Sekaicon 2025 Programming Schedule

Amtgard Leather Workshop ($25/person): In this class on leather working, participants can expect to learn the art of sewing leather using a precut pattern for a belt pouch. Materials will be provided. If time permits, leather dyeing and tooling may be demonstrated.

Anime Court: All rise! Enter the courtroom and put your favorite video game and anime characters on trial to decide their fate. Help decide on a case then step up as the prosecutor, defense attorney, plaintiff, defendant, a key witness, or a member of the jury. Court is now in session!

Cosplay Cleric 101: Come join the Cosplay Cleric for how to's, what not to do's, wholesome stories, what to pack, and a QnA! All in a neat packaged panel!

Drag Race: Do you have what it takes to be a Drag Superstar? Come experience and partake in the Original Cosplay Drag Race created by America’s Premiere Cosplay Drag Queen Oriana Peron, Drag King co-host Verna Vendetta, and local guest Drag Superstars! Attendee contestants engage in fun and silly games to compete for this year's title! No experience needed, just show up and volunteer to compete, everyone is welcome. Or, sit back and watch the antics. The quirky competition events are intermixed with professional Drag performances for all ages.

Hangman Anime w/ Kristen McGuire: Come play hangman with voice actor Kristen McGuire where she is drawing you, the attendee! You could leave with a signed sketch!

Industry Insights: Streaming Q&A w/ Mankalor & Donovan Ruckman: A game reviewer, YouTuber, and streamer for over 15 years, join Mankalor and positive vibes game streamer Donovan Ruckman for a discussion and Q&A on streaming and gaming content creation!

It's Fright Night Gaming (18+): The lights go down in a room full of strangers. Before you know it it’s only you, the panelists, a console, and a horror game you don’t know. Do you think you have the guts to survive a journey into unknown terror (and laughs)? Let's hear your cries and maybe win a prize with FRIGHT NIGHT GAMING.

K-Pop Khaos: Jeopardy-style panel where teams compete in multiple categories of k-pop music, artist, and industry trivia.

K-Pop/J-Pop Dance Competition: The K-Pop/J-Pop Dance Competition is a high energy event where ambitious dancers compete for a chance to call themselves the best cover dancer of Sekaicon! Hosted by Fantoche Cover Crew, this competition is a celebration of the love of K-Pop and J-Pop idols and choreography. Cheer, scream, or sing along from your seat while watching talented local dancers bust a move on our stage. Let’s bring the concert atmosphere to Sekaicon–lightsticks welcome!

Kaiju Biology: The discussion on the biology of Giant Monsters usually just ends at "It's too big, won't work". Well frankly thats boring. In this informative panel we'll be analyzing the powers and abilities of your favorite Godzilla monsters from the physics of their destructive powers to their real world inspirations.

Konbini Snack Review Live: Step into the tasty world of Japanese and Korean convenience foods in this fun and interactive live panel! The hosts will be sampling a variety of instant and shelf-stable treats, from iconic konbini staples to some of the more unusual finds. While savoring each bite, we’ll dive into the history, cultural significance, and quirky stories behind these snacks and meals and you might even get to taste test with us!

Makeup for Cosplay & Drag w/ Oriana Peron: Need help beating your face to filth for your cosplay? Join Drag Queen Oriana Peron and catch the secrets you'll need to transform yourself into your character!

OOPS! I'm a Soda Influencer!? (13+): Come see Griffin Parker of @SodaSeekers and Sporked "fame" as he explains how he tricked over 50,000 people into trusting him as a journalist. (Rhett and Link paid him to drink Ramune once, so he's absolutely qualified to present at an anime convention.) Come watch a man who's lost control of his life drink some funny beverages while he clicks through a Powerpoint. Planned topics of conversation may include brief discussion of bodily functions, alcohol, and a little fruity language.

Photoshoots from A-Z: Cosplayers, you ever wondered where to start when booking a shoot? Photographers, have you ever wondered how to offer shoots? Have either of you had other questions such as how to pose, How photoshoots work, or etiquette of sharing photos? Well we’re here to help!

So You Think You Know Danmei (18+): Do you know danmei? Think you know more than others? Come test your knowledge of MXTX’s works, SVSSS, MDZS, and TGCF, in all their variations in this Kahoot game! The top 3 winners will get prizes (including keychains, stickers, and/or art prints from the LycorisFeather shop)!

So You Want to be Fit Like Your Favorite Anime Character?: Ever looked at a character and said, I want to look like that? If you want to start the journey of improving your physique, being healthier, or just want to learn something cool, join this practical demo and follow along to start your fitness journey! Audience participation encouraged, not required.

Tales from the DMs (18+): The night air is still, a cool breeze stiffens the branches as they rattle outside your window as the moon rises. And then you hear it… It’s an instant message from a complete stranger who is completely and utterly too forward with you! Quake with fear as we regale you with TALES FROM THE DMs!

Virgin vs Hentail Showdown! (18+): Have you ever listened to adult animation and wondered “Hmm, is that the sound of a heinous sex act, cheesy pasta, or Hamtaro?” You won't have to wonder but the virgin who won't be allowed to see the screen will! Our sweet innocent victim will be guessing what mysteries the screen beholds but if she does poorly you might have to witness true horrors..

A D&D Workshop: How to Craft Your Characters: Interested in the wide world of table top but not quite sure how to create your character? What’s fresh and new, what’s too much of a trope? Have an idea for a new game for your friends? We have the character sheets if you have the concepts- let’s workshop some D&D for first-timers and vets alike!

Anime Hell (+18): Anime Hell returns to central Ohio with a collection of weird and funny clips, both classic crowd pleasers and new discoveries. Come join in the group viewing experience that is... Anime Hell.

Awesome Karaoke: Karaoke with contactless sign ups!

Cosplay Competition and Masquerade: The Masquerade is an evening Main Event comprised of skit performances, craftsmanship presentation, and a non-competitive showcase. Costumes will be judged based on accuracy, construction skill, and overall presentation. Skits will be judged on audience engagement, stage presence, and overall presentation!

Cosplay Positively+: Do you have dream cosplay but have been scared to do it? Have you been told that you were too "Tall, fluffy, not the right race" or anything along the lines of why you couldn't do a certain character? FEAR NOT!!!!! Shockolate Energy has your back! Cosplay and love yourself through the power of positivity! Come share stories, learn tricks, and let us fawn all over how you all the wonderful cosplays to have.

Cosplaying and Conventions on a Budget: We all know that Cosplaying+Conventions =Expensive. Have you ever wondered how some cosplayers get so many cosplays, as well as how to afford 7+ conventions in a year? Well, you came to the right place!! Shockolate Energy Cosplay has over 10+ years of combined experience to help you on your cosplay journey!! We will tell you secrets and need-to-know things while looking cool without breaking your budget!!!! As well as tips and tricks on booking hotels for conventions and planning to go to conventions without breaking the bank!!

DanDaDan for Dummies and Doubters: DanDaDan is one of the big hits of 2024 with flashy animation, outrageous characters, and awkward moments, but it's got a lot more packed in that it seems at surface level. We’ll explore how the series uses its quirky elements to tell a meaningful coming-of-age story, challenging the perception that it's just about fan service and dive deep into the cultural references often missed. But please do not bring bananas…

Dive Into Doujin Music: Ever wonder where that one catchy song came from? Join a fellow weeb as we take a look at the doujin music scene in Japan, and who knows, you might discover a new favorite artist or two!

Drag Show: Get ready for The Original Cosplay Drag Show starring Oriana Peron and featuring some of the hottest Drag Cosplay talents, including local stars! Oriana has brought some wild and exciting queer entertainment for you, so come and enjoy the show. All ages, gender identities, sexualities, and humans are welcome to enjoy this award-winning lineup that’s been thrilling convention attendees across the USA since 2012. The winner of the Drag Race competition gets to perform!

Exploring the World of Japanese Visual Novels (18+): Some stories you read. Some stories you watch. Visual novels? You experience them. Even if you have never played one before, join us as we explore the vast world of Japanese visual novels. We’ll guide you through visual novels and where to begin!

From Shakespeare to Slash Fics: A History of Fanfiction: Have you ever wondered how fanfiction became the massive phenomenon it is today? Join Ray- long time writer, longer time fan- as they explore the history of fanfiction, from its ancient roots in mythology to the modern virtual and legal landscape.

Game Show Qualifier Quiz w/ Kick-Punch-QWOP: If you're interested in being on the Sekaicon Game Show later this evening, come take the qualification quiz. It'll take five or ten minutes, so visit anytime during this hour to fill one out.

How Culture Influences Japanese Language presented by Eri-sensei: Intro-level panel on the proper uses and reasons behind things like the wide variety of honorifics and personal pronouns and examples of their correct use in anime and manga and the sometimes outdated or exaggerated uses of them as well.

Industry Insights: Artist Branding & Merchandise: Come join a Q&A with Tasty Peach Studios on what it takes to market your art and become a brand!

It's Not Like I Want You At My Panel: History of the Tsundere: Whether you love or hate them, tsundere have a long history and plenty of variety. Come learn how the trope has changed over the years, and how it has more depth than it seems. It isn't limited by gender, and it applies to more - and sometimes fewer - characters than expected.

Junji Ito Can't Catch a Break with Anime: From Gyo to The Junji Ito Collection and beyond, we’ll analyze the pitfalls of previous adaptations, the challenges of capturing Ito’s signature style in motion, and the fundamental differences between the mediums of manga and anime. Join us for a discussion on what an ideal adaptation might look like and why fans continue to hold out hope that Junji Ito’s horror might someday receive the animation it deserves.

Master Hand Concert (13+): MASTER HAND is the electrifying Nintendo-themed nerdcore nu-metal band! Here to leve up your music experience! With lyrics about gaming and nerd culture, Master Hand delivers an experience that will hit harder than a blue shell in Mario Kart!

Model Maker's Union Local #2 Hobby Workshop: Join Model Maker's Union Local #2 for a skill building demonstration on airbrushing, weathering techniques, basing and terrain making, and cosplay prop detailing. This demonstration is set for all skill levels and no prior experience is required!

Nat One Presents: D&D&Anime: Ever wanted to use Megumin's Explosion in D&D? How about Frieren's Zoltraak? Anything from Black Clover? How about a JoJo stand? Or a Zanpakuto? Come to this panel and try it all in this interactive D&D&Anime game show!

Nat One Presents: Guess that Song! Anime Edition: Think you know your anime anthems? From the most famous to the most obscure openings in anime history - and don't forget about the endings and OSTs! Come test your knowledge in this anime song guessing game!

Nat One Presents: Monster F***** Certification (18+): So, you've finally reached the final stages of the Monster F*** Certification Exam. The only thing left is the practical exam... Come battle against your friends, your rivals, and your enemies to finally determine who will be a certified Monster F*** once and for all!

QWOPWatch: King of Fighters w/ Kick-Punch-QWOP: QWOPWatch: Where we discuss how garbage gets made. This year: 2009's wildly unnecessary KING OF FIGHTERS! We've watched the film, and we're delighted to tell you how it is! (Spoiler: it sucks.) Join us for a roundtable, freeform discussion about the movie, including clips, highlights, and (many, many) lowlights. Is it even a KoF movie if Shermie's not here?!

Sekaicon Game Show w/ Kick-Punch-QWOP: Welcome to the Kick-Punch-QWOP SEKAICON GAME SHOW! This game show plans to entertain, titillate, and befuddle in an entirely new venue! Half You Don't Know Jack, half Jeopardy!, and half remedial math tutoring classes, the Sekaicon Game Show is an inane mix of questions that span the anime's past, present...and future?! (No.) If you're interested in playing the game show, be sure to fill out a quiz earlier in the day to see if you qualify! But hey, even the audience can win prizes, so if you didn't qualify, stick around!

SekaiSpin with Big Sana: Dance the night away with remixes of anime, j-pop, and k-pop beats!

Super Sentai Wushu: Chinese Martial Arts in the Precursor to Power Rangers: Join OSU's Dragon Phoenix Wushu Club as we discuss and showcase how Chinese martial arts and culture inspired the tokusatsu series Gosei Sentai Dairanger!

The 20 Minute Cosplay Creation Challenge: Think you're the best at con crunch? Now's your chance to prove it, you've got twenty minutes and whatever supplies we decide to supply you (duct tape, assorted fabric scraps, cardboard, who knows?). Bring friends, everyone is participating.

The Most Famous Anime Around the World: Many of the most lastingly popular anime in America are shows that broadcast on TV in the 90s and 2000s. But Japanese entertainment, in many different forms, has made its way all over the world. Come and learn what anime have become institutions and inspired revolutions across the globe.

This Decade in Anime: Classics Edition: Anime is an evolving art form and storytelling device. Many things changed between the 60s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s, but what sets each decade apart from all others? Join us as we explore the anime of Astro Boy and Lupin III to Akira and Sailor Moon and all the changes that take place in between.

Um, Actually: Weeb Edition (18+): From Jotaro to Naruto, weebs love a lot of things, but what they love most of all is correcting people! Come watch our contestants as they correct our incorrect statements about anime, and maybe have the opportunity to jump in with corrections of your own!

Video Game Bar Trivia 2 w/ Kick-Punch-QWOP (+21): Come ANSWER QUESTIONS about VIDEO GAMES for MAYBE PRIZES??? YES, PRIZES! WOW!!!
Think you know more about video games than anyone else? Prove it! Grab a drink and gather a team of up to three friends (plus you, that’s four people) and come to a games-based trivia night!
It's loosey, it's goosey, it's a chill event. There will seven rounds of three questions per round, plus a final wager-based question. You WILL need some internet-connected device in order to play (just one per team!), so keep that in mind!

Be cool! Come have drinks! There's a gosh-darned mobile bar!!

VTubing 101 w/ Kaimeriss: Join VTuber Kaimeriss (Tasty Peach Studios) for a crash course on what it takes to finally become the cute anime girl of your dreams.

Wigs 101: Want to incorporate wigs into your cosplay and don't know where to start? Come hang out with Drag Queen Oriana Peron and learn more than you ever wanted to about wigs and how to snatch them!

Chopstick Derby: A Hands-on Education: “I can’t use chopsticks!” is exactly what you won’t be saying when you leave this class! We'll show you the history and evolution of the use of chopsticks in Asia, then move on to a hands-on demonstration of how to use those tricky utensils with various objects. An agility contest will determine who graduates the class with a special prize. All experience levels are welcome; our patience knows no limits, don’t be shy!

Cosplay Runway: Strut & Style: Join us for Cosplay Runway: Strut & Style an exhilarating cosplay runway show that celebrates the artistry and creativity of cosplayers! This panel showcases talented cosplayers as they take the stage to present their stunning costumes, inspired by anime, video games movies and more!

English Dubs You've Never Heard Of: There is another dub of Spy x Family? FIVE of Shin-chan!? Find these and other favourites in this panel!

Gotta Love 'Em All: Everybody Need Somebody: Do you love Gengar? How about Pikachu? Have you ever considered... Bruxish?? Well, someone out there has and she's their favorite! Everyone has a favorite Pokémon and we'll be talking why, showcasing odd favorites, AND you'll have a chance to profess your own love for your Pokémon pal to Sekaicon!

Hot Heart Takes: A Kingdom Hearts Retrospective: 17 years is a long time to wait for the conclusion of a story just to hear that Kingdom Hearts is on the path to a whole new one. So let’s talk about it. Come ready to vent your grievances and sing your praises alike as we look back at the saga of Kingdom Hearts.

Nat One Presents: Across the Hoyoverse: Is your Genshin Impacted? Has your Honkai been Impacted 3rd or Star Railed? And is your Zenless Zone... Zero? Come check out this panel to talk about the past, the present, and the future of all of the Hoyoverse games! (bonus points if you bring a friend!)

So You Want to Get Into One Piece: So, you've heard all about the Japanese franchise One Piece, but what IS it exactly? Why should you tackle a series about pirates with THIS much content? Get your questions answered in this panel!

The Underground World of Overseas Idols: Come join Ichigo Ro! as they dive into the underground world of Overseas (Kaigai) Idols! Learn the foundations of the community, watch interviews, and get some tips and tricks on starting out as a Kaigai Idol yourself!

Traveling to Japan!: Do you want to travel to Japan but don’t know where to start? You can start here! We’ll go over tons of helpful information including airplane tickets, booking hotels, and how to navigate the train stations. There will also be info about places to go, things to do, some useful Japanese phrases, and important cultural differences!