[{"nid":"1582","title":"2025 Shuttle Bus","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are excited to offer attendees complimentary shuttle buses between convention hotels and local restaurants and shops again this year. Stops include our supporters KC Craft Ramen and Leone Original Pizza, which is planning to have Japan-inspired specialty pizzas just for Naka-Kon attendees this weekend!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EVisit the \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/about-naka-kon\/location\/shuttle\u0022\u003EShuttle Bus page\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E for a map, schedule, and list of stops.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are excited to offer attendees complimentary shuttle buses between convention hotels and local restaurants and shops again this year. Stops include our supporters KC Craft Ramen and Leone Original Pizza, which is planning to have Japan-inspired specialty pizzas just for Naka-Kon attendees this weekend!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EVisit the \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/about-naka-kon\/location\/shuttle\u0022\u003EShuttle Bus page\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E for a map, schedule, and list of stops.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025","link":"\/news\/2025-03-13\/2025-shuttle-bus","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1580","title":"Welcome to HI-NAKTANE","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWELCOME TO HI-NAKTANE\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Naka-Kon dance party is back again with a brand new energy! This year we have a double performance featuring Japanese artist and UK Hardcore legend GETTY. Supporting him will be DJ Chef Nyguen, scratch_ xor_sniff and TsundereThots (Idol Thots b2b TsundereBoys).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EGet ready for two nights filled with non-stop, high intensity music inspired by Japan\u0027s club scene. Wear your best outfits, your best cosplays and party with us all night long!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFriday 11 PM - Ballroom AB\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFEATURING: GETTY\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDJ Chef Nguyen\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTsundereThots\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nVJ Some Guy\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaturday 11:30 PM - Ballroom AB\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFEATURING: GETTY\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nscratch_xor_sniff\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nVJ Arena License and a Dream\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EA Naka-Kon 2025 badge is required for entry. \u003Ca href=\u0022\/registration\u0022\u003EGet yours now.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWELCOME TO HI-NAKTANE\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Naka-Kon dance party is back again with a brand new energy! This year we have a double performance featuring Japanese artist and UK Hardcore legend GETTY. Supporting him will be DJ Chef Nyguen, scratch_ xor_sniff and TsundereThots (Idol Thots b2b TsundereBoys).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EGet ready for two nights filled with non-stop, high intensity music inspired by Japan\u0027s club scene. Wear your best outfits, your best cosplays and party with us all night long!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2025-03\/hi-naktane-sm.png","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Japanese Guests, DJ","link":"\/news\/2025-03-12\/welcome-hi-naktane","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1581","title":"2025 Screenings Schedule now available!","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFor those Nakama night owls, our screenings schedule is now available. We\u0027ve got anime running from 3pm on Friday until 4:30pm on Sunday. So if you need a break from the con or just want to watch some anime, head on over to the Sheraton rooms Hawthorne 1 \u0026amp; 2 to catch a show.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/screenings\/2025\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScreenings Schedule\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EFor those Nakama night owls, our screenings schedule is now available. We\u0027ve got anime running from 3pm on Friday until 4:30pm on Sunday. So if you need a break from the con or just want to watch some anime, head on over to the Sheraton rooms Hawthorne 1 \u0026amp; 2 to catch a show.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/screenings\/2025\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScreenings Schedule\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Screening","link":"\/news\/2025-03-11\/2025-screenings-schedule-now-available","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1513","title":"Ticket Giveaway: NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience!","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-Kon is excited to partner with the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts to give away tickets to the upcoming concert, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.narutoinconcert.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENARUTO: The Symphonic Experience\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Please fill out the following form by Thursday, March 13, 2025, for your chance to win a pair of tickets. Winners will be emailed on Friday, March 14, 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.gle\/iiiXoDaQX3aWoafX8\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGiveaway Form\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENaka-Kon is excited to partner with the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts to give away tickets to the upcoming concert, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.narutoinconcert.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENARUTO: The Symphonic Experience\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Please fill out the following form by Thursday, March 13, 2025, for your chance to win a pair of tickets. Winners will be emailed on Friday, March 14, 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.gle\/iiiXoDaQX3aWoafX8\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGiveaway Form\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Sun, 09 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2025-03\/2025-naruto-ad-square.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, giveaway","link":"\/news\/2025-03-09\/ticket-giveaway-naruto-symphonic-experience","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1507","title":"2025 Schedule now available!","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, are you ready? March 14th is almost here! \u003Ca href=\u0022\/schedule\/2025\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe schedule\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is also ready! Have you snagged your badge yet? If not, what are you waiting for? \u003Ca href=\u0022\/registration\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrab your badge now\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027ve also updated the \u003Ca href=\u0022\/app\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eweb app\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. This handy little thing works in any web browser and even works offline once updated. If you used it in the past, just open it up and give it a moment to sync up. It\u0027ll prompt you to reload the page.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, are you ready? March 14th is almost here! \u003Ca href=\u0022\/schedule\/2025\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe schedule\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is also ready! Have you snagged your badge yet? If not, what are you waiting for? \u003Ca href=\u0022\/registration\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrab your badge now\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0600","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":"2025","link":"\/news\/2025-03-03\/2025-schedule-now-available","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1362","title":"Luna Flare","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/luna-flare\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELuna Flare\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as host of both of our ticketed Bingo events going live later today! Luna Flare is Kansas City\u2019s favorite \u0022Queen of Cosplay,\u0022 and 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. The 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 \u201chey queen!\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/luna-flare\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELuna Flare\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as host of both of our ticketed Bingo events going live later today! Luna Flare is Kansas City\u2019s favorite \u0022Queen of Cosplay,\u0022 and 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.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Tue, 25 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest_Luna-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-02-25\/luna-flare","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1361","title":"Guest Announcement: Kora Kayyy","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s give a special welcome to \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/kora-kayyy\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKora Kayyy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! She\u2019s tall, blonde, and weaponizes her BFA. She hates slow walkers and loves caesar salads. Kora is a total nerd at heart and is excited to geek out at Naka-Kon!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s give a special welcome to \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/kora-kayyy\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKora Kayyy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! She\u2019s tall, blonde, and weaponizes her BFA. She hates slow walkers and loves caesar salads. Kora is a total nerd at heart and is excited to geek out at Naka-Kon!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Tue, 25 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest%20Kora-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-02-25\/guest-announcement-kora-kayyy","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1360","title":"Guest Announcement: Freddy Mach Uchawi","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s welcome \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/freddy-mac-uchawi\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFreddy Mach Uchawi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Freddy Mac Uchawi is a nonbinary drag artist local to Kansas City who has been performing for just shy of three years! Freddy\u2019s performances are theatrical, engaging, and oftentimes silly. Having toured throughout the Midwest, Freddy is thrilled to venture into the convention circuit with their Naka-Kon debut!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s welcome \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/freddy-mac-uchawi\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFreddy Mach Uchawi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Freddy Mac Uchawi is a nonbinary drag artist local to Kansas City who has been performing for just shy of three years! Freddy\u2019s performances are theatrical, engaging, and oftentimes silly. Having toured throughout the Midwest, Freddy is thrilled to venture into the convention circuit with their Naka-Kon debut!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Tue, 25 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest%20Freddy-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-02-25\/guest-announcement-freddy-mach-uchawi","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1356","title":"Madison May","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPlease give a warm welcome to \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/madison-may\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMadison May\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, head pattern maker at CUT\/SEW! Madison founded the company in 2016 with the goal of making cosplaying easier for beginners. With over fifteen years of experience in the costume and fashion industry, Madison has provided patterns to both broadway \u0026amp; off-broadway productions, major US theme parks, international cruise lines, and television. Cosplay has been a hobby of hers since 2005 and she also is active in the cosplay photography community under the moniker of Final-Egirl.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ECUT\/SEW will also be graciously providing two free digital patterns to two lucky students who attend a \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\u0022\u003Eworkshop\u003C\/a\u003E, as well as anyone who purchases a sewing machine from Burnette in the vendor hall! Sign up for a workshop and check out the CUT\/SEW booth in the vendor hall to learn more!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EPlease give a warm welcome to \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/madison-may\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMadison May\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, head pattern maker at CUT\/SEW! Madison founded the company in 2016 with the goal of making cosplaying easier for beginners. With over fifteen years of experience in the costume and fashion industry, Madison has provided patterns to both broadway \u0026amp; off-broadway productions, major US theme parks, international cruise lines, and television.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 24 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest_Madison-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Cosplay, Industry","link":"\/news\/2025-02-24\/madison-may","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1354","title":"2025 NEW Ticketed Events: Sewing for Absolute Beginners, Mending Clothes with Boro Embroidery, and Sew a Japanese Knot Bag","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, want to know when event tickets are coming AND learn about our three brand-new ticketed events? Find out here! Before I tell you about the new events, I know the biggest question on everyone\u0027s mind: When do event tickets go on sale?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMost event tickets will be available tomorrow, February 24th, at 1 p.m. CST. This includes VIB Tickets for the Bunny Bar, Ball, Kimodameshi, Lolita Fashion Tea Party, the Maid Caf\u00e9, and our three new workshops!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOn Tuesday, February 25th, we\u0027re releasing tickets for our Cosplay Brunch and Bingo and Moonlight Cosplay Bingo at 1 p.m. CST.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOur last ticketed event drop is for Cos-lesque. Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. CST on Wednesday, the 26th.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ENow, let me tell you about our three brand-new workshops this year! These workshops will teach you new skills and let you take home a crafty creation. Join us for Sewing for Absolute Beginners, Mending Clothes with Boro Embroidery, and Sew a Japanese Knot Bag.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/sewing-absolute-beginners\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESewing for Absolute Beginners\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is a class for those brand new to sewing. Over this two-hour workshop, a team from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cutsew.co\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECUT\/SEW\u003C\/a\u003E, one of our sponsors, will guide you through the basics of starting to sew on a Bernette sewing machine to make a cute mini-pillow.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOur second workshop is \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/mending-clothes-boro-embroidery\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMending Clothes with Boro Embroidery\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. In this workshop, you\u0027ll learn about the history of mending and repairing clothes in Japan. Then, you\u0027ll learn basic hand sewing techniques and how to use them to attach a patch, creating a beautiful and functional repair that can be used on any type of damaged clothing. \u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOur last workshop at Naka-Kon is \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/sew-japanese-knot-bag\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESew a Japanese Knot Bag\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. This workshop is a sew-a-long with the head pattern maker of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cutsew.co\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECUT\/SEW\u003C\/a\u003E! Together, you\u2019ll be making a \u0022knot bag,\u0022 a simple tote bag with an easy knot closure, perfect for small items like cell phones, cosmetics, or trinkets you pick up at the con. Learn about the history of Japanese sewing and bag making while working together in a cozy, relaxed environment. \u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAs always, you can find this information on our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETicketed Event Page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, want to know when event tickets are coming AND learn about our three brand-new ticketed events? Find out here! Before I tell you about the new events, I know the biggest question on everyone\u0027s mind: When do event tickets go on sale?\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMost event tickets will be available tomorrow, February 24th, at 1 p.m. CST. This includes VIB Tickets for the Bunny Bar, Ball, Kimodameshi, Lolita Fashion Tea Party, the Maid Caf\u00e9, and our three new workshops!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Sun, 23 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2025-02\/workshops.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Ticketed Events","link":"\/news\/2025-02-23\/2025-new-ticketed-events-sewing-absolute-beginners-mending-clothes-boro-embroidery","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1353","title":"Guest Announcement: Misako Rocks","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, what\u2019s even better than being a manga reader? Becoming a Mangaka! (Manga author) Please welcome \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/misako-rocks\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMisako Rocks\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Our latest Japanese guest who\u2019s joining us at Naka-kon 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMisako Rocks is a Japanese manga artist who\u2019s published a number of books all over the world. She\u2019s authored graphic novels such as \u003Cem\u003EBounce Back\u003C\/em\u003E and \u003Cem\u003ENo Such Thing as Perfect\u003C\/em\u003E. \u003Cem\u003EBounce Back\u003C\/em\u003E was selected to be on the list of 2021 Best Graphic Novels For Children by the American Library Association. Her newest release, \u003Cem\u003EHow To Draw Kawaii Manga with Misako Rocks!\u003C\/em\u003E shows bubbly and kawaii manga character\/fashion making. You\u2019ll be able to find Misako\u2019s books at the Rainy Day Books Booth in the Vendor Hall.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBesides making books, Misako Rocks! teaches manga classes for kids and young adults through her Learn Manga with Misako class. Be sure to join her at one of her workshops throughout Naka-Kon weekend.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, what\u2019s even better than being a manga reader? Becoming a Mangaka! (Manga author) Please welcome \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/misako-rocks\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMisako Rocks\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Our latest Japanese guest who\u2019s joining us at Naka-kon 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Sun, 23 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Misako.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, Japanese Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-02-23\/guest-announcement-misako-rocks","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1350","title":"2025 Ticketed Events: Cosplay Brunch \u0026amp; Bingo, Moonlight Cosplay Bingo (18+), and Cos-lesque (18+)","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, here are three more of our returning ticketed events for 2025: \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/cosplay-brunch-bingo\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECosplay Brunch \u0026amp; Bingo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/moonlight-cosplay-bingo\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMoonlight Cosplay Bingo (18+)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/cos-lesque-18\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECos-lesque (18+)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Bingo tickets go on sale Tuesday, and Cos-lesque tickets go on sale Wednesday.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027ve got bingo in the morning and bingo in the evening! Our brunch bingo is open to all event ticket holders, where you can fill your belly with delicious waffles and compete to win amazing prizes! The one and only Luna Flare will be hosting, with special guests Kora Kayyy and Freddy Mach Uchawi. The evening version is adults-only (18+) and continues the fun with delicious food while you play bingo with our amazing host, Luna Flare.\u00a0 You can also grab a drink at the cash bar.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ECos-lesque is a burlesque show with a cosplay twist! This 18+ event will feature a variety of performances from the talented Risqu\u00e9 Revelry. While there is no full nudity, some skin will be shown, so this event is 18+.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAs always, you can find this information on our \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETicketed Event Page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, here are three more of our returning ticketed events for 2025: \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/cosplay-brunch-bingo\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECosplay Brunch \u0026amp; Bingo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/moonlight-cosplay-bingo\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMoonlight Cosplay Bingo (18+)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\/cos-lesque-18\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECos-lesque (18+)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E! Bingo tickets go on sale Tuesday, and Cos-lesque tickets go on sale Wednesday.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Sat, 22 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2025-02\/bingo-cosplesque.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Ticketed Events","link":"\/news\/2025-02-22\/2025-ticketed-events-cosplay-brunch-bingo-moonlight-cosplay-bingo-18-and-cos-lesque","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1349","title":"2025 Ticketed Events: Kimodameshi, Maid Caf\u00e9, Tea Party, Ball, and Bunny Bar","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, you might have seen that we\u0027re releasing our 2025 ticketed events. Today, we\u0027re highlighting five returning favorites: the Kimodameshi, the Maid Caf\u00e9, the Lolita Fashion Tea Party, the Charity Ball, and the Bunny Bar. Tickets for these events go on sale Monday!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EReturning fans might already know about these events, but here\u0027s a quick recap.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Kimodameshi is a spooky maze with jump scares and challenges. Explore the maze, defeat the yokai, and escape!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Maid Caf\u00e9 is a classic experience where you can join our lovely maids and butlers for tea, coffee, treats, and games. Come relax in Tomo\u2019s Teahouse!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Lolita Fashion Tea Party is an elevated experience. This event will feature special guest brand Emily Temple cute and fashion model Misako Aoki.\u00a0 Adding to the fun, there will also be a coordinate prize from our guests, raffle prizes, a photo booth, and more! Seats are limited (especially our new VIP option), so set your alarms!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Ball is a formal dance. The dress code is enforced, so please review it before you buy your ticket.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ELastly, the Bunny Bar (a 21+ event) is back for its second year. Spend the evening enjoying refreshing sake and beers from Japan with our lovely bunny girls and bunny butlers! Purchase a VIB (Very Important Bunny) ticket for an hour of exclusive early access to the Bunny Bar! Included with your ticket is a delicious Japanese appetizer platter and a sake tasting featuring three unique brews. Additionally, you can look forward to exclusive performances, raffles, casino-style games, and more, just for you! Let us treat you to exemplary service! Note: The Bunny Bar will open to non-ticket holders at 9:00 PM; however, seating and sake are extremely limited! Purchase a ticket to have first dibs on the fun!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAs always, you can find this information on our \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/programming\/ticketed-events\u0022\u003ETicketed Event Page\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, you might have seen that we\u0027re releasing our 2025 ticketed events. Today, we\u0027re highlighting five returning favorites: the Kimodameshi, the Maid Caf\u00e9, the Lolita Fashion Tea Party, the Charity Ball, and the Bunny Bar. Tickets for these events go on sale Monday!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EReturning fans might already know about these events, but here\u0027s a quick recap.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Kimodameshi is a spooky maze with jump scares and challenges. Explore the maze, defeat the yokai, and escape!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 21 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600","color":"","header_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/default_images\/Tomo%20Times%202_0.png","main_image":"\/sites\/default\/files\/article\/2025-02\/te-1.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Ticketed Events","link":"\/news\/2025-02-21\/2025-ticketed-events-kimodameshi-maid-cafe-tea-party-ball-and-bunny-bar","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1344","title":"Guest Announcement: Sam Villanueva","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are extremely excited to welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/sam-villanueva\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESam Villanueva\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to Naka-Kon\u0027s 20th anniversary event! Sam has been involved in every aspect of game design from concept to completion, with over 25 years of development experience throughout five console generations. He has worked on numerous high-profile franchises including Soul Reaver, Syphon Filter, Resistance, Uncharted and Days Gone as well as titles in the Blade Runner and Marvel universes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EWe are extremely excited to welcome back \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/sam-villanueva\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESam Villanueva\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to Naka-Kon\u0027s 20th anniversary event! Sam has been involved in every aspect of game design from concept to completion, with over 25 years of development experience throughout five console generations. He has worked on numerous high-profile franchises including Soul Reaver, Syphon Filter, Resistance, Uncharted and Days Gone as well as titles in the Blade Runner and Marvel universes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","published":"Mon, 17 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest_Samuel-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Gaming, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-02-17\/guest-announcement-sam-villanueva","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1342","title":"Guest Announcement: Steve Blum","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama. It\u0027s time to board the Ghost Planet spaceship Absolution. Keep an eye out for any loth-rats that might have snuck aboard. The special of the day is bell peppers and beef (we\u0027re out of beef). So strap in and join us on this ride bub. Please welcome to Naka-Kon 2025: \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/steve-blum\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteve Blum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ESteve Blum\u2019s unmistakable deep, raspy, yet sometimes silky-smooth voice has landed him a career full of incredible, iconic characters. He\u2019s been the Voice of T.O.M. the robotic Promo host from Toonami (on Adult Swim) since 2000, and a pro Voice Actor for over 35 years. Best known as Spike from Cowboy Bebop, Zeb from Star Wars Rebels and The Mandalorian, Wolverine from X-Men Cartoons \u0026amp; Games, Starscream from Transformers Prime and Earthspark, Tank Dempsey from Call of Duty, Grunt from Mass Effect, Subzero and Baraka from the Mortal Kombat Franchise, Brimstone from Valorant, Neon White from Neon White, Amon from Avatar: The Legend of Korra, Shoe and Sparky from the Boxtrolls feature film \u0026amp; thousands of other characters from shows, games, commercials (including the \u0022Oh thank heaven\u0022 guy from 7-11 and dozens of others) and vocal appearances in movies like Bumblebee, Solo, Rogue One, Rise of Skywalker, Incredibles 2 and Shazam. His huge vocal range has made him one of the most sought after voice actors on the planet. He currently holds 4 Guinness World Records - including the most Prolific Voice Actor in Video Games (since 2012)! Steve also teaches online Voiceover classes through his company \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.blumvoxstudios.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022 noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Ci class=\u0022bi bi-link-45deg\u0022\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/i\u003Eblumvoxstudios.com\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama. It\u0027s time to board the Ghost Planet spaceship Absolution. Keep an eye out for any loth-rats that might have snuck aboard. The special of the day is bell peppers and beef (we\u0027re out of beef). So strap in and join us on this ride bub. Please welcome to Naka-Kon 2025: \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/steve-blum\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteve Blum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 14 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest_Steve.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-02-14\/guest-announcement-steve-blum","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1340","title":"Guest Announcement: AJ Beckles","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, are you ready to fight for your future in the past or deal with ghosts and aliens? If not, it\u0027s time to build those bonds and digivolve with our latest guest, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/aj-beckles\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAJ Beckles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAJ Beckles started his voice-acting journey by voicing \u0022Takemichi Hanagaki\u0022 in Tokyo Revengers and \u0022Shiki Tademaru\u0022 in Kemono Jihen.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ESince then he\u2019s continued to book roles, most notably\u2026. \u0022Ken \u0027Okarun\u0027 Takakura\u0022 in DAN DA DAN, \u0022Sugilite\u0022 in Honkai Star Rail, \u0022Michizou Tachihara\u0022 in Bungo Stray Dogs, \u0022Kaname Tosen\u0022 in Bleach, \u0022Jaxon\u0022 in Beyblade X, and many more!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EHe\u0027s also a HUGE fan of food, so please feel free to tell him about your favorite spots around town!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, are you ready to fight for your future in the past or deal with ghosts and aliens? If not, it\u0027s time to build those bonds and digivolve with our latest guest, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/aj-beckles\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAJ Beckles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAJ Beckles started his voice-acting journey by voicing \u0022Takemichi Hanagaki\u0022 in Tokyo Revengers and \u0022Shiki Tademaru\u0022 in Kemono Jihen.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Wed, 05 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest_AJ-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-02-05\/guest-announcement-aj-beckles","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1338","title":"Guest Announcement: Amelie Belcher","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, we\u0027ve been her fan for years and love to have her at our convention. Please welcome \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/amelie-belcher\u0022\u003EAmelie Belcher\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E to Naka-Kon 2025!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAmelie is an award winning artist, comic artist, manga ka, illustrator, painter, sculptor, podcaster, twitch streamer, and currently a second year tattoo apprentice. With over 20 years experience in the convention industry, Amelie loves to share her knowledge of the arts with young creative people no matter what stage of their artistic journey they are currently in. Have a question? Ask her! She loves to talk!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, we\u0027ve been her fan for years and love to have her at our convention. Please welcome \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/amelie-belcher\u0022\u003EAmelie Belcher\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E to Naka-Kon 2025!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Mon, 03 Feb 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\/2025-02\/Guest_Amelie-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, artist","link":"\/news\/2025-02-03\/guest-announcement-amelie-belcher","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1336","title":"Guest Announcement: Anairis Qui\u00f1ones","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHey there Nakama! I hope you\u2019ve got your training done, for you and your Pokemon, cause we\u2019ve got our next Guest Announcement!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EShe lends her talents to not just one, not two, but three separate Pokemon legends, Iris of Pokemon Journeys, Nessa of Pokemon: Twilight Wings,\u00a0 and Greta of Pokemon Masters!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EShe also packs her own punches as hero Mirko from My Hero Academia, and Yoruichi in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBut if she feels like relaxing, she can take a break as one of the Sound Hashira\u2019s three wives, Hinatsuru of Demon Slayer fame!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EShe\u2019s all that and more! Hope you\u2019re ready!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EPlease welcome \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/anairis-quinones\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnairis Qui\u00f1ones\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EHey there Nakama! I hope you\u2019ve got your training done, for you and your Pokemon, cause we\u2019ve got our next Guest Announcement!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EShe lends her talents to not just one, not two, but three separate Pokemon legends, Iris of Pokemon Journeys, Nessa of Pokemon: Twilight Wings,\u00a0 and Greta of Pokemon Masters!\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EShe also packs her own punches as hero Mirko from My Hero Academia, and Yoruichi in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War!\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Fri, 31 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_Anairis-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests","link":"\/news\/2025-01-31\/guest-announcement-anairis-quinones","sticky":"False"},{"nid":"1334","title":"Guest Announcement: Ratty Creations","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, please welcome \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/ratty-creations\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERatty Creations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to Naka-Kon 2025. Ratty Creations is a professional artist and graphic designer specializing in original creations and pop culture art. A veteran of over 100 convention appearances, she has a passion for travel, making friends all around the country, and sharing her love of art with convention attendees. A rising star in the furry art community, she brings a welcoming and safe space to every show she attends. Her work spans the gambit from fine art prints to full body pillows and acrylic charms. If you love rats, she\u0027s your girl.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ENakama, please welcome \u003Ca href=\u0022\/guests\/2025\/ratty-creations\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERatty Creations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to Naka-Kon 2025. Ratty Creations is a professional artist and graphic designer specializing in original creations and pop culture art. A veteran of over 100 convention appearances, she has a passion for travel, making friends all around the country, and sharing her love of art with convention attendees. A rising star in the furry art community, she brings a welcoming and safe space to every show she attends.\u003C\/p\u003E","published":"Thu, 30 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_Ratty-01.jpg","gallery_images":"","youtube":"","tags":"2025, Guests, artist","link":"\/news\/2025-01-30\/guest-announcement-ratty-creations","sticky":"False"},{"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"}]