Welcome to the application for Sunflower Idol Fest at Naka-Kon 2026! We are so excited to have you join us! Please make sure to read the requirements closely. New groups are still highly encouraged to apply! This form will open on November 1st and close December 1st at 6pm CST. Please take your time and carefully read through all the application information and questions.
- Please be polite, respectful, and professional! This goes for your fellow idols as well as for Naka-Kon staff.
- Communication will be made through email and Discord.
- All costumes/outfits must adhere to the Naka-Kon dress code. Character costumes must also be of Japanese origin (ex: No Genshin Impact, K-Pop Demon Hunters, etc). Original costumes allowed.
- Songs must be PG-13. No crass language or mature themes.
- Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask at all times.
- This is a Japanese focused event. All songs must be of Japanese origin.
- Individuals may be allowed to apply for one performance group only.
- Performers are required to stay for the entire event and the following meet-n-greet.
- If there are any accommodations needed, please let us know and we will do our best to work with you.
- 1-2 people have up to 8 minutes to perform. Groups of 3-5 have up to 10 minutes to perform. Groups of 6+ have up to 12 minutes of stage time to perform. This can be broken up into more than one song, skits, intro and outro, and/or one overarching song.
- Portfolio requirements:
~Established Groups: 1 Promotional Video/Music Video and 1 Live Performance OR 1 Promotional Video/Music Video and 1 Practice.
~New Groups/Those without previous video content: 1 Live Performance or Practice Video. - Practice/Live video must be at least 2 minutes long and one take. All of your performing members must be in the Live/Practice video. The song for the practice video does not have to be the song you will perform at Idol Fest.
- A practice video of your performance for Sunflower Idol Fest must be submitted by February 1st. This video has to contain at least 75% of the performance and at least 2/3rds of the performing members in it.
- You have the option to be added to the wait list if you are not initially chosen. If a space opens up for your entry, you will receive an email notification and you will have 24 hours to respond to that email or your spot will be given to the next available person on the wait list. You will know by February 8th at the latest if you will perform.
- This form will close on Monday December 1st at 6pm CST. Final decisions will be announced on Monday December 15th. Keep an eye out on the email you provided.
- For any questions please email idols@naka-kon.com
🌼Portfolio Expectations🌼
- Group Chemistry: How does everyone within the group interact with one another.
- Audience/Camera Chemistry: How well does the group perform towards/with their audience or towards the camera.
- Song Choice: Is the song appropriate for the event and if there is more than one song do the songs work well together.
- Coordination: Are the members in sync with one another and with the music.
- Consistency: Is the quality of the performance carried throughout the entire song.
- Memorization: How well does the group know their choreography.
2025 Sunflower Idol Fest applications are closed. Keep an eye on your email for your application status updates.
Are you a fan of idol anime? Do you love watching J-Pop performers show off their cool moves? Do you want to support your local idol dance groups? Then this is for you! We'll have many different idol groups from all over the Midwest come together to put on a show would love to have you there to cheer them on! Make sure to bring your penlight since you will learn wotagei (cheering gestures) to support the performers. Can't wait to see you there!
Past Performers
2025
2024
2023
2022
