Contest Overview

Naka-Kon is excited to present a refreshed AMV Contest experience for attendees to enjoy. Beginning with our 2026 convention, we now accept online entries across a range of categories. Plus, finalists selected by the Naka-Kon Contests team will receive free badges to this year's convention! Winners will be selected from the finalists in each category by live audience voting during our AMV Showcase events - one for all ages, and one 18+. It's an AMV Contest you won't want to miss!

Break out your paints, pencils, clay, and canvases and come be part of Naka-Kon’s third annual art contest! Submit fanart based on Japanese works as well as original artwork inspired by Japanese history, art, or culture. Entries will be displayed in an art gallery open to all attendees!

The Do Your Own Dub Contest is a live improv event - be ready to flex those acting and comedy muscles for the best performance! Entry is free and open to all attendees, with two versions of the contest - one for all ages and one for 18+ attendees!

Do you like to cosplay, but hate large crowds? Are you an avid cosplayer who has too many costumes for just one event? Is your favorite costume from a show/game/media that didn’t originate in Japan? Then the Hallway Cosplay Contest is for you! Come to the Hallway Cosplay area in Ballroom C during the convention, fill out a short form, talk to the judges for a few minutes, and be on your way. No pre-registration required!

This new event is an Iron Chef-style project where teams of up to five will compete using their creativity, cooperation, and a random assortment of materials. Teams will create a theme-matching cosplay only with supplies provided at the event, all within a 60 minute time frame. Anyone can join in on the fun and there will be prizes for participants and lucky audience members!

The Main Stage Cosplay Contest provides an opportunity for participants to showcase various elements of cosplay on the main stage! This contest includes awards for craftsmanship, runway walks, skits, and the Naka-Kon X Holiday Matsuri Winter Cosplay Championship (“WCC”) Delegate Award. Please check the page out for all the details and requirements.

Nakama! We are so excited to announce an exciting opportunity for the Naka-Kon community! Naka-Kon’s mission has always been to celebrate and educate others on Japanese culture. In honor of that critical mission, Naka-Kon will be providing one incredible member of the Naka-Kon community with a trip to Tokyo, Japan!