Eligibility:  Cosplay Chess: Arena  This event is open to all registered convention attendees. You must have a valid Sakura-Con badge for the day of the pre-meet and match in order to participate.  Cosplay Chess: After Dark  Participants in Cosplay Chess: After Dark must have a valid Sakura-Con Adult badge and obtain a Mature Audience Ribbon (Valid government issued ID Required to get ribbon) provided by the Convention. Minors are not allowed to participate in mature audience programming per Sakura-Con policies. 

Prepare for an evening where elegance blossoms and fandom flourishes! Sakura-Con proudly presents the Floral Court Invitational, an exclusive Nerd Prom event designed for those who dance to the beat of their own heart. Step into a night of sophisticated celebration, where the vibrant spirit of anime and manga meets the timeless grace of a formal ball. Adorn your finest attire—whether it’s a stunning gown, a sharp suit, or the impeccably formal wear of your favorite character. This is your chance to shine, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, and create unforgettable memories under a canopy of cherry blossoms.

Applications for 2026 Cosplay Chess are open! Rules and Application Links are HERE

A brand created by designer Karin Moriguchi to give “kawaii” a tangible form. Featuring a Taisho-Roman-inspired Japanese Lolita style, these clothes allow you to become the protagonist of your own story. Karin Moriguchi was born May 16, 1990. She explores new possibilities within her beloved Lolita fashion and expresses them through her designs. She has a deep love for manga, games, and anime.

Hotels are now open for booking! Head on over to the Hotel Page to book your room now.

Sakura-Con is thrilled to welcome Emi Nitta!Emi Nitta debuted as a voice actor in 2010. Some of her main leading roles include Honoka Kosaka in Love Live!, playing Vivian in the Toho Musical version of Legally Blonde, and being the dub voice of Do-ran Kim in the K-Drama, My Only One.In September of 2014, Emi made her musical artist debut, and in June of 2018 she performed her Emi Nitta Live Tour “EMUSIC 32 – meets you” in Osaka and Tokyo. More recently in March 25, 2020, she released her single “Sing Ring.” In 2021, she sang the theme music (Longing for!) for the anime Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! She is a versatile performer as both a voice actress and a singer!

Applications for 2026 Cosplay Contest are going live on Sunday, January 11th at 12:00PMPacific Application Link: 2026 Sakura-Con Cosplay Contest ApplicationApplications will be open until January 18th at 11:59PM PST. Please read through the rules tomake sure you are ready to apply as soon as the contest opens. Link to rules.

SCANDAL formed in 2006 in Osaka, made major debut in 2008 with ‘DOLL’.The girls won the Record Award for Best Newcomer in 2009 with ‘Shoujo S’. They have a large domestic and international following and have performed concerts all over the world. They have also gained attention as fashion icons in recent years, producing their own apparel brand ‘FEEDBACK’. In 2019, they established their own private label, “her”.They are one of Japan’s leading girl bands in both name and reality.

BLUE ENCOUNT is a 4-piece band hailing from Kumamoto, in southern Japan. They pride themselves on always giving it all they’ve got, delivering thrilling performances that draw in the audience and resonate with a spirit of unity, creating a beautiful kinship.They made their major label debut with the EP “TIMELESS ROOKIE” in September 2014, and since then, they’ve released four full albums: “≒”, “THE END”, “VECTOR”, and “Q.E.D”. They also have several exciting anime theme songs to their credit.In the spring of 2023, bassist Tsujimura began a one-and-a-half-year music study program in New York, honing his craft abroad. Marking their 20th anniversary in 2024-2025, the band kicked off an Asia tour and is currently touring with all four members. BLUE ENCOUNT is an ever-evolving band, and we can’t wait to see what adventures lie ahead for them!

Your time has come!  Sakura-Con panel applications are now OPEN!  From game shows to contests to cultural events to cosplay, we want to hear from you! Apply today! https://sakuracon.org/programming/panels/