A fan of Japanese animation?
Ohayocon, the popular Japanese animation convention, is coming back to Columbus as a live event after having been virtual last year because of the pandemic.
The event will run Feb. 10-13, with most activities taking place at the Hyatt Regency, 350 N. High St., although some events will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.
Ohayocon started in Cleveland in 2001, and the convention moved to Columbus in 2003, and has been happening here ever since.
To keep from overcrowding, attendance is limited to 17,000 participants, and some events, such as the dances and parties, have been postponed until next year. Otherwise, the event is proceeding as usual..
“Ohayocon is a Japanese anime and culture convention, anime being a form of Japanese animation,” Ohayocon Convention Director Cody Marcum said.
“We include all sorts of pop-culture things, like video gaming, table top gaming, arcade gaming. We incorporate music and bring in guests, actors and directors, industry professionals. We offer opportunities to get autographs and meet these guests. We offer programming including panels and workshops. It’s a very family-friendly event.”
Kids of all ages are welcome, though children 12 and younger must be accompanied in the same room by parents or guardians.
Events geared to different age ranges
Ohayocon plans to host more than 200 panel discussions this year.
“They range from cosplay to anime to video games to pop culture to drag,” Marcum said.
Most of the panels are designed for all ages, and cover subjects such as “Kimono 101”; “Science Jeopardy with Ms. Frizzle”; “Kinks, Coils, and Anime Hairstyles”; and “Belly Dance for Nerds.”
Some, such as “Paranormal Pajama Party” and “Disney Villains: Evil or Just Misunderstood,” are designed for those 15 and older.
And then there are the events geared to the 18 and older crowd, including “Erotic Fan Fiction from Mars” and “How to Talk to Guys, Girls, and Other Humans and Make a Connection.”
Special guest panelists set to participate
This year’s panelists include producer and musician Shin Kurokawa, voice actor Rob Mungle, actor Jason Marsden and voice actor and drag performer Kiba Walker.
Among the local panelists is Brittani Ginoza, 31, who recently moved from Columbus to northwest Ohio, and is returning for Ohayocon.
“I’m doing ‘Intro to Foam Building,’ ‘Prop Making for Cosplay’ and ‘Competing in Cosplay,’” she said.
She appears, wearing the elaborate costumes she designs and makes, for herself and for other cosplayers, in conventions all around the United States, but Ohayocon is her home convention.
“It’s a great place for me and all of my friends to meet up because it’s so central to everybody that I know. I know people in Indiana and Michigan and Pennsylvania, and everyone just likes to come to this convention to meet up,” she said.
One of the high points is the Cosplay Expo on Saturday night.
“We have professional and amateur divisions where cosplayers will come in in their costumes to be judged,” Marcum said. “And then there’s a presentation section where people can come and do a skit or dance or routine.”
Whether competing or not, many attendees will be in costume.
“We’re really just looking forward to seeing the community get together again,” Marcum said. “We hope that those who do make it out have a great time.”
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