Nekocon: What Sets Anime Conventions Apart From Comic Conventions
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Recently, I had the chance to attend Nekocon in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Nekocon is an annual convention based around anime and Japanese culture. Though I have gone to many comic conventions that have had anime vendors, panels, and guests, this was my first time going to a pure anime convention, and it is definitely a different experience from your average pop culture/comic convention. Truly, there is something unique about anime cons.
Firstly, I want to share my main takeaway from this convention. I spent more time having experiences rather than purchasing merchandise. There was so much to do at the con that I barely had time to even visit the dealer’s hall. From seeing all the interesting cosplays featuring characters from various anime and even Star Wars and other fandoms, the panels, and the overall activities, my schedule was pretty much packed. This is a stark contrast from other conventions in which I spent most of my time in the exhibit hall, either looking for my next autograph or some cool little trinket.
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There were many activities that you would not find at your typical convention. For starters, there was the maid cafe hosted by The Lovely Hearts Maid Cafe. The wait for that experience was astronomically long. It appeared just like an average diner. What sets it apart, however, is the fact that you are waited on by anime-styled French maids. In this particular maid cafe, the “maids” from outer space would play games with you, enchant your drink with a “spell” (which was really cherry grenadine), and even help you join their ranks as a maid with your very own maid spell. It was definitely an interesting experience and not one you would get anywhere else.
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Another event that you would not find at a comic convention is a host club. Like the maid cafe, this event (hosted by the NV Host Club) was another dining experience that is highlighted by having one of the male hosts hang out with you as you dine. They chatted with you and performed services for certain fees, such as posing for a picture or recreating certain anime tropes relating to host clubs found (which are nightclubs in Japan with a focus on attentive staff). This concept was made popular by the anime Ouran High School Host Club. I found this experience to be much better than the maid cafe, as it was much more personal and felt less rushed (though the wait was just as long). Overall, it was a unique experience that I have yet to find at any other comic con.
There were plenty of vendors in the dealer’s hall there that were specific to anime and Japanese culture as a whole. I even discovered a stand specializing in selling Japanese snacks, such as bean buns. This was to be expected at an anime convention, but it was cool to see nonetheless. Probably one of the most unique tables, however, was one for a local cat shelter known as The Cat Corner. Never before had I seen a line to pet a cat (and yes, I stood in that line). In fact, this was one of the charities sponsored by Nekocon. Charity seemed to be a huge part of this con, as both the host club and the maid cafe’s service fees were donated to this charity and the Carolina Manga Library. The closing ceremonies even featured the total amount of money raised for these charities. This, along with the unique vendors, made Nekocon stand out from others. It felt more than just a convention when it channeled the passion of fandom for a good cause.
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The overall difference I found between Nekocon and my experience at other comic conventions is the sense of community I felt. Although Nekocon was a large con, it felt like a small one as well. I made a lot of connections at this con, and I felt that the focus on experiences rather than just merchandise was also a huge factor. Conventions always have a sense of community, but Nekcon felt much different. Some highlights that made this con feel special were the karaoke contest (in which I won a judge’s award for singing “Live Life” from Sonic and the Black Knight), the Super Smash Brothers photoshoot, Ezra Weiss’s improv workshop, and hanging out with newfound friends in the gaming hall where I had the most fun playing all sorts of ridiculous games.
Image Source: CultureSlate
Overall, Nekocon was definitely an interesting experience. Though I went in expecting mostly a normal convention, as I had experienced in the past, I walked away with connections, friends, and experiences that will last a lifetime. I am definitely looking forward to the convention next year, and I might even wear my Sonic cosplay once more!
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