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Ohayocon

Ohayocon is an annual three-day convention celebrating anime, manga, video games, cosplay, and Japanese pop culture, held in Ohio as one of the Midwest's largest and longest-running events of its kind. Typically occurring in late January or early February at the Dayton Convention Center since its relocation in 2025, it features guest appearances by voice actors and artists, interactive panels, competitive cosplay contests, dance parties, and vendor halls showcasing merchandise and fan art. The event emphasizes community building and immersive experiences, often themed around fantastical or supernatural motifs, such as the "Folklore" theme for its 2025 edition from January 31 to February 2 and the "Supernatural" theme for its 2026 edition from January 30 to February 1. Founded in 2001 in Ohio by a group of anime enthusiasts, Ohayocon began as a modest gathering and quickly grew into Ohio's premier anime convention, outpacing rivals in attendance and scope. For over two decades, it was hosted at venues like the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Columbus, attracting peak crowds of around 20,000 attendees in years like 2019 and 2020 for activities including AMV contests, gaming tournaments, and cultural workshops on Japanese traditions. In 2025, marking its 25th anniversary, the convention relocated to Dayton to leverage a larger, more cost-effective venue while maintaining its volunteer-driven operations under new leadership. Despite challenges like a significant attendance drop to under 4,000 in 2024 due to internal staff disputes, Ohayocon is working to rebound, offering VIP packages, fast-pass autographs, and exclusive events to foster fan engagement.

Overview

Description and significance

Ohayocon is a three-day fan convention dedicated to celebrating anime, manga, video games, cosplay, and broader Japanese pop culture. As Ohio's longest-running anime convention, it was founded in 2001 and serves as a vital gathering point for enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months when fans seek immersive social experiences to connect over shared interests. The event emphasizes community-building through themed environments that encourage interaction, creativity, and cultural appreciation, drawing multi-thousand attendees annually to participate in a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. Its significance lies in fostering lasting connections among fans, providing a dedicated space for exploring Japanese media and pop culture influences that extend beyond entertainment into artistic and social expression. Ohayocon announces a unique theme each year to tie into evolving pop culture trends, such as "Folklore" for 2025, which highlights mythical narratives and traditional tales, and "Supernatural" for 2026, focusing on mysterious and otherworldly elements. These themes enhance the convention's role as a dynamic platform that adapts to contemporary interests while honoring its roots in anime fandom.

Venue and attendance trends

Ohayocon was originally hosted at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, from 2001 through 2024, providing a central location for its expanding programming and crowds. Beginning with its 25th anniversary event, the convention relocated to the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio, which occurred from January 31 to February 2, 2025. The 2025 event was held successfully at the new venue under the "Folklore" theme. The move to this newly revitalized venue continues for future iterations, including the 2026 edition scheduled for January 30 to February 1. As an annual three-day gathering, Ohayocon consistently takes place in late January or early February, serving as a seasonal "winter cure" for anime enthusiasts seeking relief from midwinter doldrums. Attendance at Ohayocon experienced steady growth in its initial decades, starting from several thousand participants in the mid-2000s—such as approximately 3,000 in 2004—and reaching a peak of over 20,000 in 2019 and 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions, with the in-person 2021 event canceled in favor of a virtual format, leading to a temporary dip in in-person participation. Post-pandemic recovery saw attendance rebound to around 17,000–20,000 in 2022, though numbers declined sharply to under 4,000 for the 2024 edition amid operational challenges. The shift to Dayton for 2025 and beyond positions the convention for renewed growth in a more cost-effective and accessible venue; attendance figures for 2025 are not publicly available as of November 2025.

Programming

Core activities and events

Ohayocon's core activities revolve around a diverse array of programming designed to engage anime, manga, and Japanese culture enthusiasts through interactive and communal experiences. These events typically span three days and include educational panels, competitive showcases, and social gatherings that foster community among attendees. Central to the convention are panels offering in-depth discussions on anime and manga analysis, Japanese history, culture, and related fandom topics, presented by community members who share knowledge through informative, entertaining, or interactive formats. AMV contests, such as the Fan Art Theater Competition, allow participants to submit edited music videos featuring anime footage set to music, judged on creativity and technical skill, with screenings held for all ages. The cosplay masquerade, known as the Cosplay Expo, features contestants displaying handmade costumes and performances in categories like craftsmanship and performance, culminating in awards for standout entries. Artist alleys provide spaces for independent creators to sell original artwork, prints, and fan merchandise, while vendor halls host larger dealers offering anime figures, apparel, and collectibles for purchase. Gaming tournaments encompass esports competitions, tabletop RPG sessions, and card game events, held in dedicated rooms throughout the weekend. Nightly programming enhances the social atmosphere with high-energy dance parties featuring live DJs playing J-pop, K-pop, and electronic tracks, often including competitions where participants perform routines judged on energy, precision, and expression. Karaoke sessions invite attendees to perform anime-themed songs on stage, open to all skill levels and running late into the evening. Late-night anime screenings, including AMV showcases and episode marathons in events like Anime Hell (restricted to 18+ audiences), offer relaxed viewing opportunities in ballrooms. Interactive elements encourage hands-on participation, with workshops focusing on cosplay construction techniques like sewing and chainmail crafting, as well as broader skills such as cell painting and crochet, often involving materials fees subsidized by the convention. Japanese language and culture sessions cover topics from etiquette to historical relations between Japan and the U.S. Themed photo opportunities, including organized cosplay photoshoots in designated areas for series-specific groups, enable attendees to capture professional-style images. To support diverse attendees, Ohayocon incorporates accessibility features through its Accessibility Services department, including quiet areas for sensory breaks, wheelchair access, ASL interpreters, and early entry for registered needs, ensuring family-friendly zones and accommodations for all participants. The convention maintains inclusivity policies promoting racial diversity and safe spaces. Signature events for recent editions include the Fantasy Ball for formal ballroom dancing, a Scavenger Hunt with prizes, and the Pajama Jam for relaxed socializing.

Guests and special attractions

Ohayocon features a diverse array of invited guests, including voice actors, industry professionals such as directors and musicians, and prominent cosplayers. These guests are selected to align with the convention's focus on anime, manga, and related media, drawing from popular series and emerging trends. Voice actors form a core component of the guest lineup, often including talents known for roles in major anime productions. For instance, at Ohayocon 2026, Guests of Honor include Dorothy Fahn, Tom Fahn, Richard Horvitz, and Rikki Simons, recognized for their voice work in series like Invader Zim and various anime dubs. Similarly, Ohayocon 2025 highlighted voice actors such as Reba Buhr, Cole Feuchter, Jessie James Grelle, and Jay Hickman, who have contributed to titles including Sword Art Online and My Hero Academia. Industry professionals, like director Shinichi Watanabe and voice director Kyle Jones, provide insights into production processes, while cosplay guests such as award-winning creators enhance the event's creative community. Special attractions centered on these guests include autograph sessions, where attendees can obtain personalized signatures from Guests of Honor during vendor hall hours, with options for paid autographs only. Q&A panels allow direct interaction, featuring discussions on career highlights, industry experiences, and anime trends, often integrated into the broader programming schedule. VIP packages elevate these experiences with perks such as a dedicated VIP Party with guests, Fast Passes for skipping autograph lines, premium seating at panels, early vendor hall access, and exclusive merchandise like limited-edition items or drawstring bags. These features, available in tiers like Gold, Silver, and Bronze, provide enhanced access and surprises tailored to premium attendees. Guest announcements occur annually through official channels, including the Ohayocon website's news section and social media, building anticipation and tying into the convention's thematic elements. These invitations contribute to attendee engagement by offering unique opportunities for meet-and-greets and previews, complementing core events like panels without overlapping general activities.

History

Founding and early development (2001–2023)

Ohayocon was co-founded in 2000 by Melissa Phelps and a group of anime enthusiasts, with its inaugural event held from January 26 to 28, 2001, at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, attracting fewer than 500 attendees. The convention emerged as a modest gathering focused on celebrating Japanese animation, manga, and related pop culture, drawing inspiration from the burgeoning anime convention scene in North America. Early programming emphasized community-driven activities such as panels, screenings, and informal cosplay meetups, which helped build a dedicated local fanbase in its first years. The event relocated to Columbus, Ohio, in 2003, hosting at the Hilton Columbus and marking a shift toward larger-scale operations as attendance began to expand rapidly. By the mid-2000s, Ohayocon had transitioned to a multi-day format, with the 2005 edition at the Hyatt Regency Columbus and Columbus Convention Center featuring its first major voice actor guests, including Greg Ayres and Chris Sabat, which boosted visibility and drew over 4,000 participants. This period emphasized grassroots community building, fostering networks among local artists, cosplayers, and fans through artist alleys and volunteer-led initiatives, solidifying Ohayocon's role as a hub for Ohio's anime enthusiasts. Attendance continued to grow, reaching approximately 10,000 by 2010, when the convention upgraded to the expanded Greater Columbus Convention Center alongside the Hyatt Regency, accommodating increased programming and vendor spaces. In the 2010s, Ohayocon professionalized its operations, incorporating structured sponsorships and partnerships to support expansion while maintaining its fan-centric ethos. The convention became Ohio's flagship anime event, influencing regional gatherings by promoting inclusive programming and artist development opportunities. By the late 2010s, attendance stabilized around 15,000–18,000 annually, reflecting its status as one of the Midwest's premier anime conventions. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this momentum, leading to a pivot to virtual formats for 2021, including online panels, gaming tournaments, and guest appearances to sustain community engagement. Ohayocon resumed hybrid and full in-person events by 2022–2023, with the 2023 edition attracting about 13,000 attendees and reaffirming its foundational commitment to cultural exchange.

Controversies, relocation, and recent changes (2024–present)

In late 2023, Ohayocon faced significant internal turmoil stemming from ownership disputes with its parent organization, the Cultural Exchange Society, Inc. (CESI). On October 2, 2023, CESI's board, led by President Melissa Phelps, removed several key senior staff members, including long-time convention chair Cody Marcum and marketing director Erin, citing unauthorized use of a sakura-themed logo that allegedly risked legal action from Sakura of America. This action was part of broader tensions over CESI's control of the Ohayocon trademark, which Phelps personally owns, and the organization's push toward non-profit status without full federal recognition. CESI initially denied mass firings, stating only three positions were dissolved, but the removals prompted accusations of a hostile takeover aimed at suppressing volunteer efforts toward better representation and compensation. The fallout escalated in early 2024 when over 90 former senior staff and year-round volunteers, organized under the Conventions of Ohio Volunteer Event Network (COVEN), announced a boycott of the January 19–21, 2024, event in Columbus, Ohio. The boycott, declared on October 6, 2023, highlighted ongoing concerns about mismanagement, lack of financial transparency, and inadequate volunteer support, with demands for CESI to relinquish full ownership of Ohayocon's intellectual property to a community-driven entity. Despite the disruptions, the 2024 convention proceeded at the Greater Columbus Convention Center with a significantly reduced volunteer staff, resulting in operational challenges and lower attendance compared to prior years. In September 2024, Ohayocon announced its relocation to the Dayton Convention Center for future events, starting with the 25th anniversary celebration, as a strategic response to venue constraints in Columbus and opportunities for cost efficiencies. The move to the more modern and spacious Dayton facility, which includes dedicated theater spaces for programming, was positioned as a way to enhance the attendee experience while aligning with the convention's milestone year. On November 13, 2024, Ohayocon revealed a new senior leadership team to guide its revitalization efforts amid the recent challenges. The team includes Stephen "Fluffy" Baker as Convention Director, William T. as Associate Convention Director, Xander S. as Director of Operations, and Andrew T. as Director of Social Media, Public Relations, and Marketing. Baker emphasized the group's commitment to delivering a "fresh and fun perspective," with the relocation aimed at reducing costs for attendees and supporting participation. The 2025 event was held January 31–February 2 at the Dayton Convention Center under the "Folklore" theme. Looking ahead, the 2026 convention is planned for January 30–February 1, also in Dayton, with a "Supernatural" theme focusing on mythical creatures and otherworldly elements. Efforts to rebuild community trust have included invitations for past volunteers to rejoin, underscoring the convention's reliance on their contributions for success. CESI has also committed to policy updates promoting inclusivity and transparency, though the organization continues to navigate separate legal disputes, including a 2025 lawsuit against rival convention Sekaicon alleging trade secret theft and sabotage, which remains ongoing as of April 2025 with counterclaims filed.

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