Final yr was the primary time in about 20 years that I didn’t attend Otakon. Whereas I don’t remorse my determination, I nonetheless missed being there, so I used to be additional stoked to return to DC for 2026. Whereas I’m not from the realm, I thought of this conference to be an annual homecoming of kinds. There’s nonetheless nothing like Otakon, even (or maybe particularly) in an age the place anime cons hold popping up and attendance is exploding.
The Fundamentals
Otakon 2026 was held on the Walter E. Washington Conference Heart in Washington, DC from July 31 to August 2. In a uncommon and nice change, the climate was surprisingly good, with temperatures hovering beneath 90 levels F and solely a Sunday storm on the finish being a problem. In accordance with official numbers, this was essentially the most attended Otakon of all time, at 47,049.
And whereas the US and the world has moved on, I nonetheless assume it’s essential to deliver up the masking coverage, or lack thereof. I do know it’s sadly inconceivable to persuade the vast majority of folks to remain masked at this level, I want they took COVID-19 extra critically. On the very least, the areas (together with the Artist Alley and Seller’s Corridor) have been properly ventilated, and so they don’t forbid masks both. (It may possibly simply be a great way to keep away from getting sick usually.)
The theme this yr was “Swords and Sorcery,” and attendance badges used official artwork from Closing Fantasy XIV with designated courses reminiscent of Summoner, Wizard, and so on. Folks might additionally volunteer to play a scavenger hunt-esque RPG that concerned discovering photographs of runes hidden all around the conference heart after which “preventing” enemies at a guild. I participated a bit with buddies however didn’t get an opportunity to do any battling myself. So far as I might inform, it was a enjoyable concept applied considerably awkwardly, however I perceive that it’s exhausting to make a sport like this that accounts for all of the totally different priorities attendees may need.
The New(-ish) Autograph Coverage
Since final yr, Otakon has achieved away with the in-person, first come first served worldwide visitor autographs strains of the previous. As a substitute, they switched to a system that required folks to join autographs through the Guidebook app that was nonetheless first come first served however meant that the battle occurred fully on-line.
The rollout for 2026 was marred by a number of issues. First, when autograph sign-ups initially launched a pair weeks earlier than the con, the Android model of the app couldn’t choose any of them, and people on iPhone might solely choose one autograph complete. After they redid it later (and over a number of days to unfold the load), the app wouldn’t routinely replace in the beginning time, and also you needed to swap out and in between them. If you happen to didn’t know, this meant dropping treasured seconds that is likely to be the distinction between getting an autograph and never. Additionally, you couldn’t join two autograph periods that overlapped even the slightest, so should you had two company with conflicting schedules, you couldn’t get each, even when neither had a very lengthy line.
Regardless of personally getting many autographs through the years via the earlier strategy, and regardless of probably dropping out on sign-ups as a result of above points with Guidebook, I welcomed the brand new coverage. The tune and dance required to get entry was at all times ridiculous, with folks hovering as near the autograph space as attainable with out technically being “too shut.” The fervor with which individuals rushed the road was additionally disagreeable and harmful, and I’ve personally seen somebody have a panic assault once they received caught inside the aggressive push. Then there was the period of time you needed to dedicate to get into place to actually have a probability (an hour not less than), and it meant dropping out on different belongings you may need needed to do or see. And since it wanted to account for throngs of individuals, the Autograph Space was within the Seller’s Room, including to what’s already probably the most crowded sections of Otakon.
With the change, autographs as an alternative have been held on the third ground, close to Major Occasions, turning all-but-inevitable chaos into a reasonably subdued expertise.
VTubers Formally at Otakon
Whereas VTuber fanart has been part of the Artist Alley in recent times, and even a number of corporations have appeared as distributors (e.g. Part Join), this was the primary yr that VTubers have been formally company at Otakon. The lineup was slim however diverse, starting from outstanding stars like Ironmouse to skills with smaller fanbases. Ought to they begin to have a much bigger presence (and extra heavy hitters) within the years to observe, I ponder the way it would possibly have an effect on attendance numbers, provided that regardless of a superb diploma of overlap, not all anime/manga followers are VTuber followers and vice versa.
Not like at OshiUplink, the official meet and greets have been free, and have been handled roughly like autographs—together with being held in the identical space and requiring sign-ups through Guidebook. I received the possibility to speak to Izumi Teeny and Bonnie Barkswell this fashion. I want I might have seen Ironmouse’s panel, however Guidebook generally is a clumsy app, and I wasn’t even conscious she had one. Nevertheless, I did go to Hylo’s Anime and VTuber Jeopardy panel, and was fascinated to see what got here simply to the opposite gamers and what stumped them. The truth that folks struggled over the query of what anime “Hare Hare Yukai” got here from is a really fast option to make me really feel the passage of time.
There was additionally a VTuber live performance by Teeny, Bonnie, Rachie, and Yumemi. I couldn’t catch the very starting, however nonetheless managed to observe a lot of the women. Given that almost all of them seem through display, Otakon made the choice to carry the live performance in a video room as an alternative of an occasion house. Regardless of that, Yumemi really appeared in individual as properly and carried out together with her animated counterpart, even working up and down the small aisle.
Idolspace
Talking of concert events (and VTubers), I went to see Phoebe Chan carry out. I virtually didn’t make it as a result of I mistakenly thought the Idolspace space (the place Phoebe was) and the Featured Occasions space (which had some idol and cosplay performances) have been the identical factor. That was on me for not being conscious of that distinction, however I feel my confusion was comprehensible.
The preshow featured a enjoyable abroad idol duo referred to as the ChiRi Women. Their exhausting work was evident, and I’m curious to see the place they’ll be in a pair extra years. Phoebe in the meantime, is somebody I had heard about for years however began paying extra consideration to after she turned part of the VTuber trio Densetsu.exe. She’s been going for about 10 years at this level, and I might really feel a robust sense of professionalism and polish that clearly got here from that decade of expertise. Even when there have been some technical points, Phoebe managed to take all of it in stride and nonetheless give a robust efficiency. She did a superb “Sizzling Restrict” cowl too.
As somebody who enjoys VTubers and a few idol anime however isn’t huge into idols usually, it was fascinating to get a style of a world that felt very acquainted in some ways, but unfamiliar in simply as many different respects. Specifically, it’s the embrace of sure facets of Japanese idol tradition mixed with a extra “outsider” strategy that I discover fascinating. It’s like they’re making an attempt to decouple idols from the facility construction and hierarchy present in Japan and hold solely the enjoyable facets, and I can respect that, even when it’s not excellent. One other factor I seen concerning the Idolspace that I loved is that there was no seeming want by the viewers to face—they offered an area for individuals who had that want, although. Generally, I simply need to sit and luxuriate in issues.
Interviews
I received to talk to 2 company this yr and conduct interviews:
The primary was with Minami Masahiko, co-founder of Studio Bones.
The second was with Oka Kunio, a person well-known for designing meals replicas like those you see at eating places throughout Japan. Keep tuned for this one!
Panels and Screenings
I make it a degree yearly to go to panels at Otakon, professional- and particularly fan-run. Even when the standard varies, I can sense the eagerness for the topic, and it encapsulates plenty of what I take pleasure in about conventions usually. Sadly, I didn’t attend any 18+ panels this yr as a result of I used to be perpetually too drained within the night. Additionally surprisingly, I don’t assume there was a single Report of Lodoss Warfare panel. Maybe that’s only a signal of the occasions.
Detective Conan the Film: The Million Greenback Pentagram
There was a renewed push for Detective Conan over the previous few years (together with particularly utilizing the identify Detective Conan as an alternative of Case Closed), and a part of that effort this yr has been screenings of the latest film The Million Greenback Pentagram. Otakon was one cease on this tour, and for the reason that YouTube showings which were occurring every so often typically embrace the latest movies, I made a decision to observe right here.
Conan films are an interesting custom, in that they’ve been a factor for literal many years now, and so they attempt to be a dependable annual staple in Japan that feels each acquainted and new. The Million Greenback Pentagram options phantom thief Kaito Child and fellow younger detective Hattori Heiji, in addition to a string of murders that appear to be extra than simply about revenge or malice. When it comes to the thriller, the ridiculous spectacle of motion and violence, and a few stunning plot revelations that stretch past the film itself, I feel it was one of many stronger Conan entries I’ve seen.
Magic Knight Rayearth
There was plenty of promotion and hype round Magic Knight Rayearth‘s upcoming remake, together with a stamp rally. The collection holds plenty of sentimental worth for me, together with having a beautiful reminiscence of listening to “Yuzurenai Negai” by the unique singer again at Otakon 2010, so I knew that I needed to attend the screening of the primary two episodes. In a time when the phrase isekai is typically considered with derision, it’s like a breath of recent air to have this outdated and reliably very good work spring again to life.
I haven’t learn or watched Rayearth correctly in a very long time (essentially the most was utilizing the characters in Tremendous Robotic Wars), and Hikaru got here throughout right here as extra severe and earnest than I remembered. I questioned, was my reminiscence defective or have been there important variations between her anime and manga depictions? Additionally, seeing Fuu deliver up RPGs as in the event that they have been this comparatively unknown factor felt delightfully quaint in 2026. And naturally, we haven’t seen this many chibi transformations in many years.
Notably, they didn’t embrace the opening theme.
Vermillion Masks
I assumed this was going to be a screening of the primary episode, nevertheless it seems “preview” can simply imply exhibiting a number of drawings and video clips. The premise of the collection jogged my memory plenty of The Masks starring Jim Carrey, so I requested the employees throughout the Q&A whether or not it was influenced by the movie. It seems that the writer of the unique manga was impressed partly by The Masks, so the animators use it for reference. (In hindsight, I ought to have requested whether or not the comedian and/or the film influenced Vermillion Masks.)
I don’t know if I’ll watch the present, however I’d wish to know if any character ever says, “Any individual cease me!”
Discotek
I’m not typically into business panels which might be nearly saying new titles, however I make an exception for Discotek (and to an extent their cousin AnimEigo/MediaOCD). Being in a room filled with followers who love nostalgic and obscure anime makes me really feel like I’m amongst my folks. There have been plenty of welcome license rescues this time round, with the heaviest hitters for my part being Toradora! and Mawaru Penguindrum, the latter of which was recognized for having plenty of technical points with its authentic blu-ray launch.
A Historical past of Anime in Mexico
In life, a simple pitfall is to imagine that the best way issues occurred in your nook of the world was additionally the case in every single place else. Fandom isn’t any exception, which is why a panel concerning the historical past of anime in Mexico was precisely the form of factor I needed to see. The panelists—a husband with a enterprise profession that had him working in Mexico with Japanese corporations and a spouse who majored in historical past—did an excellent job of taking a look at issues from each cultural and financial views. In addition they took time to dispel some myths (crime charges did not go down throughout episodes of Dragon Ball Tremendous), and to show the viewers facets of the fandom which may not be apparent to these exterior of Mexico. For instance, plenty of well-known Mexican voice actors with many years of expertise have additionally labored on anime dubs, and their recognition has helped them to ascertain a convincing anti-AI base. Listening to concerning the conflict between Japanese paperwork and the extra laid-back strategy to enterprise in Mexico was additionally fascinating.
The Ramen that Retains Anime Going
Whereas I sadly missed all of the full-on business panels from Manufacturing I.G., I did handle to attend one by director Ueda Yoko. Somewhat than speak concerning the nitty gritty of constructing anime although, it was concerning the energy of ramen. It was each informative and tongue-in-cheek, with the first emphasis being that it’s quick and sizzling meals that may assist enhance morale and carry spirits earlier than, throughout, and after manufacturing.
Regardless of this panel being the product of an official visitor it actually felt like a lighthearted little bit of enjoyable from Ueda a few matter of nice curiosity to her, versus a cheeky try at advertising. That’s the tradition of Otakon I really recognize.
Mecha Kaikan
One factor I missed out on by not attending final yr was the debut of a devoted house for panels and workshops about large robotic media, often called the Mecha Kaikan.
I recognize its existence on a conceptual degree, and I do like the way you’re inspired to construct mannequin kits. On the similar time, I at all times really feel conflicted relating to attending mecha–associated issues exactly as a result of it’s a style close to and expensive to my coronary heart. I don’t need to be a type of individuals who judges robotic panels and tries to show my kung fu is stronger (as one Daryl Surat likes to place it), however that is additionally a spot the place it’s simple to bullshit your manner via if the viewers doesn’t know higher.
What I’ll say is that I don’t assume understanding completely every part a few matter must be a prerequisite for doing panels, nor do I feel they have to be for hardcore consultants solely. On the similar time, I’m not a fan of papering over gaps in data with wackiness and implying that everybody is on the identical web page as you.
It’s simple to be vital if you’re not doing the panels your self, although, so I nonetheless have respect for individuals who genuinely attempt to make good shows.
Meals
I spend a while in DC earlier than the beginning of the conference yearly, and 2026 was no exception. By some means, I ended up consuming plenty of fried and roasted hen inside a brief period of time! This included Peruvian-style rotisserie hen and Rooster+Whiskey, fried hen on a savory donut at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Rooster, and “snow-topped” fried hen (accompanied by a bowl of rice with hen drippings and butter) at an outdated favourite in Bantam King. All have been good and worthwhile.
Throughout the con, I largely ate meals in my very own resort room, however did get some stuff on the conference heart. Ben’s Chili Bowl and the caribbean meals spot are nonetheless clearly overpriced but dependable. On Sunday after the con wrapped up, my buddies and I went to 2fifty, a Texas-style barbecue joint. Whereas they have been already out of a lot of their signature objects, what remained was nonetheless fairly good.
Closing Ideas
Whereas a few of it could be residual nostalgia, this yr’s Otakon jogged my memory why it’s nonetheless my favourite. As the most important conventions get greater, it turns into an more and more welcome presence. Otakon shouldn’t be obsessive about both nickel-and-diming you outright (even “paid ticket” occasions provide some free seating) or encouraging you to spend as a lot as attainable (although you continue to can should you actually need to). Attending makes me really feel each energized and relaxed, and I feel that may’t be underestimated.
