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Cosplay Chess Applications Closing Soon!

Cosplay Chess Applications will close this Saturday, 02/28/26 at 11:59PM Pacific. There’s still time to be a part of this annual event and help to grow our community of cosplayers! The only thing you need to qualify for Cosplay Chess is a cosplay and we welcome fandoms from all over!

For all ages, we have the first-ever Cosplay Chess Arena! Join our two mad scientists as they attempt to engineer the most powerful being in the multiverse! What could possibly go wrong? Okay, a lot could go wrong, but we’ll have fun finding out! Cosplay Chess: Arena 

For ages 18+, we have Cosplay Chess After Dark! Be a part of the battle of Mankind vs Monsters and help your team dominate the chess board! Hilarity and action meet in this tale as old as time and we encourage all newcomers and veterans alike to apply! Cosplay Chess: After Dark 

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Guest Announcement: Haruki Ishiya

Haruki Ishiya is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Osawa Office.

You can hear him in various works, including Hikaru Gero in “MARRIAGETOXIN”, Jiro Yamada in “Hypnosis Mic”, Shuichi Tsukamoto in “Sound! Euphonium”, and Kaoru Namikido in “Tougen Anki”.

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Cosplay Contest Judge Announcements

Hylian Cream

Hylian Cream

Hylian Cream is a Sewing Educator & Cosplayer from Southern California. With over 14 years of cosplay under her belt, she has won numerous awards for her craftsmanship and on stage performances. She is a Janome educator, working with the company…

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Akivi.cos

Akivi.cos

Aki (akivi.cos) is a Seattle-based Masters-level cosplayer specializing in advanced prop fabrication, 3D modeling, and the integration of digital and traditional craft techniques. In December 2025, Aki was selected with their cosplay partner as an International…

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Weichiadi

Weichiadi

Wei (@weichiadi) is a cosplayer, educator, and content creator recognized for her craftsmanship expertise and her engaging “vlogtorial” style, unique approach that allows her to share both the creative/technical process and the challenges that come alo…

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Cosplay Chess Applications are Open

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. 

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The Floral Court Invitational: Nerd Prom

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.

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Guest Announcement: Moriguchika

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.

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Guest Announcement: Emi Nitta

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!

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