Panels
Studio Theater
RU Genshin: Guess the Character!
11:30am
A Pictionary game where participants will draw Genshin Characters blindfolded. Everyone will have to guess the character they drew.
Voice Actor Panel
2pm
Tournament of Voices
3:30pm
In this voice acting competition players are selected from the audience to perform a video game/anime character’s voice. Creativity is encouraged and winners are decided by the audience!
Guess Who: Anime Edition
5pm
Would your character order an oat milk matcha latte? Does your character look like they skip leg day? Find out the answers to these questions and more at Guess Who: Anime Edition! No prior character knowledge needed to play!
Panel Room 1A – Raritan Bay
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Kahoot Player – Anime Trivia
10:30am
Attendees of Kogaracon have all been hit by Truck-kun, and now we have been reincarnated as Kahoot Players. In this world, we play a Kahoot-based anime trivia game where players must answer anime related questions based on clues such as theme songs, background characters, etc, in a round based system. Winners of each round can have a chance to win prizes of their choice and achieve royalty in the Kahoot world!
Developing Your Own Indie Anime & Screening
12pm
Have you ever wanted to make your own cartoon show? Join us for an informative panel on how Studio MoonMoon created their own trailer for their original anime series.
Pokémon Trivia with the Philadelphia Pokémon League!
1:30pm
Calling all trainers! Come test your knowledge of the world of Pokémon with members of the Philadelphia Pokémon League!
Philadelphia Pokémon League Gym Leader Challenge
3pm
Bring your switch to take on the Philadelphia Pokémon League’s gym leaders! The Water, Electric, and Fairy gym leaders will be accepting challenges and giving out their custom, metal badges to those who defeat them!
- Scarlet/Violet
- Teams of 6
- Singles
- Tera allowed
- Best 2 out of 3
Newgrounds.com The First Impact
5:30pm
Anime’s Impact on the early 00’s internet and the flash portal hub site that hosted most of it
Panel Room 1B – Amboy 1 & 2
Branding Yourself: Identity Design for Artists & Independent Creators
10am
As con-goers aspire to exhibit their own art and as exhibit halls become increasingly crowded with artist booths, the competition for attention is fiercer than ever. In this talk, I’ll share my insights with you as an indie artist and former creative director in advertising, diving into the essential principles of identity design and branding and how to apply them to help showcase your artwork. This panel is specifically designed for artists and independent creators eager to present their work online and at in-person events and who want to learn how to create a unique personal brand that stands out and authentically connects their art with their audience.
Anime Draft: Live!
11:30am
Battle against each other to build a team of anime characters. Not your regular team building though… In these speed rounds, luck of the draw and the audience will decide whose teams reign supreme!
Level Up Your Voice!
1pm
Curious about making character voices for your next tabletop campaign? Interested in starting a career as a voice actor? Just want to shake things up with your customer service voice at work? Come learn how to safely and successfully create new voices using principles of improv, phonetics, and the physiological science of vocal tract manipulation under the guidance of a licensed and certified speech therapist and fellow nerd; it’s time to level up your voice!
Pokémon Kahoot Trivia
2:30pm
Pokémon throwbacks and games
Building a Portfolio for the Animation Industry
4PM
Do you want to work on your favorite cartoon shows one day? Join this informative talk on how to build your portfolio from an animation director and ex-recruiter that has helped staff animated shows for Netflix, Disney, Amazon Prime and more.
Q&A with Storyboard Artist Jane Wu of Blue Eye Samurai
5pm
Don’t miss this exclusive panel as Jane opens up about her career, her craft, and what it means to use art as a playground for the soul.
Panel Room 1C – Crabiel 121
Swords on the back: A cosplayer’s guide
11:30am
Back scabbards make it difficult for cosplayers to manage swords, particularly with drawing and sheathing. Thankfully, this video guide goes through ways on how to make much easier to manage, along with other aspects like to wear backpacks with.
A Bangya’s Guide to Visual Kei
12:30pm
This panel will provide an in-depth review of the Japanese rock genre known as visual kei. The audience will learn about its history, the various subcultures associated with it, and its distinctive fashion. The panel will also introduce new and exciting visual kei groups and highlight the genre’s significance in anime music and beyond.
Keep Talking, I’m Diagnosing Them: Psychoanalyzing Fictional Characters
2pm
Almost-graduate of the Rutgers Master of Social Work program invites attendees to present their favorite fictional characters for psychoanalysis. Panelist will utilize the DSM-5 and their career experience to diagnose and plan treatment for each character, with audience input throughout the whole process!
The Anatomy of Anime
4pm
Ever wondered how Tanjiro’s lungs stack up to an Olympic swimmer’s—or whether Titan transformations could ever work? From Luffy’s absurd physics to alchemy’s cellular toll, we break down anime’s wildest feats with real science, big laughs, and a few mind-blowing surprises.
EGL to IRL: Exploring Fashion Through Cosplay
5:30pm
This panel will explore recognizing EGL fashion in video games and anime by breaking down outfits and hairstyles from beloved characters. We’ll learn the basics of EGL fashion, compare it to cosplay, and discuss how to wear EGL fashion in everyday life. The program will include a presentation, an interactive activity, and a Q&A, as well as a model runway and clothing display.
Panel Room 1D – Crabiel 122
Con Survival: How to Make the Most Out of Conventions
10:30am
Is this your first convention (con)? Do you want to improve your con skills? If so, this panel is for you. We’ll discuss how to plan when going to cons, such as managing time & money, as well as your health. We’ll also discuss tips & tricks, as well as do’s & don’ts of planning & attending them.
Mental Health & Bullying at Cons
12pm
Mental health & bullying are recurring topics in the convention (con) scene. For mental health, the stigma & lack of understanding still exist. Cons can affect one’s mental health in many ways. Bullying is also an issue at cons. We’ll talk about how to manage mental health & address bullying.
Navigating Cons as a Neurodivergent Cosplayer
1:30pm
Join Yasmeen Lee for an insightful panel where she shares her unique journey as a cosplayer living with autism and ADHD, and how she has navigated life after surviving cervical cancer. Drawing from her personal experiences, she will offer valuable tips for attending conventions as a neurodivergent cosplayer, covering what she brings with her, the strategies she uses to stay grounded, and how she makes the con experience manageable. In addition, Yasmeen will raise awareness about cervical cancer and prevention methods, while also discussing the transformative impact cosplaying has had on her life. This panel is a celebration of resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of fandom.
The 100 Anime You Must See Before You Get to Snake Way
2:30pm
Anime spans over a century—and it’s releasing faster than ever. Even if you never touch grass, you’ll never watch it all. So where should you spend your time? Backed by years of research, we present the definitive must-watch anime every well-rounded weeb needs to see.
Black Characters in Anime: The Good, The Bad and The Non- Black
4pm
This panel peers into the somewhat rocky relationship between black people and the characters that portray them in anime. From the first black anime character, to the characters that black people love to claim as their own, this panel aims to not only inform con goers of the different tropes that black characters tend to have in anime but also highlight characters and shows that may otherwise be overlooked in this vast world that is anime. In the end we want con goers to leave with a better understanding between black people and our love of anime.
Panel Room 1E – Crabiel 123
Teaching with Anime: Creating an Animated Learning Experience
10:30am
Anime is certainly entertaining, but it can be educational as well, and an effective tool for educators to create dynamic lesson plans and classroom experiences. While a lot of the subject matter of anime is make-believe, there are many that have active lessons built in. Whether referring to anime as cultural artifacts or focusing on the more universal themes that emerge in anime, incorporating pop culture materials such as anime, as teaching tools can be attractive to students, and creates a fun learning environment. Traditional teaching methodology is based on textbooks, tests, and quizzes, and tends to be teacher-dominated, where teachers are the sole source of content, and students are passive receivers of that content. But the modern classroom needs to be more interactive, multimodal, and learner-focused.
Power, Protest, and Propaganda: Exploring Politics in Anime
12pm
Anime isn’t about just giant robots, magical girls, or high school hijinks. It is a powerful medium for exploring political ideas, both subtly and overtly. This workshop is designed to dive into the fascinating ways in which anime contains political themes, and reflects or critiques political ideologies.
From dystopian surveillance states in Psycho-Pass, to resistance and revolution in Code Geass, to the echoes of nationalism in Attack on Titan, this workshop will explore how anime engages with themes like war, government control, identity, and resistance. I will screen 5-7 short clips (depending on time and ongoing discussions) from different series and discuss the political themes contained within those clips. Time-permitting, I’ll also touch on how real-world politics influence anime production and distribution (e.g. censorship, power, fan responses) of politically charged content. To be clear, the purpose of this workshop is not to advocate for a particular political or ideological position. Rather, it is to show how political themes are included in anime culture.
This workshop will be designed to be accessible to both experienced fans and those who may be just starting to think critically about anime. I’ll mix clips, historical context, and audience discussion to create a thought-provoking hour that will conclude with the question, “What does anime have to say about the world we live in—and how do we respond as fans?”
Whether audience members are into deep dives or just curious about how their favorite anime fits into bigger social conversations, this workshop will offer a gateway into understanding anime as a political art form—intentional or not.
Anime Is Art: Accepting All Forms of Cartooning
2pm
Lecture and discussion of the origins of the ‘anime-style’, the various international influences, and encouragement on why it should be accepted more in formal art spaces. The panel will also discuss my personal experiences as an illustrator who creates art ‘anime art’, and how that affected me during my higher education.
I Know Dat Anime
3:30pm
Show off your knowledge of anime by participating in I know Dat Anime where two participants will go up against each other answering trivia questions about anime for a chance to win a prize.
Tournament Arc: Greatest Anime Year
5pm
What’s the greatest year in anime history? YOU decide! The top 5 anime from over 30 different years face off in this tournament bracket game show, where the audience votes, debates, and ultimately decides. Come cheer, vote, and even walk away with some prizes!
Panel Room 1F – Crabiel 124
Cupid’s Club Q&A and Live Episode Showing
Showcasing the second episode of Cupid’s Club and a Q&A with the cast of the show!
Talk(loid) About Vocaloid : Why Vocal Synths Are Awesome, and How They Inspire Me
12pm
This panel consists of me going through a Google Slides presentation about Vocaloid and similar vocal synth programs. I start by explaining the most popular vocal synth character and going over specific definitions. I then talk about my favorite vocal synths and producers who use vocal synths in their music, including facts about how the producers have used the characters. Afterwards, I talk on how Vocaloid and similar programs inspire my own works and creativity. Finally, I end with the meaning behind my panel name, then thank the viewers and ask if anyone has questions.
Castle in the Sky — 40 Years Above The Clouds
1pm
Inspired by a passage from Jonathan Swift’s immortal “Gulliver’s Travels”, Hayao Miyazaki’s third animated feature, CASTLE IN THE SKY, has thrilled audiences since its initial release in 1986. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, you are invited on a special voyage to discover this legendary movie’s rich legacy. You’ll learn about the birth of a Japanese animation studio, real-life events and people who shaped the story, two different scores, its lasting legacy — and a whole lot more besides.
Finding VHS Tapes at a Thrift Store
2:30pm
I’ll be presenting a PowerPoint presentation on methods of finding old anime and movies via thrifting and methods of digitizing DVDs and VHS tapes as preservation, and cap it off by displaying a video that was thrifted and digitized.
chaimeras hoard and swap meet
4:00pm
RWAAAR! ahem erm i mean welcome to the hoard. come and display your unneeded or unwanted treasures for the chance to swap it out with new treasures. whether its furry , anime, or pokemon just come on down and see what new treasures for the hoard you can get your claws on and enjoy your new shinies while displaying your hoard for trade.
Pride Lounge Panels
Room 200
Kogaracon’s favorite LGBTQ+ Series
All day event
Which series will come out top this year? Vote for your favorite Girls’ Love, Boys’ Love, and Queer anime series! Voting will begin at 10 AM and will continue until we announce the winners at the end of the convention day.
Let’s Origami: A Beginner’s Guide to Paper Crafting
10:30am
Presenters: Max and Kenny
Join us for an hour filled with beginner-friendly crafting where we teach you step by step how to make origami stars and cranes. Origami paper and instructions will be provided. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned crafter, everyone is welcome to join in!
Modesty, Fairness, and Grace: The Takarazuka Revue
12pm
Presenter: Kitty
This panel gives an overview of the 100+ year history of the Takarazuka Revue, and its impact on the intersection of anime, theatre fandom, and LGBTQ+ perception in Japan and abroad. We discuss the origins and economic impact, as well as the aesthetics and localization of foreign language musicals – and what famous Takarasiennes have gone on to do in current pop culture.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Media
1:15pm
Presenter: Max
Are you interested in learning about lesser known series with LGBTQ+ characters? Join me for an hour of discussion where I showcase some of my personal favorite series that include queer characters and themes.
LGBTQ+ Character Bingo
2:30pm
Presenters: Max, Kenny, Nicole
Join us for an exciting gameshow with a modern twist. Every space on your board will include a LGBTQ+ character or queer couple from an anime, game, or cartoon. No prior knowledge of the characters is required as we will briefly discuss the series whenever a new number is called. Find out about your next must-watch series today!
Pokémon Pictionary
3:45pm
Presenters: Max and Kenny
Do you think you have what it takes to be a Pokémon Master? We’ll be splitting the room into multiple teams for a game where you can put your knowledge to the test. Once a Pokémon name has been pulled out of a bag, you’ll have one minute to draw them on the board while your team guesses the ‘mon. Each round will be increasingly more difficult, with more generations of Pokémon being added, so be prepared for trouble.
LGBTQ+ Open Mic Discussion Hour
5pm
Presenter: Max
Have a poem you’d love to present or a song you want to sing in front of your LGBTQ+ peers? We’ll be opening the floor for anyone who would like to speak about their own journey or perform for their fellow attendees during our Open Mic hour. As your Pride Lounge host, I’ll be sharing a little bit about my own journey before I open the floor to anyone else who would like to speak.
Group Photo & Kogaracon’s Favorite LGBTQ+ Series Winner Announced
6:05pm
The votes are in and the people have spoken. Kogaracon’s favorite LGBTQ+ Series is…?! Join us for the reveal of Kogaracon’s favorite Girls’ Love, Boys’ Love, and Queer series as well as a group photo that will be shared on our social media.
Room 203
Origami Guessing Game
All day event (10am-5pm)
So many cranes, penguins, and dragons, oh my! Guess how many origami we have in a vase in this fun minigame. Write your guesses down and don’t forget to come back at the end of the day to see if you’ve won! Whoever gets the closest to the actual number of origami will be crowned our champion.
Neopets Monopoly Free Play
All day event (10:30am-6:30pm)
I don’t think Queen Fyora would like it if you charged that much rent on your Faerieland apartment, but Dr. Sloth sure would. Relax and unwind with your friendly by playing Neopets Monopoly at the Pride Lounge. Please ask our volunteers if you’d like to play a round!
Neopets Rare Item Code Giveaway
All day event (10am-7pm)
Are you still an avid Neopets player? Drop by our Pride Lounge for a free code card which can be redeemed at Neopets.com for a rare item! And don’t forget to feed your Kacheek or at least put him in the NeoLodge! Thank you so much to Neopets for sponsoring us this year.
Origami Crafting
12pm-6:30pm
Whether you’re an origami master or beginner there’s a craft that’s made for you! Join us for a day-long crafting session in the Pride Lounge. We’ll be providing origami paper for all attendees. We’ll be hosting an origami demonstration earlier in the day in Room 200 where we’ll be teaching people how to make stars and cranes.
Friendship Bracelet Crafting
12pm-6:30pm
Upgrade your accessory collection at the Pride Lounge with some Friendship Bracelet crafting! Let’s add a little color to your wardrobe and make it LGBT-tastic. Bring a friend and coordinate your crafting with some matching beads. Now’s the perfect time to showcase your true colors.
Room 204
Unwind and relax with some LGBTQ+ series hand-picked by our coordinator.
Yuri On Ice!!!
Reeling from his crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Finale, Yuuri Katsuki, once Japan’s most promising figure skater, returns to his family home to assess his options for the future. At age 23, Yuuri’s window for success in skating is closing rapidly, and his love of pork cutlets and aptitude for gaining weight are not helping either.
However, Yuuri finds himself in the spotlight when a video of him performing a routine previously executed by five-time world champion, Victor Nikiforov, suddenly goes viral. In fact, Victor himself abruptly appears at Yuuri’s house and offers to be his mentor. As one of his biggest fans, Yuuri eagerly accepts, kicking off his journey to make it back onto the world stage. But the competition is fierce, as the rising star from Russia, Yuri Plisetsky, is relentlessly determined to defeat Yuuri and win back Victor’s tutelage.
Sailor Moon Crystal
Though a little clumsy and easily brought to tears, Usagi Tsukino is a typical 14-year-old girl in her second year of junior high. However, all of that changes when an encounter with Luna, a mysterious talking black cat, whose head bears the mark of a crescent moon, results in the animal bestowing a magical brooch upon her. Now Usagi can transform into Sailor Moon, a magical girl in a sailor uniform who protects love and peace!
Usagi is appointed as a guardian of justice and is tasked with the search for the legendary Silver Crystal, a magical artifact that holds immense power, as well as finding the other Sailor Guardians and the lost princess of Luna’s home, the Moon Kingdom. Her mission isn’t without opposition, however; Queen Beryl, ruler of the Dark Kingdom, wants to claim the Silver Crystal and take its power for her own.
Though she still has to worry about her school, family, and love life, it is up to Sailor Moon and the other Sailor Guardians to save the day!
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
As Kobayashi sets off for another day at work, she opens her apartment door only to be met by an unusually frightening sight—the head of a dragon, staring at her from across the balcony. The dragon immediately transforms into a cute, busty, and energetic young girl dressed in a maid outfit, introducing herself as Tooru.
It turns out that the stoic programmer had come across the dragon the previous night on a drunken excursion to the mountains, and since the mythical beast had nowhere else to go, she had offered the creature a place to stay in her home. Thus, Tooru had arrived to cash in on the offer, ready to repay her savior’s kindness by working as her personal maidservant. Though deeply regretful of her words and hesitant to follow through on her promise, a mix of guilt and Tooru’s incredible dragon abilities convinces Kobayashi to take the girl in.
Sasaki and Miyano
Yoshikazu Miyano’s troubles first start one hot summer day when Shuumei Sasaki steps into his life. Sasaki saves Miyano’s classmate from a group of bullies, and after that, Miyano cannot seem to shake off his eccentric upperclassman. His silent admiration for Sasaki gradually sours into annoyance each time the so-called delinquent refuses to leave him alone. Constantly being called by cute nicknames and having his boundaries ignored, Miyano wonders why Sasaki wants to get close to him.
The shy and easily flustered Miyano harbors an embarrassing secret—he is a “fudanshi,” a boy who likes boys’ love (BL) manga. The last thing he wants is for other students to find out, but through a slip of the tongue, he reveals the truth to Sasaki. Intrigued, the clueless Sasaki asks to borrow a book to read, which he is given very reluctantly. To Miyano’s surprise, Sasaki enjoys the BL that he receives and asks for more, marking a shift in their strange dynamic.
Although Sasaki appears to possess some personal agenda, his feelings for Miyano become complicated the more time they spend together. As they now share a common interest, their relationship is poised to change and further develop.
I’m in Love With the Villianess
Rei Oohashi is a burned-out office worker by day but otome game heroine Rae Taylor by night. After her long workdays, Rei immerses herself in the world of her favorite dating sim, Revolution, as a student at Bauer Kingdom’s prestigious Royal Academy. Instead of focusing on the male love interests, Rei obsesses over the romantic rival: the game’s villainess, Claire François. One evening, however, Rei’s exhaustion catches up with her and she passes away.
When Rei opens her eyes again, she finds herself reincarnated as Rae and in the presence of her beloved Claire. Given this miraculous opportunity, she wastes no time declaring her love for the golden-haired villainess and her endearing attempts at bullying. Winning Claire’s heart is no easy feat, especially as the game persistently throws the three male leads at Rae—but she has no intention of allowing the dating sim logic to come between her and the one she truly loves.