A lot of fun was had on Easter in Omaha

Over 1000 people came to Omaha this past easter to attend Kanpai!Con, a celebration of Japanese pop culture and anime. This annual event brings together fans from all over the Midwest for a weekend of cosplay, panels, workshops, and more.

For many attendees, Kanpai!Con is a chance to connect with other fans and indulge in their love of anime and Japanese pop culture. Whether it's through cosplay contests, karaoke events, or video game tournaments, there's something for everyone at Kanpai!Con.

One of the highlights of Kanpai!Con is the cosplay contest, where attendees can show off their costumes and compete for prizes. This year's showcase featured a wide range of characters, from classic anime like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z to newer shows like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer. The winners of the contest are now able to go on to the grand finales at Anime Midwest in Chicago and have a chance to win a trip to Japan.

This is because of AnimeCon.org's Cosplay World Crown competition, where cosplayers can compete for the best costume and performance.

AnimeCon.org's Cosplay World Crown is a premier cosplay competition that takes place across five cities and eight events. The winners of these competitions are awarded a chance to visit Tokyo in Japan, and compete in the grand finale of the competition. The prize for winning the Cosplay World Crown includes two free tickets to Tokyo, a credit for an AirBNB or hotel stay, and an opportunity to explore the anime culture of Japan. To compete in the finals, participants must enter and win one of the qualifying cosplay competitions, which are held at one of AnimeCon.org's anime conventions like Kanpai!Con.

The competition is subject to AnimeCon.org's cosplay rules, and the executive committee has the final say on all rule decisions. The best in show prize winner of each qualifying cosplay competition is awarded two free nights at the Hyatt Regency O'hare during Anime Midwest, and all qualifying winners of the competition receive free badges to Anime Midwest. The Cosplay World Crown competition is a great opportunity for cosplay enthusiasts to showcase their skills, compete against fellow enthusiasts, and win a trip to Japan to explore the amazing world of Japanese animation.

In addition to the cosplay showcase, Kanpai!Con also featured a variety of workshops and panels on topics like Japanese language and culture, anime fandom, and cosplay techniques. Attendees could also visit the vendor hall, which featured a wide range of anime merchandise and collectibles.

The Kanpai!Con Omaha anime convention also featured a manga library where attendees could browse and read manga from various genres. This was a great opportunity for manga enthusiasts to discover new titles and authors, and for beginners to explore the world of manga. The manga library had a wide selection of titles, ranging from classic titles like Naruto and Fullmetal Alchemist to newer releases like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man.

The manga library was open throughout the convention, and attendees could relax and enjoy reading their favorite titles in a comfortable and quiet environment. The manga library was a popular attraction at the convention and a great addition to the overall experience for attendees.

Kanpai!Con also had a lineup of talented voice actors, including Jay Hickman, Quinton Flynn, and Kiba Walker. The voice actors participated in Q&A panels, autograph sessions, and meet and greets with fans. They shared their experiences in the voice acting industry, insights into their roles, and answered questions from the audience.

Fans were thrilled to meet their favorite voice actors in person and get their autographs. The voice actors added an extra layer of excitement to the convention, and their presence was a highlight for many attendees. Having a lineup of popular and talented voice actors is a great way to draw in more fans and create a memorable experience for everyone.

One of the coolest places to hang out at Kanpai!Con was the dealer's room! It was filled with all kinds of anime-related goodies, from posters to figures, cosplay gear, and even Japanese snacks and drinks! If you're an anime fan looking for rare or unique items, this was the place to be. A couple of vendors had exclusive merchandise and convention-only deals that you couldn't find anywhere else. Plus, it was a great place to meet and hang out with other fans who shared your interests. The dealer's room was always buzzing with activity, and you could easily spend hours in there checking out all the cool stuff. Overall, it was one of the highlights of the convention and a must-see for any anime fan.

Kanpai!Con had a little something for everyone, including some seriously awesome parties! The convention hosted raves and a formal dance, giving attendees the chance to dance the night away and let loose after a day of panels and activities. The raves were always a blast, with DJs spinning some sick beats and attendees decked out in their coolest cosplay. It was a great opportunity to meet new people, dance, and have a good time.

On the other hand, the formal dance was a more elegant affair. Attendees dressed up in their finest outfits and danced to romantic ballads and upbeat tunes. It was a great way to unwind and socialize with other convention-goers in a more formal setting. Plus, it was a chance to show off some fancy footwork!

Overall, Kanpai!Con was a huge success, with over 1000 attendees coming together to celebrate their love of anime and Japanese pop culture. For many attendees, it was a chance to connect with other fans, make new friends, and indulge in their passions.

If you're a fan of anime and Japanese pop culture, be sure to check out Kanpai!Con next year at the same venue, the Hilton Omaha. These events offer a chance to connect with like-minded fans and share your love of all things anime and Japanese pop culture. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or a newcomer to the fandom, there's something for everyone at events like Kanpai!Con. So grab your friends, put on your best cosplay, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of anime and fun!

The same talented organizers behind Kanpai!Con are also the masterminds behind the hugely popular AniMinneapolis convention, which is their next event. AniMinneapolis is held every year in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and features a wide variety of events, panels, voice actors and special guests, and activities for anime fans of all ages. Their Minneapolis show - AniMinneapolis - features an exciting cosplay contest, amazing guest panels and workshops, a huge dealers room, and another qualifier for the world crown of cosplay. Attendees can participate in interactive events like video game tournaments, anime trivia contests, and karaoke battles, or attend informational panels on everything from anime production to Japanese culture.

Kanpai!Con is scheduled to return March 29-31, 2024 at the Hilton Omaha downtown.