Naka-Kon Anime Convention | Kansas City, Missouri’s Premier Anime Convention

Kansas City’s Premier Anime Convention

Panels

Download the Naka-Kon 2010 Programming Schedule (.pdf)

Download the Naka-Kon 2010 Program Boook (.pdf)

Anime convention attendees watch a packed panel at Naka-Kon. Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcm777/

Guest Panels

All About Peelander-Z

Presented by Peelander-Z

Find out all about the Japanese action comic punk band fresh off its World Health Tour in Japan with Peelander-Red, Peelander-Yellow and Peelander-Green. This panel is followed by an autograph session.

Anime Auditions: The Process

Presented by Kyle Hebert

Using volunteers from the audience, Kyle demonstrates the audition process and critiques volunteers’ performances as they read for Naruto characters.

Ask the Samurai

Presented by Kojokan Shinbutai

Learn about the evolution of Samurai weaponry and ask questions about Samurai culture.

Behind the Scenes at Cure Media

Presented by Shion Francois and Yumi Kawaguchi

Check out what it’s like to be behind the scenes with bands, and get some sneak peeks into upcoming concerts and music videos.

Bizenghast

Presented by M. Alice LeGrow

M. Alice LeGrow talks and answers questions about her own published manga Bizengast.

Body Painting

Presented by Angela Reudelhuber

Angela explains the art of body painting all while painting on a live model. Attendees 18 and older only, please.

Comics and Manga Production

Presented by Tommy Yune

Join Tommy as he explains the artist process of creating comics and manga.

Cosplay and Make-Up

Presented by M. Alice LeGrow

Come join veteran cosplayer M. Alice LeGrow as she discusses her cosplay and gives you pointers on yours.

Cure Media Industry Panel

Presented by Shion Francois and Yumi Kawaguchi

Learn the ins and outs of Cure Media from two of its best gurus.

DBZ Q&A

Presented by Eric Vale and Kyle Hebert

DBZ fans unite! Come find out if it’s really OVER 9000!

The Definitive Voice Actor Panel

We’ve gathered some of your favorite voice actors together. Come in and pick their brains!

Directing

Presented by Chris Ayres, Tommy Yune and Eric Vale

Find out what it’s like to direct with real professionals.

Dragonbald: Dragonball Evolution Roast

Presented by Kyle Hebert

Kyle Hebert MST3Ks the live-action Dragonball movie.

Greg Ayres - From Host Club to Hospital

Presented by Greg Ayres

2009 handed this actor more than his share of excitement. He’ll be discussing his new shows (Big Windup and Ouran High School Host Club) as well as give some hints about a few new projects he’s working on. He’d also be glad to answer any other question you may have for him. Come spend an hour with Greg as he talks about everything from anime to ambulance rides.

How Not to Draw with Amelie

Presented by Amelie Belcher

Amelie Belcher teaches proper drawing techniques.

How To Spot Bootleg Merchandise

Presented by Greg Ayres

Did you know that the box set you recently purchased on Ebay could be a bootleg? Don’t feel bad... you’re not the only one! Thousands of anime fans are ripped off every year by retailers and convention vendors selling unlicensed merchandise. Find out many different ways you can spot the good deals from the bad.

J-Pop and J-Rock Invasion

Presented by Shion Francois and Yumi Kawaguchi

Learn about and discuss J-Pop and J-Rock with two of Cure Media’s finest.

Kojokan Shinbutai Demonstration

Presented by Kojokan Shinbutai

Watch the Kojokan Shinbutai doing what they do best: swordplay in the Samurai style.

Mock Combat for Cosplay

Presented by Chris Ayes

Are you tired of your fights for cosplay looking cheesy and fake? Is the fight work you’re doing dangerous? Come to this workshop! Chris’s work as a fight director has been seen all over the country and on Broadway, so come out and learn how to beat the crap out of your friends and NOT hurt anyone in the process. This is an on-your-feet workshop, so be ready to rumble. You do not have to be a cosplayer or even be in costume to participate in the workshop.

Samurai Self Defense

Presented by Kojokan Shinbutai

Find out about the art of the sword up close and personal with demonstrations by Kojokan Shinbutai.

So you want to be a voice actor?

From auditions to recording, come learn what it’s really like for an actor in the anime industry.

The State of the Anime Industry

Presented by Greg Ayres

In the last few years we’ve seen the anime industry struggling to succeed against the threats of online downloading, and dwindling DVD sales. With the number of fans increasing rapidly each year, there just may be a light at the end of the tunnel. Come to this discussion about what is being done to save the anime industry, and the progress being made.

Tales of Con Horror

Hear from our guests some of the darker sides of cons. Be entertained, because this is one of the funniest panels ever held at anime cons! Attendees 18 and older only, please.

Tokyopop Industry Panel

Presented by M. Alice LeGrow

M. Alice LeGrow fills us in on the who, what, when, where and how of Tokyopop.

Webcomics with Amelie

Presented by Amelie Belcher

Amelie Belcher gives you an in-depth look at the world of webcomics.

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Main Events

Opening Ceremonies

Come and enjoy the official welcome to Naka-Kon! Here we’ll introduce guests, events and important rules so you know what Naka is all about this year.

Club Naka-Kon

Where can you go to dance when you’ve run out of pocky and you’re still not ready to go to sleep? Grab your glowsticks and run towards the rumbling! Be sure to dress comfortable because once the music starts, the dance floor will be hot. While not your average anime dance, this party looks to entertain all fans of dance music. Whether you’re a club-kid looking to shake your booty, or gamer wanting to roll your Katamari, we should have you covered.

Request Line - First hour of requested music with TDX
Central Line - Anime themed dance with TDX
Main Line - Club Naka-Kon with Greg Ayres
Bass Line - J-themed party music with TDX

Concert with Peelander-Z

Rock out with the Japanese action comic punk band Peelander-Z, featuring human bowling, limbo dancing, karaoke and cowbells.

Cosplay Contest

Enjoy the wonderful costumes and skits that fans have prepared as they light up the stage with their cosplays. Contestants must sign up at Contest Registration by noon on Saturday.

Cosplay Feedback

Chat with convention staff about what went well and what can be done better in 2011.

Cream the Cosplayer

Have you ever wanted to throw a pie at some of anime’s most obnoxious characters? For only one dollar, you can cream an evil or annoying anime character.

Formal Ball

Time to show off your ballroom steps as we host a formal ball filled with classical anime themed music. Formal attire is required. Click here to view the formal ball dress code.

Lolita Tea

Come and enjoy this elegant gathering filled with tea, sweets and fruit. Tickets are available at the information desk for only $10.

Open Karaoke

Belt out your favorite anime tunes at the open karaoke session.

Closing Ceremonies

This is where we end Naka-Kon, give a fond farewell to our con-gers and hand out prizes for the weekend’s contests.

Kon Feedback

Chat with convention staff about what went well and what can be done better in 2011.

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Contests and Game Shows

AMV and Do Your Own Dub Finals

See the results of the AMVs and dub recordings done by you, the fans!

Anime Match Game

A returning favorite at Naka-Kon, Anime Match Game challenges two contestants and a celebrity panel in a game of fill-in-the-blank matching. Check out this hilarious mental match-up and see what your favorite guests of honor are thinking, and compete for great prizes! Contestants will be selected through an interview process immediately prior to gameplay.
(Note: Though this is an all-ages game show, the nature of the content tends to result in suggestive comments and may not be considered appropriate for chaperoned attendees.)

Concentration

The classic memory game Concentration combines the love of matching cards with rebus puzzles for an exciting game with fabulous prizes! Try-outs will be held immediately before the game. Need to practice? Here’s a teaser rebus puzzle:
UR+E+the+own+Rock Lee+1+4+origami-origa
(Hint: It was performed at Naka-Kon 2009!)

Cosplay Contest Meeting

All cosplay contest participants MUST attend this meeting. Learn how judging, the green room, and the runway competition will work.

Iron Fic

Are you prepared for the battle of your life? Break your pens and pencils out of storage, because Iron Fic Naka-Kon is back! Join us for two grueling hours of creative writing tension. Can you make your fanfiction stand the tallest and be named Iron Fic Champion?

Japanardy!

Based on the popular TV trivia show Jeopardy!, Naka-Kon’s Japanardy! will test contestants’ knowledge of anime, manga, and a variety of aspects of Japanese culture. Come and be entertained, or enter to compete for great prizes! Contestants will be selected based on the top results of a preliminary quiz and interview session.

Karaoke Contest

Break out the music, turn up the tenor and find the microphones! The time has come to strut your stuff and belt out your favorite tunes for prizes.

Name That Anime Tune

How many seconds do YOU need to identify anime opening and ending themes? Stop by for the play-in game to impress or weird out your friends by showing them just how much you know about Japanese music, and maybe earn a spot in the main game! Based on the classic game show, Name That Anime Tune will lead you through a symphony of mini-games known as Melody Roulette, Tune Topics and Bid-A-Second, with the grand finale of the Golden Medley. From Azumanga Daioh to Zoids, how well do you know your tunes?

Singled Out Otaku

Having trouble finding that special someone? Is your princess always in another castle? Do you get all tongue-tied when you finally find a fellow otaku that makes your heart go doki doki? Let us help with a Naka-Kon tried-and-true game show, Singled Out Otaku! Three “pickers” will be selected at random by raffle. Our lovely emcee will then use otaku compatibility-testing questions to filter the “dating pool” down to what could be your future spouse - or at least a date for the night! The prize? Dinner with your new potential sweetheart on Naka-Kon. Participants must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible. Please bring a valid photo ID to be considered.

Naka-Kon’s Ultimate Otaku Challenge!

For those of you who aren’t into the cosplay masquerade scene and crave something else to do with your Saturday evening, check out Naka-Kon’s Ultimate Otaku Challenge! This game show combines several mini-games into one zany obstacle extravaganza. Be prepared for anything, because Naka-Kon expects its otaku to be versatile-from Sudoku smarts to ninja reflexes! Chosen at random, twenty lucky contestants will be slowly eliminated through each round of games until two final otaku warriors will race against each other in the Fruits Basket Finale to win the title of Ultimate Otaku. Have you got what it takes?
(Note: This game involves physical activity, foods and liquids and may get messy. Please wear appropriate clothing if you intend to compete.)

Project Cosplay

Bring cosplay to the runway... or a model display. If you thought rushing to finish an outfit for the cosplay runway was hard, how hard will it be to do it in miniature? This year the outfits are shrinking to doll size as the challenge makes its way to the BJD crowd. Create a new look for a Ball-Jointed Doll and prove that you can handle any fashion challenge!

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Anime Panels

AMV Hell

Presented by Mike Tinsley (get_mik)

Watch AMV Hell 1, 3, 4 and AMV Hell Minis 1-3.

AMV Hell 2, 0, divide by 0, and CE.

Presented by Mike Tinsley (get_mik)

For Mature Audiences Only, contains graphic hentai, yaoi, yuri, laughter, etc. Attendees 18 and older only, please.

Anime Mythbusters

Presented by Jon Voisey (VoijaRisa)

Put anime scenarios to the test of science. (Warning: May contain math!)

Anime Whose Line is it Anyway?

Presented by Cay Combs (Kid Dynamite)

Come Join Anime Nebraskon’s Kid Dynamite and the Nebraskon improv group in an anime version of the popular Whose Line is it Anyway?

Axis Powers Hetalia Fan Panel

Presented by Kelly O’Connor (Haro), Jennifer Van (Accio Abarero), and Bethany Eshnaur

Hetalia is a webcomic turned anime that has taken the animanga world by storm with its hilarious spin on history. The personified forms of countries interact in this gag series by Hidekaz Himaruya. If you’re a fan of Hetalia then this is the panel for you. If you’re unfamiliar with the series, come and find out about it!

Bishounen-Ai

Presented by Katrina Lynn (SuperGeekGirl) and Mikhail Lynn

Take a silly, smexy look at different types of pretty boys and shounen-ai (light yaoi) pairings you may find in anime and manga.

Bite Me: Who’s Your Favorite Vampire?

Presented by Sheena Cook, Megan Perry and Erin Shirley

Discuss various vampire series and where myth meets fact in vampire lore, then compete in a short vampire trivia contest. Attendees ages 18 and older only, please.

Hentai Do Your Own Dub

Presented by Ethyn Gutierrez (DeadlyLoofah)

Have you ever watched American dubbed Hentai and thought, “Wow, I can fake moan better than that!” come spend an hour doing your best hentai dub. Take it as a joke or take it seriously. Attendees ages 18 and older only, please.

Horrors of Hentai

Presented by Black Mage

Clorox® and VISINE® have teamed up to bring you a cure for the (in)famous Horrors of Hentai presentation! Attendees ages 18 and older only, please.

Mecha versus Magical School Girls

Presented by Benjamin Meier (TB-5964)

Ever wondered who would win in a fight between the Sailor Scouts and a Zaku? This is the panel for you.

Mystery Theater Anime 3000

Hosted by Cay Combs (Kid Dynamite)

Join Kid Dynamite and others as we view Baoh. Such a “work of art” needs to be spoken about. Come and enjoy the colorful commentary of Kid and others as they share comedic voice tracks with the “splendor” which is Baoh the OVA.

Naruto Shippuden

Presented by Mike Tinsley (get_mik)

Join us for an open discussion of Naruto through Shippuden. May contain spoilers!

The Rise and Fall of OVAs

Presented by Mark Burgat (Ichiro)

The OVA was a medium that changed the course of anime history, but it disappeared as quickly as it took off. Learn about the history of OVAs, and watch clips of landmark OVAs that were important to anime history.

SUPER ROBOTS? THE PANEL YEAH!!!!

Presented by David Panek (Dave D.)

The sequel to Naka Kon 2009’s most metallic panel! Discuss giant robot anime from Getter Robo to Gurren Lagann. If GaoGaiGar and the Burning Gundam fought, who would win? Who knows!? Come to our panel! Exclamation points and words starting with “G” abound!

A Tribute to Toonami

Presented by Patrick Shay

We invite you to remember a time when robots were giant, men shot energy beams out of their hands, and school girls were magical. Join us in paying tribute to the greatest thing to happen to cable tv: Toonami. Talk about Gundam Wing, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon and all the other things that made Toonami so great.

You Should Be Watching This Right Now 2: The Bride of Right Now

Presented by Bradley Meek (EveryNameTaken)

The love (of anime) is in the air, and what better way is there to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to watch some romantic anime? Blogger and online critic Bradley Meek discusses what anime you should be watching about the love of everything from robots to the girl/guy next door. From ‘70s shoujo to today’s cutesy romance, you’re sure to find something to love in this panel designed to introduce you to what to watch next. Don’t miss it!

Yaoi with Bishie Con

Presented by Katrina Lynn (SuperGeekGirl) and Mikhail Lynn

Join the chairs of Bishie Con, the Midwest’s first yaoi con, as they present yaoi fun and fanservice for your pleasure. Games and prizes abound at this adults only event. Attendees 18 and older only, please.

Your Favorite Anime Still Sucks

Presented by Connor Laird (Cid)

Watch a panel of anime “experts” discussing and intentionally insulting fan-favorite animes with good natured humor and criticism, then tearing them into metaphorical bits. Audience participation a must.

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Cosplay Panels

American Lolita: How to Dress Casually on a Budget

Presented by Sydney Christian (novacain)

If Lolita is too expensive for you, or you find that large petticoats get in the way of people trying to pass you in hallways, this is your panel. Find out where to buy affordable casual Lolita and what makes a Lolita in the first place.

BJD Costuming

Presented by by Mary West

Learn about new tips, tricks, tools and resources for costuming your BJD. We’ll go over how to create OOAK patterns, as well as how to find commercial patterns, scale fabrics and other notions for BJD costuming. We will also discuss resources for fantasy and period clothing for BJDs.

Cosplay Combat

Presented by Chris Morlang, Scott McVay and Matthew Swart

This live-action role-playing game pits cosplayer against cosplayer in a mock battle to determine who is the strongest in the anime convention world. Individual stats will be based on your cosplay, and battles based on a computer battle system will ensue.

Cosplay With Your Iron

Presented by Katrina Lynn (SuperGeekGirl) and Mikhail Lynn

How do you take that crumpled mess in your closet and turn it into a wearable cosplay? Can you really do appliqués with stuff called Heat & Bond? Learn the cool tricks your iron can do, from tailoring suits to shaping foam armor.

The Dos and Don’ts of Cosplay

Presented by Sydney Christian (novacain)

From sewing to wigs and from buying to finding prop supplies, we answer some of the most popular beginner cosplay questions to help improve your cosplay.

Taking Cosplay to the Next Level

Presented by Katrina Lynn (SuperGeekGirl)

Cosplay is fun, but sometimes you want to put that extra pizzazz into your work that makes it shine in the hallway or on stage. Learn about advanced construction techniques and resources to take your costumes to the next level.

Lolita Lifestyle: Real Life Lolitas

Presented by Sydney Christian (novacain) and Brytney Fritshle (khimerra)

Do you like Lolita fashion, but wonder what people might think if you wear it outside the convention? This panel allows the audience to discuss different aspects of living like a Lolita, good and bad. Non-Lolitas welcome!

Technology of Cosplay

Presented by Matthew Schott (Ryltar)

Do you want your next cosplay to glow, smoke, or roar? Learn about safely integrating technology like LEDs, fog effects and speakers into your costumes.

What is Lolita?

Presented by Lauren Smith (evilnekohilda)

An introduction into the world of Lolita fashion that includes a brief history and pointers on how to get started.

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Fine Arts Panels

AMV 101: An Introduction

Presented by Jeremy Kaiser and Willie Washington

An overview of AMV types, genres and styles. AMVs aren’t limited to the standard categories (sentimental, drama, action, romance, and so on). If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Basics of Improvisation

Presented by Larry Furry (Fuzzy)

If you’ve ever watched Whose Line Is It Anyway? or any improv comedy and wanted to give it a try yourself, then this workshop is for you. Get tips and learn about the rules and tools of improv.

Basics of Theatre and Acting

Presented by Ethyn Gutierrez (DeadlyLoofah)

Always wanted to act but don’t know where to start, or could just use a bit of extra coaching? Come work on a few small scenes (scripts provided) or just chill and watch. Be ready to move around, participants will not be sitting down!

Copyright, Internet Law and Piracy for Anime Fans, Actors, Producers and Writers

Presented by Patrick Sean Barnacle

The law of the Internet can be confusing. Have you ever watched streaming anime online? Have you ever put together an AMV? Have you ever written a fanfic? If so, you might be in violation of U.S. Copyright laws. Find out how to navigate these laws and participate in these activities legally.

How (Not) to Write a Lemon

Presented by Melody Ortloff (brightdreamer) and Diane Rainwater

Want to write fantastic “adult” fanfiction? Come join us for a discussion of what not to do. Now with even more bad euphemisms! Attendees ages 18 and older only, please.

Photoshop Painting with Doomsplosion Studios

Presented by Wil Whalen and Jeff Zhang

Follow Doomsplosion through its process of painting an image in Photoshop, from conception to completion (well, sort of.) No filters allowed!

When Badfics Attack

Presented by Melody Ortloff (brightdreamer) and Elsa Knackstedt (tiger_elsa)

Attack of the plot monster! Revenge of the Mary Sue! Come fear and marvel at the horrors of bad fanfiction and learn how to avoid these mistakes in your own writing.

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Other Panels

10 Cons, 10 Months: How to Do It

Presented by Cay Combs (Kid Dynamite)

Join Anime Nebraskon’s Kid Dynamite and learn some effective ways to prepare and survive attending 10 conventions over a 10-month span. Topics covered will include financial budgeting, transportation alternatives, friend-making tips, hotel alternatives, dos and don’ts, and general FAQs about the con lifestyle.

All Your Country Are Belong to Us!

Presented by Micheal Hogg

A brief chronicle of video game history in the U.S. and Japan. Find out how the Japanese managed to dominate the industry after the fall of the Atari corporation, and how the anime and manga tradition have set Japanese games apart from their American contemporaries.

Attack of the Japanese Indie Music Scene!

Presented by Derek Zarda

It’s time to put down your anime and video game soundtracks for a moment and find out what else Japan has to offer. We’ll get you caught up on the rest of the nation’s best, from the beginning of Group Sounds to alternative rock and girl punk, electronica’s first blips to hip-hop kicks, folked out trips and more.

Bento: How To

Presented by Jon Voisey (VoijaRisa)

An introduction to Bento lunch-making, with demonstrations and recipes.

Care and Feeding of Samurai

Presented by Professor Eric Rath

Who were the warriors of Japan called the samurai and how did they live? This talk provides a short overview of their history and lifestyle, from their appearance around 1100 to the dissolution of their class in the late 1900s.

Chick Gamers

Presented by Cori Durbin (Cori)

The few, the proud. A look inside the female mind and why we play the games we play. Don’t worry guys, you can come too.

Conventions 101

Presented by Larry Furry (Fuzzy)

Is this your first time attending a con? Come learn tips and tricks to make your convention experience a memorable one. Topics include glomping, buying from vendors, room parties, con safety and more.

Dollfies and You

Presented by Praesagium

Learn about the BJD and dollfie hobby, including information on Pullips, Blythe and Obitsu. Popular dolls, companies and U.S. distributors will be covered as well as how to choose a doll, save up, everyday care and use as well as customizability and emergency care. There will be an open FAQ after the lecture.

Forum Meet-Up

Presented by Ethyn Gutierrez (DeadlyLoofah) and Ace Thompson (TheAceNinja)

Visit with members of the Naka-Kon forums.

How to Parent an Anime Fan

Presented by Nancy Carpenter

Are you ready to get a better understanding of your child’s passion for anime? Then this panel is for you! An average “anime mom” returns to share her insights into the craze that is anime and offers suggestions on how to share in your child’s enthusiasm.

Introduction to the World of Geisha

Presented by Aoi Saito and Jay Inoue (RockJ)

Learn about the history, fashion and job of geishas and watch a traditional Japanese dance.

Late Night Otaku Comedy with Kid Dynamite

Presented by Cay Combs (Kid Dynamite)

Come see Anime Nebraskon’s Kid Dynamite as he keeps you laughing and falling out of your seats with otaku-based, mature humor. Plan to not just watch but get involved via his interactive humorous activities. Attendees ages 18 and older only, please.

Late Night Para Para

Hosted by Jada Beckwith

If you know Para Para and want to learn a new routine, or if you have no idea what it is and want to have some fun and learn how to club dance like they do in Japan, this is the panel for you!

The Naka-kon Trading Session

Presented by Mark Burgat (Ichiro)

Did you purchase something you thought you wanted but didn’t after all? Did you get nothing but crap in that $20 grab bag? Did you get two of the same action figure from those opaque, unmarked boxes? Trade your unwanted stuff for new swag with other con-goers.

Occult in Anime

Presented by Dannette D Reidl

The anime we watch is filled with symbolism and ideology that not everyone picks up on. This panel will help inform the average anime watcher about the reasons Chi and Ki are so readily used or why Sanzo is always going west.

Otaku Dating and You

Presented by Cay Combs (Kid Dynamite)

Ever wondered what the best way to pick up that hot otaku boy/girl was? Look no further. Join Anime Nebraskon’s Kid Dynamite in a hilarious yet informative guide on how to find the otaku love of your life. Intend on leaving with some funny stories and some very valuable dos and don’ts. Attendees ages 18 and older only, please.

Pop Rocks!

Presented by Amanda Wheeler (Diedie)

Come see just who it was that sang your favorite anime opening or ending theme, learn a fun dance to do during concerts or just in your room, or come just to hear some good music.

Pirates vs. Ninjas

Presented by Rob “Vash” Lewis

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE! Whether you love dressing in black and hiding in the shadows, or wenches and grog: show up and defend you honor, or lack thereof.

Regional Differences in Japanese Cuisine

Presented by Jay Inoue (RockJ)

This lecture will focus on the diversity of Japanese cuisine based on the different regions of Japan.

Shinsengumi: Legends of Mibu

Presented by Mikhail Lynn

The Shinsengumi were the legendary protectors of Kyoto in 19th century Japan. Come learn about the origin and exploits of Japan’s most famous group of swordsmen.