnetic sewing pins that hold your materials together without piercing the material! It even works on EVA foam!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002223594f0b-7f9a-4640-a443-a7ec400caae1\u0022 height=\u0022634\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/SewTites_Logo_IconName_Horz_Pantone.jpg\u0022 width=\u00222048\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 \/\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are thrilled to announce that SewTites has generously provided prizing for this year\u0027s Mainstage Cosplay Contest! SewTites has an array of sewing supplies, including their incredible magnetic sewing pins that hold your materials together without piercing the material! It even works on EVA foam!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002223594f0b-7f9a-4640-a443-a7ec400caae1\u0022 height=\u0022634\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/SewTites_Logo_IconName_Horz_Pantone.jpg\u0022 width=\u00222048\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 \/\u003E","published":"Fri, 10 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/Sponsor-SewTites-SQ.png","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-10\/2024-sponsor-sewtites","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1131","title":"2024 Sponsor: Arda Wigs","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-Kon is proud to announce that Arda Wigs will yet again be offering some incredible prizing to winners of our various cosplay related events this year!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002206cf2bc0-81a9-486d-b8e4-a45bed637860\u0022 height=\u0022703\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/ArdaNakaConAd.png\u0022 width=\u00221250\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 \/\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-Kon is proud to announce that Arda Wigs will yet again be offering some incredible prizing to winners of our various cosplay related events this year!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002206cf2bc0-81a9-486d-b8e4-a45bed637860\u0022 height=\u0022703\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/ArdaNakaConAd.png\u0022 width=\u00221250\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 \/\u003E","published":"Fri, 10 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/Arda%20Wig%20Vertical%20%283%29.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-10\/2024-sponsor-arda-wigs","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1130","title":"Sheraton Hotel Room Block - Additional Rooms Released","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! Sheraton Overland Park Hotel has notified that us that they have additional rooms available to book after receiving last-minute cancellation requests. \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/hotels\/sheraton-overland-park-convention-hotel\u0022\u003EYou can book your room online or directly calling Sheraton Hotel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama! Sheraton Overland Park Hotel has notified that us that they have additional rooms available to book after receiving last-minute cancellation requests. \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/hotels\/sheraton-overland-park-convention-hotel\u0022\u003EYou can book your room online or directly calling Sheraton Hotel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2024-05\/SM_Update2_11-29.png","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, hotel","link":"\/news\/2024-05-09\/sheraton-hotel-room-block-additional-rooms-released","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1129","title":"Emily Temple cute Tea Party and Fashion Show Tickets are Live!","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAre you ready to celebrate fashion with Emily Temple cute and Misako? \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/tea-party-fashion-show\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOur tickets for the tea party and fashion show are on sale now!\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E Seating is limited, so don\u0027t wait to reserve your spot for this special event. This year, we have combined our tea party and fashion show into one fabulous party - you won\u0027t want to miss it! Head over to our website now get your ticket.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EAre you ready to celebrate fashion with Emily Temple cute and Misako? \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/tea-party-fashion-show\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOur tickets for the tea party and fashion show are on sale now!\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E Seating is limited, so don\u0027t wait to reserve your spot for this special event. This year, we have combined our tea party and fashion show into one fabulous party - you won\u0027t want to miss it! Head over to our website now get your ticket.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Wed, 08 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Ticketed Events","link":"\/news\/2024-05-08\/emily-temple-cute-tea-party-and-fashion-show-tickets-are-live","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1127","title":"2024 Sponsor: Hammerspace","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027d love to thank our wonderful sponsors for providing us with the means to make Naka-Kon such a wonderful event! Hammerspace has been graciously providing us with incredible trophies for the cosplay contest, as well as adorable acrylic charms!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Hammerspace Logo\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00221d333f90-ac18-489f-b4c0-585091aabd24\u0022 height=\u0022853\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/hammerspace.png\u0022 width=\u00221600\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 \/\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027d love to thank our wonderful sponsors for providing us with the means to make Naka-Kon such a wonderful event! Hammerspace has been graciously providing us with incredible trophies for the cosplay contest, as well as adorable acrylic charms!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Hammerspace Logo\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00221d333f90-ac18-489f-b4c0-585091aabd24\u0022 height=\u0022853\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/sponsors\/2024-05\/hammerspace.png\u0022 width=\u00221600\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 \/\u003E","published":"Wed, 08 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024","link":"\/news\/2024-05-08\/2024-sponsor-hammerspace","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1126","title":"Shop with Misako Aoki!","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHave you ever felt like you needed a second opinion when determining the final touches on your coordinate? We\u2019ve all been there, and now is your chance to have one of the EGL Community\u2019s veterans help you pick out the perfect coordinate! Fashion Model \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/misako-aoki\u0022\u003EMisako Aoki\u003C\/a\u003E will be available for a \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/shop-misako\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Elimited number of personal shopping experiences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to help attendees shop the new collections from Emily Temple cute and MeLody BasKet. Reservations will go live on May 8th on our website!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/shop-misako-ticket\u0022\u003EMore details on the event page\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EHave you ever felt like you needed a second opinion when determining the final touches on your coordinate? We\u2019ve all been there, and now is your chance to have one of the EGL Community\u2019s veterans help you pick out the perfect coordinate! Fashion Model \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/misako-aoki\u0022\u003EMisako Aoki\u003C\/a\u003E will be available for a \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/shop-misako\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Elimited number of personal shopping experiences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to help attendees shop the new collections from Emily Temple cute and MeLody BasKet.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Tue, 07 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/inline-images\/ticketed-event-shop.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Ticketed Events","link":"\/news\/2024-05-07\/shop-misako-aoki","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1125","title":"Guest Announcement: Luna Flare","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/luna-flare\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELuna Flare\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is Kansas City\u2019s favorite \u0022Queen of Cosplay\u0022 returns to Naka-Kon 2024!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ELuna has used her talents to entertain local audiences for more than a decade. As a cosplayer, she has won group and solo awards creating costumes that pay tribute to her favorite media and has participated as a subject and producer in the Cosplay documentary film \u0022What We Can Be (@whatwecanbe)\u0022 directed by Nick Young. She has been a member of the cosplay group Another Castle Creations (@anothercastlecreations) since 2017.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe group uses their cosplay skills to educate up and coming cosplayers and for volunteer services around the area. Her favorite part about being a drag queen is bringing joy to people whether she meets them after a performance, on a con floor, or through her work with organizations such as Children\u0027s Mercy and The Make-A-Wish Foundation. You can find her weekly as the host of Saturday Brunch at Hamburger Mary\u0027s KC. Follow her @mslunaflare across all social media to find out more information or just to say hey queen!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/luna-flare\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELuna Flare\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is Kansas City\u2019s favorite \u0022Queen of Cosplay\u0022 returns to Naka-Kon 2024!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 06 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-05\/Luna%20Flare-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Guests","link":"\/news\/2024-05-06\/guest-announcement-luna-flare","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1122","title":"Guest Announcement: Diana the Great \u0026amp; Duff Cosplay","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are extremely excited to invite \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/diana-great\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiana the Great\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/duff-cosplay\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDuff Cosplay\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E back to judge the Hallway Cosplay Contest!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EDiana The Great is an accomplished cosplayer from the greater Kansas City Metro. She holds nearly ten years of experience in a variety of crafting and creative media; from sewing to foam work, wig creation, makeup, facepaint and more.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEntirely self taught, Diana\u0027s love for cosplay began with a fierce passion for the office Halloween contests; continually upping the ante every year until that admiration trickled over into the convention world where she also competed and began to rise in rank. As a master level cosplayer, Diana\u0027s efforts are geared to empower others. She strives to educate with every cosplay that she creates; from the smallest detail to the biggest prop-- she loves to help! In addition, Diana actively seeks to bring representation, promote diversity and inclusion in all that she does, with a little of her creative flair mixed between. Her overarching goal is to show that cosplay truly is for everyone.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EDuff Cosplay is a family that creates costumes and props to have fun and meet fellow cosplayers. We love displaying and our interpretations of pop culture characters. We create using multiple mediums including fabric, metal, and leather. Many of our cosplays incorporate electronics and mechanical systems. We have been humbled with great success competing around the country. Most notably winning Master class awards in Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago and Salt Lake City. We are most proud of the Judges Choice at San Diego Comic-Con 2018, Best in Show Nebraskon 2019, and 2nd Place Armor at Crown Championship: Midwest Region 2020!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are extremely excited to invite \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/diana-great\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiana the Great\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/duff-cosplay\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDuff Cosplay\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E back to judge the Hallway Cosplay Contest!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EDiana The Great is an accomplished cosplayer from the greater Kansas City Metro. She holds nearly ten years of experience in a variety of crafting and creative media; from sewing to foam work, wig creation, makeup, facepaint and more.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 03 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-05\/Diana%20the%20Great%201-01.jpg, \/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-05\/Duff%20Cosplay-01.jpg","youtube":"","tags":"","link":"\/news\/2024-05-03\/guest-announcement-diana-great-duff-cosplay","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1116","title":"Guest Announcement: Samuel Villanueva","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, please give a warm welcome to our next guest of honor, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/samuel-villanueva\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESamuel Villanueva\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ESamuel is a Senior Game Designer with over 25 years of development experience throughout five console generations. He has been fortunate enough to have worked on many high-profile franchises including Soul Reaver, Syphon Filter, Resistance and Uncharted as well as titles in the Blade Runner and Marvel Universes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-ma, please give a warm welcome to our next guest of honor, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2024\/samuel-villanueva\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESamuel Villanueva\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ESamuel is a Senior Game Designer with over 25 years of development experience throughout five console generations. He has been fortunate enough to have worked on many high-profile franchises including Soul Reaver, Syphon Filter, Resistance and Uncharted as well as titles in the Blade Runner and Marvel Universes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Wed, 01 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/guests\/main\/2024-05\/Guest-2024-SamuelVillanueva.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2024, Guests, Cosplay, Gaming","link":"\/news\/2024-05-01\/guest-announcement-samuel-villanueva","sticky":"False"}]