Ohayocon, the popular Japanese animation convention, returns to Columbus as a live event after going virtual last year due to the pandemic.
The event will take place February 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 avoid crowds, attendance is limited to 17,000 participants and some events, such as dances and parties, have been postponed until next year. Otherwise, the event continues as usual.
“Ohayocon is a Japanese culture and anime convention, anime is a form of Japanese animation,” said Ohayocon convention director Cody Marcum.
Concerts:From dance diva Dua Lipa to death metal Ghost, Columbus venues offer a variety of concerts
“We include all kinds of pop culture stuff, like video games, board games, arcade games. We incorporate music and bring guests, actors and directors, industry professionals. We offer opportunities to get autographs and meet these guests. We offer programming that includes panels and workshops. It’s a very family event.”
Children of all ages are welcome, although children under 12 must be accompanied in the same room by their parents or guardians.
Events oriented 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 topics such as “Kimono 101”; “Science Jeopardy with Ms. Frizzle”; “Anime Kinks, Coils, and Hairstyles”; and “Belly dancing for nerds”.
Some, like “Paranormal Pajama Party” and “Disney Villains: Evil or Just Misunderstood,” are designed for ages 15 and up.
Food:Oishii Japanese Bistro brings sushi to Powell
And then there are the events geared toward people 18 and older, including “Erotic Fan Fiction From Mars” and “How to Talk to Guys, Girls, and Other Humans and Make a Connection.”
Special guest panelists to participate
This year’s panelists include producer and musician Shin Kurokawa, voice actor Rob Mungle, actor Jason Marsden, and drag and voice actor Kiba Walker.
Local panelists include Brittani Ginoza, 31, who recently moved from Columbus to Northwest Ohio and returns to Ohayocon.
“I’m doing ‘Intro to Foam Building,’ ‘Cosplay Prop Creation,’ and ‘Cosplay Competition,’” he said.
She appears, wearing the elaborate costumes she designs and makes, for herself and other cosplayers, at conventions across the United States, but Ohayocon is her local convention.
“It’s a great place for all my friends and I to get together because it’s so central to everyone I know. I know people in Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania, and they all like to come to this convention to get together,” he said.
One of the high points of the convention 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 performance section where people can come in and do a skit or dance or do a routine.”
Whether they compete or not, many attendees will be in costume.
“We really can’t wait to see the community come together again,” said Marcum. “We hope that those who make it have a great time.”
take a look
Ohayocon will be held February 10-13 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High St. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test are required. Tickets: Weekend tickets are $80 if purchased between February 4-10, or $85 at the door (cash at the door only). Daily tickets are available at the door only, cash only: $40 for Friday, $50 for Saturday, and $25 for Sunday. (ohayocon.org)