Otakon 2025 was held on August 8-10 this year with the second annual return of its Matsuri on Thursday, August 7. This year’s attendance was roughly 43,000, down from last year’s 30th anniversary which celebrated 46,000, but still higher than 2023’s 42,101.
Matsuri featured a Weeb Palace Performance, Trivia Time, Maid Cafe, Secret Reveal with Moon Inho, Wota cheers with Aniwaza, Hot Club teaser, Nihon Minyo performance, Rakugo storytelling with Katsura Sunshine, Miyako Taiko performance, and a closing performance by Kohei.
Miyako Taiko
Many people were in cosplay for what is known as Day 0, which made it easier for photoshoots. Unlike Awesome Con, which is held in the same Convention Center, Otakon rents out space at the connected Marriott Marquis, thus allowing for photography there. The press room and guest interviews are conducted at the Marquis.
Anthonyengphotography and Panthermeat in the middle of a photoshoot at the Marriott Marquis
There were a couple events available for Otakon members inside the Convention Center on Thursday, such as anime films. They were only located on the main floor by registration.
Similar to last year, people covered the sidewalk outside of the Apple Carnegie Library store with chalk.
This year, we interviewed a variety of guests ranging from J-pop and K-pop stars to manhwaga, seiyuu, video game composers, fashion designers, and publishers. These included Lim Duckyoung, Chris, Ayana Taketatsu, Non Sweet, Ryoko Shiraishi, Nobutoshi Canna, Haenuli, Taketeru Sunamori, Jong Hoon Chae, and Billlie.
K-pop sensation Billlie performed at Friday night’s concert. They were the only group to play that night. While they are a group of seven, one member did not come to the United States. One song was also performed by only two members of the group. The next day during an interview, Billlie said this was a challenge and they looked forward to other duet combinations on stage.
The Fashion Show took place on Saturday in the ballrooms within the passageway connecting the Marriott to the Convention Center and hosted a number of Japanese clothing brands.
Fashion Show
The Idol Festival also took place on Saturday, with headliners J-pop group Non Sweet and J-core group Babybeard. Fans were able to sit on the floor directly in front of the stage waving appropriately colored wands for each act.
Non Sweet performing at the Idol Festival
Babybeard performing at the Idol Festival
The arcade had pre-made photosets with lighting setups for people to use for photo shoots. It also had itashas, or cars with anime wraps in the back of the room, such as the Kakegurui example below. Other wraps included Demon Slayer, Evangelion, X-Men, Panty & Stocking, Pokemon, and more.
Kakegurui wrap on an itasha in the arcade