An incredibly nerdy weekend of costuming is coming to Omaha, Nebraska

Do you know what cosplay is? Well, if you're in the Old Market this spring, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of anime and cosplay. With the upcoming Kanpai!Con, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of the most impressive and creative cosplay outfits in the region, as well as meet and socialize with fellow fans of anime and Japanese culture. Don't miss out on the chance to join in the fun and excitement of one of the biggest anime conventions in the Midwest.

Kanpai!Con is an annual anime convention held in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a celebration of Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, video games, and cosplay. The convention attracts anime fans from all over the Midwest, and it is known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming community.

Kanpai!Con is organized by AnimeCon.org, who is also the organization behind other anime conventions such as Anime Midwest, AniMinneapolis, Anime-ZAP, and Meta Con. These conventions have gained a reputation for their high-quality programming and focus on community-building. Many attendees come back year after year to reconnect with friends and make new ones.

The first Kanpai!Con was held in 2013, and it has been growing ever since. The convention was held at the Hotel RL in downtown Omaha, which provided plenty of space for panels, workshops, and other activities. Since that hotel was recently torn down, the convention moved downtown to the Hilton Omaha.

The convention also features a large vendor hall, where attendees can browse merchandise from a variety of vendors selling anime and manga-related products.

One of the unique features of Kanpai!Con is its focus on cosplay. Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as characters from anime, manga, or video games, and it is a major part of the anime fan community. At Kanpai!Con, attendees can participate in cosplay contests, attend panels on cosplay techniques, and take part in cosplay photo shoots. There is also a cosplay repair station, where attendees can fix any costume mishaps that occur during the convention.

In addition to cosplay, Kanpai!Con features a wide range of programming, including panels on anime and manga, video game tournaments, dance parties, and more. There are also special events like the Maid Cafe, where attendees can experience a traditional Japanese maid cafe in Omaha.

Kanpai!Con is just one of the many conventions organized by Ryan Kopf and his team. Anime Midwest is held annually in Rosemont, Illinois, and it is one of the largest anime conventions in the Midwest. AniMinneapolis is held annually in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it is known for its wide range of programming and excellent guest lineup. Anime-ZAP is held annually in Peoria, Illinois, and it focuses on smaller, more intimate events. Meta Con is held annually in Minneapolis, and it is known for its unique mix of anime, sci-fi, and fantasy programming.

Together, these conventions represent a growing community of anime fans in the Midwest. They provide a space for fans to come together and celebrate their shared love of anime, manga, and video games. Whether you are a seasoned convention-goer or a newcomer to the world of anime, there is something for everyone at Kanpai!Con and other conventions organized by Ryan Kopf and his team.

Cosplay and Anime: Exploring the World of Japanese Pop Culture

Cosplay, a contraction of the words "costume" and "play," is a popular subculture that involves dressing up as characters from various forms of media, such as anime, manga, video games, and movies. Originating in Japan, cosplay has since spread to different parts of the world, becoming a unique way of expressing one's fandom and creativity. In this article, we'll explore the world of cosplay and anime and delve into what makes it so captivating for millions of people.

The Roots of Cosplay

The roots of cosplay can be traced back to Japan in the 1970s. As Japanese pop culture started to gain popularity, fans began dressing up as their favorite characters from manga, anime, and tokusatsu shows. The first cosplay event was held at the Comiket (Comic Market) in 1975, where attendees dressed up as their favorite anime characters and sold fan-made doujinshi (self-published works) and other merchandise.

Over the years, cosplay has become a prominent feature of anime conventions, with cosplayers showcasing their skills and creativity in elaborate costumes and intricate makeup. Cosplay has also become a form of performance art, with some cosplayers reenacting scenes from their favorite shows and movies, and participating in cosplay competitions to win prizes and recognition.

The Appeal of Cosplay

What makes cosplay so appealing to so many people? For starters, cosplay allows people to embody their favorite characters and express their fandom in a tangible way. Cosplay also allows people to be creative and innovative, as they design and create their costumes from scratch, using materials ranging from foam and fabric to metal and electronics.

Cosplay also fosters a sense of community and belonging, as cosplayers connect with others who share their passion for pop culture. At anime conventions, cosplayers can socialize and collaborate with others, attend panels and workshops on cosplay techniques, and participate in cosplay gatherings and photoshoots.

Activities Done in Cosplay

People will often spend hours cosplaying and playing video games with new friends at anime conventions.

Cosplay at Anime Conventions

Anime conventions are some of the largest gatherings of cosplayers in the world. These events feature a wide range of activities and attractions, such as vendor halls selling anime merchandise, artist alleys showcasing fan art, panels and workshops on various topics, and screenings of anime and movies.

One of the biggest draws of anime conventions is the cosplay. Attendees come in all sorts of costumes, from anime characters to video game heroes, and everything in between. Some of the most popular cosplays at anime conventions include characters from popular anime series like My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan, as well as characters from video games like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts.

Food at Anime Conventions

Of course, no event is complete without food. Anime conventions have a variety of food options available, ranging from typical convention fare like hot dogs and pizza to more unique offerings like ramen and boba tea. Many conventions also have a ConSweet, a room where attendees can get free snacks and drinks throughout the day.

While there are plenty of food options at anime conventions, it's always a good idea to venture out and try some of the local cuisine. If you're attending an anime convention in Omaha, be sure to check out the Old Market, a historic district filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Some popular spots include the Upstream Brewing Company, which offers a variety of pub fare and craft beer, and Spaghetti Works, a restaurant known for its Italian dishes and all-you-can-eat pasta.

Music at Anime Conventions

Anime conventions are well-known for being an all-encompassing experience, with everything from cosplay and video games to panels and merchandise. One of the lesser-discussed aspects of anime conventions, however, is the role that music plays in these events.
Music is an integral part of anime and Japanese culture, and it is only fitting that it plays a significant role in anime conventions. There are several ways in which music is incorporated into these events.

Live Performances: One of the most exciting aspects of anime conventions for music fans is the live performances. Many conventions feature musical guests, often popular Japanese artists or bands, who perform for attendees.

These concerts can range from intimate performances by lesser-known artists to massive concerts featuring famous Japanese musicians. Some conventions even hold separate ticketed events specifically for musical performances.

Dance Parties: Anime conventions often feature dance parties that incorporate music from anime and Japanese pop culture. These events can be a fun way to let loose and dance with like-minded fans while enjoying popular anime and J-pop songs.

DJs and Karaoke: In addition to live performances and dance parties, many conventions also feature DJs who spin anime and J-pop tracks, as well as karaoke events where attendees can sing along to their favorite songs.

Music Panels: Anime conventions also often feature panels dedicated to discussing music in anime and Japanese culture. These panels may focus on specific genres, artists, or even musical instruments used in anime soundtracks.

Merchandise: Of course, music-related merchandise is also a big part of anime conventions. Attendees can often find CDs, vinyl records, posters, and other music-related merchandise in the vendor hall.

LGBTQIA+ at Anime Conventions

Anime conventions, like many other fandom events, attract a diverse group of people from all walks of life. This includes members of the LGBTQIA+ community who attend the conventions to share their love for anime, manga, and all things nerdy. However, for a long time, the community felt marginalized at these events, and it was challenging to find spaces where they felt included.

Over the years, anime conventions have made significant strides in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ attendees. One way this has been achieved is through the creation of dedicated safe spaces, where members of the community can connect with one another without fear of discrimination or harassment.

Many anime conventions now feature queer-focused panels and programming, which allow attendees to discuss issues and topics that are relevant to their experiences. These can range from workshops on how to make cosplay more gender-affirming to talks about the representation of LGBTQIA+ characters in anime and manga.

Additionally, many anime conventions have implemented policies that specifically address issues of discrimination and harassment. These policies outline what is acceptable behavior and what is not, and they provide clear guidelines on how to report incidents of harassment or discrimination. This helps to ensure that attendees feel safe and supported while attending the convention.

Anime conventions have also made strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity through their guest lists. Many conventions now invite LGBTQIA+ artists, writers, and performers to participate in the events, showcasing their talents and offering attendees an opportunity to engage with diverse creators.

Check out Kanpai!Con

If you want to visit Kanpai!Con, this year's convention happens April 7-9 at the Hilton Omaha.

Ticket link: https://kanpaicon.com/register