Naka-Kon 2026 Convention Review

I'm so sorry that this is so late, things have been kind of hectic on my end. I'm very thankful for the conventions I do get into, especially ones that I've been wanting to do for years. In this case, it was a dream come true. I've been applying to Naka-Kon, which is held in Overland Park, Kansas, probably for the last 10+ years. Every year, I get a "Sorry, you're waitlisted" email, and when I received the "Congratulations, you're in Naka-Kon!" email, I was over the moon!

I knew from attending that this convention was fun, and the other attendees were usually kind and courteous folks. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Let's roll it back. Naka-Kon is a convention that has been running not as an Anime convention, but a Japanese Culture convention, with a heavy emphasis on Anime. They do tea ceremonies, maid cafes, and everything else wonderful that goes into a fandom convention. It's run by people who are obviously passionate about what they do and it's greatly appreciated that they do care so much for keeping the spirit alive.

I believe that the table was around $250 for an Artist Alley table, and it came with a table (that got a splinter in my finger XD), two chairs, and two badges. In the space we were provided, I was able to make a little alcove that was able to hold almost all of my works, including our Blind Date with a Book for our private library project ( linktr.ee/theatconsortium ) and my last few type paintings. I'm still trying to find those paintings new homes, so if you're interested, please message me and we can see what we can do!

Before the convention, there was plenty of communication on the side of the convention, as well as making sure that folks knew that they had to apply for a tax form, and making sure that folks paid their taxes after the convention. Despite Kansas' barbaric laws against Trans folks (including myself), while I was at the convention, I didn't feel unsafe. I also appreciate that while I was put in kind of a back corner spot, there were still tons of people coming up to my booth and the booths around me!

Set up on Thursday went pretty quick, and I made friends with an incredible artist named Nugget who runs xXSparklePawzXx and you should definitely follow them! They make cute art as well as fursona themed stickers, political works, and adorable berets! One of my only gripes about setting up is that you needed to check in before doing so, but the check in wasn't at the bay doors. You had to walk through the vendors hall and out the attendee entrance. It would be a little more helpful if it was at the bay doors, so that first timers wouldn't have to wander around. Other than that, they had a little packet for vendors with tax information, candies, pens, and a couple other items (including a bandage or two, which I needed for my splinter!) It didn't take me long to set up after my partner Tolia moved everything in. He spent most of the weekend delivering while I was at the convention, and while the convention was packed, it wasn't so overwhelming that I wasn't able to take bathroom breaks or have moments of peace.

I feel like the vendor hall hours were pretty reasonable with the longest day being Saturday (9:30 for VIP, 10-6 for everyone else.) That was extremely useful because if I had had energy afterwards, I would have been able to attend panels, the cosplay contest, or hang out with friends. Speaking of friends, I have to make a small shout-out to my loudest cheerleader for the weekend: Mia, or Mimoo Universe (she's a fantastic photographer that you should definitely hire.) She was chasing folks down and so helpful in the busy times. She told people about what was going on with me and I feel like that helped with sales. Everyone who purchased from my booth, I really do appreciate every single one of you, even if you think it wasn't a lot, it is.

I really appreciate the staff members that were walking around and asking how we were doing or if we needed anyone, including the staff member that Tolia just dropped a tea and rice balls to, asking them to bring my food to me! They could have said no, but they brought me the caffeine and fuel my body needed to get through the last few hours of that work day. I was also really touched that people would come by my booth, not once, not twice, but three times to try to figure out what they wanted to commission from me. I want to apologize to that Roxy cosplayer that I didn't have the Scalemates that you had wanted, but appreciate you looking anyway. I also want to thank Gigi and Trenton for helping me cross off Mega Sceptile and Ambipom respectively! I can't wait to make them!

I do wish I had more energy to take in the sites more, but from what I heard, there was minimal drama and it was handled for the most part! I always appreciate a convention that takes the safety of their attendees into consideration. All in all, I really hope that I get to do Naka-kon again, and soon. If you'd like to see Snacc Pack as cosplay guests, you should definitely reach out to them because I only have so much Rizz. If you get the chance, you should definitely go to Naka-kon in Overland Park, Kansas, because it's a breath of fresh air. It's a safe, kind convention that takes their attendees into consideration as well as paying homage to the entirety of Japanese culture, not just anime. Until next time, Seifer out!