HanaCon 2025

Stop by our Registration Desk to pick up your badge and unlock access to all of HanaCon's amazing programming. Let the fun begin!

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A young witch begins her training in a peaceful rural town, blending everyday life with light, magical charm.

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Are you new to Ita bags or are you a veteran to the painful yet sparkly hobby that is the ita culture? Come join us for brief introduction and a friendly exchange of knowledge, joy, and collective pain of ita bag culture. Wanna make friends who are as dedicated to the pain of fandom as you? Wanna learn and share tips and tricks? Wanna show off your bag? This is the panel for YOU!

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What if we told you that fanfiction has been around for centuries—long before the internet, before printing presses, even before Shakespeare? From Sherlock Holmes pastiches to Star Trek ‘zines, fan-created stories have always been a way for readers to engage with the worlds they love. Join us for a lively discussion on the evolution of fanfiction—how it went from hand-written manuscripts to the AO3 era, survived legal battles, and became a cornerstone of modern fandom. Whether you're a seasoned fic writer, a lurker, or just curious, come celebrate the transformative and rebellious history of fanworks!

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Tamako's cheerful days in a shopping district are disrupted by a talking bird seeking a bride for his prince. Heartfelt and whimsical.

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Step behind the mic and into the world of anime with three powerhouse voice talents! Join Tiana Camacho (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Fena: Pirate Princess), Celeste Perez (The World Ends With You: The Animation, Attack on Titan), and Martha Harms (Borderlands, Fairy Tail) for an exclusive Live Q&A session at HanaCon 2025!

From intense battle scenes to heartfelt moments, these dynamic performers will share behind-the-scenes stories, insights into their creative process, and the realities of working in the voice acting industry. Whether you’re a curious fan or a budding VA yourself, this is your chance to ask questions, get inspired, and connect with the voices behind your favorite characters.

Come ready with your best questions—and don’t be surprised if there are a few unexpected laughs and live readings along the way!

Note: Seating is first come, first served. Panel content may include PG-13 language

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Step into the whimsical world of the HanaCon Maid Café, where you’re not just a guest — you’re the hero of the story! Enjoy a delightful experience filled with fun games, charming performances, and light refreshments, all served with a smile by our maids. Whether you're here to relax or play, magic and memories await! (Participants must register for HanaCon and obtain a HanaCon Attendee Badge to participate.)

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If you've poured countless hours into patterning, sewing, gluing, 3D printing, constructing and enhancing your cosplay, the Craftsmanship competition is your chance to shine! Sign up in advance to present your costume to a panel of judges who will examine your workmanship, ask about your construction techniques, and provide an opportunity for you to showcase your creative skills.

We embrace diversity in age, abilities, ethnicity, and gender identity. The focus here is on the workmanship and techniques you used to bring your cosplay to life.

Your cosplay must be at least 75% crafted by you. In other words, if you break your cosplay down into 4 parts, at least 3 of those parts must have been created by you and not purchased. The more you craft, the higher your score potential!

Notes:

*Only the first 25 will be accepted*

*This judging is closed to the public and limited to craftsmanship cosplay participants and approved handlers only.*

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Join us for a special screening of The Secret Cities of Mark Kistler, a visually stunning and creatively rich exploration into the imaginative worlds of beloved artist and educator Mark Kistler. Known to generations of fans for inspiring creativity through his energetic teaching style and 3D drawing techniques, Kistler now takes viewers on an artistic journey like no other—revealing whimsical cities, fantastical architecture, and the limitless possibilities of pencil and imagination.

Immediately following the screening, Mark Kistler will host an engaging Q&A session where fans can dive deeper into the making of the film, his artistic inspirations, and the creative philosophies that have shaped his career. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to experience the magic of Mark Kistler’s world up close.

Bring your sketchbooks—you just might leave inspired to build your own secret city!

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A sweet and sincere romantic comedy about an awkward but lovable teen who finds unexpected romance.

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Step into the whimsical world of the HanaCon Maid Café, where you’re not just a guest — you’re the hero of the story! Enjoy a delightful experience filled with fun games, charming performances, and light refreshments, all served with a smile by our maids. Whether you're here to relax or play, magic and memories await!

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Discuss how 3D printing can help solve cosplayers' unique problems. As well as add functionality to your costume.

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A beautifully animated sports drama centered around the Japanese art of archery and the bonds between teammates.

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Have you seen those really fancy anime dolls at conventions? Where you interested in getting one but don’t know where to start? On a budget and wondering how to afford one? Wondering what’s better Vinyl or resin? Or just curious about them in general? Then come learn about Ball Joint and vinyl dolls.

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HanaCon is proud to welcome Chin Daiko, an electrifying Okinawan eisa and taiko drumming group based in the DC metro area! Since 2008, Chin Daiko has brought the spirit of Okinawan culture to life with powerful rhythms, dynamic choreography, and high-energy performances. With practice groups in Waldorf, Rockville, and Baltimore, they blend traditional Japanese folk music with the pulse of modern American pop—creating a vibrant fusion that captivates audiences of all ages.

Their guiding mission, “Peace through understanding each other’s culture,” resonates through every beat, aiming to uplift and inspire with every performance. Come experience the thunderous power and joyful celebration of this unforgettable cultural showcase!

Follow them on Instagram: @chin_daiko

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Step into the whimsical world of the HanaCon Maid Café, where you’re not just a guest — you’re the hero of the story! Enjoy a delightful experience filled with fun games, charming performances, and light refreshments, all served with a smile by our maids. Whether you're here to relax or play, magic and memories await!

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Have you ever wanted to be a vtuber? Or maybe you want to learn more about the behind the scenes of what vtubing looks like? Join Nixieroid, and her lovely assistant Eidolon, as they go over the ins and outs of vtubing. Each attendee will get information on free and low-cost options for entering the space, and will leave with a started design. (Paper and colored pencils will be provided by Nixie)

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A gentle fantasy tale where a young girl meets tiny apprentice season fairies, leading to heartwarming adventures.

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Calling all cosplay performers! This is your scheduled rehearsal time to fine-tune your walk-ons, skits, and stage presence before the big show. Whether you're competing in the cosplay contest or participating in a showcase performance, this session ensures you have time on stage to practice timing, blocking, and any tech cues with staff support.

Attendance is mandatory for all registered performers—this is your chance to smooth out the details, get comfortable with the performance space, and ask any last-minute questions. Please arrive on time and be ready to rehearse when called.

Note: This rehearsal is closed to the public and limited to registered cosplay participants and approved handlers only.

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Step into the whimsical world of the HanaCon Maid Café, where you’re not just a guest — you’re the hero of the story! Enjoy a delightful experience filled with fun games, charming performances, and light refreshments, all served with a smile by our maids. Whether you're here to relax or play, magic and memories await! (This session is for VIP Badge Holders. Each Participants must be a VIP badge holder in order to register for this session.)

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Stage girls battle in dazzling duels in a surreal, theatrical dimension to become the top star. A stylish and emotional spectacle.

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City Pop is a music genre from the '70s/'80s that is undergoing a rebirth in popularity, both in and out of native Japan. This presentation takes a closer look at the genre's history and impact on recent pop culture, as well as which are the best albums and how to acquire a collection of your own. City pop was a defining piece of Japanese culture, especially during the 1980s. Now that it's achieved newfound mass recognition during the 21st Century (a time where modern pop dominates the music landscape), we figured now would be the opportunity to inform people of a cultural phenomenon they may or may not have some awareness of. Songs such as "Plastic Love" and "Stay With Me" becoming popular with newer audiences, and recent pop culture (e.g., anime, TV, the internet) have helped to push the genre into a modern spotlight decades after its initial peak.

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Get ready for one of the most anticipated events of HanaCon 2025—the Cosplay Contest! Whether you're rocking an intricately hand-crafted costume or bringing a beloved character to life with stage presence and flair, this showcase is a celebration of creativity, talent, and fandom.

Watch as cosplayers take the stage to compete across multiple categories, including craftsmanship, performance, and group entries. From jaw-dropping armor builds to hilariously clever skits, the HanaCon Cosplay Contest highlights the incredible passion and artistry of our community.

Interested in competing? Visit hanaconanime.com/cosplay for rules, categories, and how to register. Whether you're here to cheer on your favorites or to show off your own skills, this is a can't-miss event full of heart, humor, and heroic transformations!

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Perfect student in public, lazy gamer at home—Umaru’s dual life leads to chaos, comedy, and sibling moments.

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All good things must come to an end—but not without one last celebration! Join us for the Closing Ceremony, where we’ll reflect on an unforgettable weekend of anime, art, cosplay, community, and creativity.

Come together with fellow fans, staff, and special guests as we share highlights, express our gratitude, and send off the weekend with smiles, applause, and maybe a few surprises. Whether this was your first HanaCon or your fifth, we’re honored to have shared this experience with you.

Let’s close the con the way we started it—with joy, unity, and anime love. Until next time… see you at HanaCon 2026!

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On a tight budget? Still want to cosplay and look fabulous? Come learn ways to look fabulous and not spend a fortune. From finding good quality costumes to innovative ways to get props, to amazing quality wigs. Come learn from a master whose broke cosplays have placed in competitions. This panel covers both standard and plus size cosplay because everyone deserves to look fabulous.

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Get ready to light up the night at Moonlight Overdrive, the first annual HanaCon Dance! This all-ages afterparty is your chance to celebrate the weekend with music, movement, and pure anime-fueled energy. Whether you’re in cosplay, rave gear, or repping your fandom favorites, everyone’s invited to hit the dance floor and make memories.

Bringing the beats is the one and only DJ TaylorSenpai, spinning an epic mix of anime remixes, J-pop, K-pop, R&B, & HipHop to keep you moving all night long.

✨ All ages welcome
✨ Con badge required for entry
✨ Glowsticks, light-up accessories, and awesome outfits encouraged!

The lights are low, the music is loud, and the vibes are high—Moonlight Overdrive is where HanaCon goes out with a bang!

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A group of high school girls bond through music in their light music club, full of laughs, friendship, and catchy tunes.

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