Naka-Kon is an annual three-day anime convention held during the summer in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The convention features a variety of events and activities related to Japanese animation, comics, and culture, including panels, workshops, screenings, concerts, and a large exhibitor hall. Naka-Kon is one of the largest anime conventions in the Midwest, and it attracts attendees from all over the country.
The first Naka-Kon was held in 2001, and it has been held annually ever since. The convention has grown significantly over the years, and it now attracts over 20,000 attendees each year. Naka-Kon is a popular event for fans of anime, comics, and Japanese culture, and it provides a unique opportunity to meet other fans, learn more about Japanese culture, and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
Naka-Kon 2025 will be held from July 3-5, 2025, at the Kansas City Convention Center. The convention will feature a variety of events and activities, including:
- Panels on a variety of topics related to anime, comics, and Japanese culture
- Workshops on topics such as cosplay, drawing, and writing
- Screenings of anime films and television shows
- Concerts by Japanese musical artists
- A large exhibitor hall with vendors selling anime, comics, and other merchandise
Naka-Kon is a great opportunity to meet other fans of anime, comics, and Japanese culture, and to learn more about Japanese culture. The convention is also a lot of fun, and it offers a variety of entertainment for attendees of all ages.
1. Anime
Anime is a major part of Naka-Kon, and the convention features a variety of events and activities related to anime. These events and activities include screenings of anime films and television shows, panels on a variety of topics related to anime, and workshops on topics such as anime drawing and animation.
The focus on anime at Naka-Kon is important because it reflects the popularity of anime among the convention’s attendees. Anime is a major part of Japanese culture, and it has a large and passionate fan base around the world. Naka-Kon’s focus on anime allows the convention to cater to the interests of its attendees and provide them with a variety of ways to enjoy and learn about anime.
For example, at Naka-Kon 2023, the convention featured a screening of the latest anime film, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train.” The screening was held in a large theater, and it was attended by a large and enthusiastic audience. The convention also featured a panel on the history of anime, which was led by a renowned anime scholar. The panel was well-attended, and it provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the history and development of anime.
The focus on anime at Naka-Kon is also important because it helps to promote Japanese culture. Anime is a major part of Japanese culture, and it can be a great way for people to learn about and appreciate Japanese culture. Naka-Kon’s focus on anime helps to introduce anime to a wider audience and to promote understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture.
2. Comics
The focus on manga at Naka-Kon is important because it reflects the popularity of manga among the convention’s attendees. Manga is a major part of Japanese culture, and it has a large and passionate fan base around the world. Naka-Kon’s focus on manga allows the convention to cater to the interests of its attendees and provide them with a variety of ways to enjoy and learn about manga.
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Educational Value
Naka-Kon’s focus on manga provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and creative process behind manga. The convention features a variety of panels and workshops on a variety of topics related to manga, including the history of manga, the different genres of manga, and the creative process behind creating manga.
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Community Building
Naka-Kon’s focus on manga helps to build a community of manga fans. The convention provides a space for manga fans to come together and share their love of manga. Attendees can meet other manga fans, discuss their favorite manga series, and learn more about manga culture.
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Economic Impact
Naka-Kon’s focus on manga has a positive economic impact on the Kansas City area. The convention attracts a large number of attendees from out of town, who spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the area.
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Cultural Exchange
Naka-Kon’s focus on manga helps to promote cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. The convention provides a platform for Japanese manga creators to share their work with American audiences. Attendees can learn more about Japanese culture through manga, and they can also meet Japanese manga creators and learn about their creative process.
Overall, the focus on manga at Naka-Kon is important because it reflects the popularity of manga among the convention’s attendees, provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about manga, helps to build a community of manga fans, has a positive economic impact on the Kansas City area, and promotes cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
3. Culture
Naka-Kon’s celebration of Japanese culture is an important part of the convention, as it allows attendees to learn about and experience Japanese culture firsthand. This is especially important for attendees who may not have the opportunity to travel to Japan and experience Japanese culture in its native context.
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Educational Value
Naka-Kon’s cultural events and activities provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture in a fun and engaging way. The convention features a variety of panels and workshops on a variety of topics related to Japanese culture, including Japanese history, Japanese art, and Japanese cuisine. Attendees can also learn about Japanese culture through hands-on activities, such as tea ceremonies and martial arts demonstrations.
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Community Building
Naka-Kon’s cultural events and activities help to build a community of Japanese culture enthusiasts. The convention provides a space for people who are interested in Japanese culture to come together and share their interests. Attendees can meet other people who are interested in Japanese culture, discuss their favorite Japanese cultural topics, and learn more about Japanese culture.
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Cultural Exchange
Naka-Kon’s cultural events and activities help to promote cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. The convention provides a platform for Japanese cultural practitioners to share their work with American audiences. Attendees can learn more about Japanese culture through these events and activities, and they can also meet Japanese cultural practitioners and learn about their work.
Overall, the celebration of Japanese culture at Naka-Kon is an important part of the convention. It provides attendees with an opportunity to learn about and experience Japanese culture firsthand, helps to build a community of Japanese culture enthusiasts, and promotes cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
4. Community
Naka-Kon is a community event that brings together fans of anime, comics, and Japanese culture from all over the country. The convention provides a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with other fans, share their interests, and learn more about Japanese culture.
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Social Events
Naka-Kon features a variety of social events, including dances, parties, and meet-ups. These events provide attendees with an opportunity to socialize with other fans, make new friends, and have fun.
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Networking Opportunities
Naka-Kon is a great place to network with other fans of anime, comics, and Japanese culture. Attendees can meet artists, writers, musicians, and other professionals in the industry. These networking opportunities can lead to new collaborations, friendships, and career opportunities.
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Sense of Belonging
Naka-Kon provides attendees with a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded people. For many attendees, Naka-Kon is a place where they can feel accepted and celebrated for their love of anime, comics, and Japanese culture.
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Cultural Exchange
Naka-Kon is not only a place to celebrate anime, comics, and Japanese culture, but also a place to learn about and experience Japanese culture firsthand. The convention features a variety of cultural events, including tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural panels. These events provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and to interact with Japanese people.
The community aspect of Naka-Kon is an important part of what makes the convention so special. Naka-Kon is a place where fans of anime, comics, and Japanese culture can come together to share their interests, make new friends, and learn more about Japanese culture.
5. Fun
The “Fun” aspect of Naka-Kon is an important part of what makes the convention so successful. Naka-Kon offers a wide range of entertainment options for attendees of all ages, including concerts, screenings, video games, and cosplay contests. This variety of entertainment ensures that there is something for everyone at Naka-Kon, and it helps to create a fun and lively atmosphere.
The “Fun” aspect of Naka-Kon is also important for the overall success of the convention. Naka-Kon is a for-profit convention, and it relies on ticket sales to cover its costs. By offering a variety of fun and engaging activities, Naka-Kon is able to attract a large number of attendees, which in turn generates revenue for the convention. This revenue can then be used to improve the convention each year, which benefits all attendees.
The “Fun” aspect of Naka-Kon is also important for the local community. Naka-Kon is held in Kansas City, Missouri, and it attracts a large number of attendees from out of town. These attendees spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the Kansas City area, which helps to boost the local economy. In addition, Naka-Kon also donates a portion of its proceeds to local charities.
Overall, the “Fun” aspect of Naka-Kon is an important part of what makes the convention so successful. Naka-Kon offers a wide range of entertainment options for attendees of all ages, which helps to create a fun and lively atmosphere. This fun atmosphere attracts a large number of attendees, which in turn generates revenue for the convention. This revenue can then be used to improve the convention each year, which benefits all attendees. In addition, Naka-Kon also has a positive impact on the local community by attracting out-of-town attendees who spend money on local businesses and by donating a portion of its proceeds to local charities.
6. Educational
Naka-Kon’s educational programming is an important part of the convention, as it provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and creative process behind anime, comics, and Japanese culture. This programming is especially important for attendees who may not have the opportunity to travel to Japan and experience Japanese culture in its native context.
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History of Anime and Manga
Naka-Kon’s educational programming includes a variety of panels and workshops on the history of anime and manga. These programs provide attendees with an overview of the development of anime and manga, from their early origins to their current global popularity. Attendees can learn about the key figures in the history of anime and manga, the different genres of anime and manga, and the cultural influences that have shaped these art forms.
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Creative Process Behind Anime and Manga
Naka-Kon’s educational programming also includes a variety of panels and workshops on the creative process behind anime and manga. These programs provide attendees with an inside look at the creative process behind these art forms, from the initial concept to the final product. Attendees can learn about the different techniques and tools that are used to create anime and manga, and they can also hear from professional anime and manga creators about their creative process.
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Cultural Significance of Anime and Manga
Naka-Kon’s educational programming also includes a variety of panels and workshops on the cultural significance of anime and manga. These programs provide attendees with an understanding of the role that anime and manga play in Japanese culture. Attendees can learn about the different ways that anime and manga are used to express Japanese values and traditions, and they can also learn about the impact that anime and manga have had on Japanese society.
Naka-Kon’s educational programming is an important part of the convention, as it provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and creative process behind anime, comics, and Japanese culture. This programming is especially important for attendees who may not have the opportunity to travel to Japan and experience Japanese culture in its native context.
7. Diverse
Naka-Kon’s diversity is an important part of what makes the convention so special. The convention attracts attendees from all over the country, and it provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations. This diversity is reflected in the convention’s programming, which features a variety of events and activities that appeal to a wide range of interests. For example, Naka-Kon offers a variety of panels on topics related to anime, comics, and Japanese culture, as well as a variety of workshops on topics such as cosplay and anime drawing. The convention also features a large exhibitor hall where attendees can purchase anime, comics, and other merchandise. Naka-Kon’s diversity is also evident in the convention’s attendees. Attendees come from all walks of life, and they all share a common interest in anime, comics, and Japanese culture. This shared interest creates a sense of community among attendees, and it helps to make Naka-Kon a truly special event.
The diversity of Naka-Kon is important for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that the convention is welcoming and inclusive for all attendees. Second, it helps to create a sense of community among attendees. Third, it allows the convention to offer a wider range of programming and activities. Finally, it helps to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Naka-Kon’s diversity is a key part of what makes the convention so successful. The convention’s commitment to diversity ensures that all attendees feel welcome and included, and it helps to create a truly special event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naka-Kon 2025
Naka-Kon is an annual three-day anime convention held during the summer in Kansas City, Missouri. The convention features a variety of events and activities related to Japanese animation, comics, and culture. Naka-Kon is one of the largest anime conventions in the Midwest, and it attracts attendees from all over the country.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Naka-Kon 2025:
Question 1: When and where will Naka-Kon 2025 be held?
Naka-Kon 2025 will be held from July 3-5, 2025, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Question 2: How much are tickets to Naka-Kon 2025?
Ticket prices for Naka-Kon 2025 have not yet been announced. However, ticket prices for Naka-Kon 2023 ranged from $50 for a single-day pass to $120 for a three-day pass. Naka-Kon typically offers a variety of ticket options, including single-day passes, three-day passes, and VIP passes.
Question 3: What are the main events and activities at Naka-Kon 2025?
Naka-Kon 2025 will feature a variety of events and activities related to anime, comics, and Japanese culture. These events and activities will include screenings of anime films and television shows, panels on a variety of topics related to anime and manga, workshops on topics such as cosplay and anime drawing, a large exhibitor hall where attendees can purchase anime, comics, and other merchandise, and a variety of social events, such as dances, parties, and meet-ups.
Question 4: Is Naka-Kon 2025 open to all ages?
Naka-Kon is a family-friendly event, and attendees of all ages are welcome. However, some events and activities may be more appropriate for older attendees. For example, some panels may discuss mature topics, and some films may be rated R.
Question 5: What is the dress code for Naka-Kon 2025?
There is no official dress code for Naka-Kon. However, many attendees choose to dress up in cosplay, which is the practice of dressing up as a character from an anime, manga, video game, or other popular culture property.
Question 6: Can I bring my own food and drinks into Naka-Kon 2025?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Kansas City Convention Center. However, there will be a variety of food and drink options available for purchase inside the convention center.
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Naka-Kon 2025. For more information, please visit the Naka-Kon website.
See you at Naka-Kon 2025!
Tips for Attending Naka-Kon 2025
Naka-Kon is an annual three-day anime convention held during the summer in Kansas City, Missouri. The convention features a variety of events and activities related to Japanese animation, comics, and culture. Naka-Kon is one of the largest anime conventions in the Midwest, and it attracts attendees from all over the country.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience at Naka-Kon 2025:
Tip 1: Plan ahead.
Naka-Kon is a large convention, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. Take some time to look at the convention schedule and map out a plan for your weekend. Decide which events and activities you want to attend, and make sure to leave some time for browsing the exhibitor hall and meeting new people.
Tip 2: Bring comfortable shoes.
You will be doing a lot of walking at Naka-Kon, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You will also be standing in line for some events, so be prepared for that as well.
Tip 3: Stay hydrated.
It can get hot and crowded at Naka-Kon, so it is important to stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day. There will also be water fountains available throughout the convention center.
Tip 4: Be respectful.
Naka-Kon is a community event, and it is important to be respectful of other attendees. Be mindful of your noise level, and be careful not to block walkways or doorways. Also, be respectful of the convention staff and volunteers.
Tip 5: Have fun!
Naka-Kon is a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about Japanese culture, and enjoy your favorite anime and manga. So relax, have fun, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.
We hope these tips help you have a great time at Naka-Kon 2025!
See you there!
Conclusion
Naka-Kon 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for fans of anime, comics, and Japanese culture. The convention will feature a diverse range of events and activities, including screenings, panels, workshops, concerts, and a large exhibitor hall. Naka-Kon is also a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about Japanese culture, and have fun.
If you are a fan of anime, comics, or Japanese culture, then Naka-Kon 2025 is a must-attend event. The convention offers something for everyone, and it is a great opportunity to celebrate your passion for Japanese culture with other fans. We hope to see you there!
