Otakuthon at Home — a Virtual Anime Convention Experience!

Con blues are hitting different this year with large-scale events around the world being put on hold due to the current global crisis. However, fear not! Canada-based convention Otakuthon has taken the initiative to bring you Otakuthon – At Home Edition!

What is Otakuthon?

Otakuthon is a yearly event celebrating anime and manga that has been running since 2008. It is usually held at Palais des congrès, Montreal, and is the second-largest anime event in the country. Proud of its Quebec origins, Otakuthon strives to be a fully bilingual convention (French and English).

Otakuthon 2020 will be an exciting virtual exploration into the con experience — a two-day digital convention on an online interactive platform, all from the comfort and safety of your own home. Ever felt like attending an anime convention overseas but not quite been able to fork out the funds to make the trip? Now’s your chance to make it a reality!

So, what’s happening at Otakuthon 2020?

While you may not be able to rock up to the con in person, decked out in your best otaku gear or newest cosplay, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun to be had at this year’s Otakuthon. Check out what’s in store below!

Virtual Exhibition Hall

Explore the virtual exhibition hall featuring industry members, dealers, and artists where you can browse their online merchandise catalogs and place orders to ship to your home address.

Main Events

Visit the virtual main event streaming room featuring many of Otakuthon’s staple events such as performances and competitions!

Video Games

Join online video game channels to play with your friends from Otakuthon’s special platform gaming wall!

Scavenger Hunt

Keep an eye out as you navigate the virtual halls and corridors! Find hidden items throughout the virtual convention with a chance to win a prize for finding them!

Interactions

Join chat rooms to discuss different topics with fellow attendees or start private conversations with a friend. Interact live with exhibitors and meet up with friends using one on one video and voice calls.

Panels

Learn about all kinds of topics in two continuous panel tracks. After a panel has finished, you can ask the panel host questions by video or chat in the live streaming channel!

Guests

Meet the guests at their panels! The full, detailed schedule will be available closer to the date of the event. Check out who has been announced for the guest list below.

Game Shows

Attend classic anime convention game shows for a chance to participate and compete to win prizes throughout the event!

Leaderboard

By exploring the convention you will be awarded points and rise in the Leaderboard. Those with the highest scores at the conclusion of the event will be eligible for prizes, offered by Otakuthon’s official partners.

Help Desk

Having technical difficulties or need some information? Otakuthon staff and vFairs will be readily available to help you.

Guests, you say?

The Japanese guest list for Otakuthon 2020 has been revealed!

メイドカフェ＠ほぉ～むカフェ／@home cafe, established in 2004, the at-home cafe’s goal is to serve maid culture all over the world, moving further forward each year to more countries!
BACK-ON, a two-member hybrid rock band formed in Japan in 2002 featuring KENJI03, who sings and plays guitar, and TEEDA, who raps. This online concert is in association with J-rock North Promotions Inc. and Avex Entertainment Inc.
MaguroNikan, a brand new band made up of vocalist Yuyu and guitarist Rikimaru who bring you a noisy, pop-rock sound straight out of Tokyo, Japan.
Hirokatsu Kihara, formerly involved with the production desk at Studio Ghibli and now a writer of ghost stories and MC at monster conventions.
Rica Matsumoto, a seiyu (voice actress), a singer, and a multi-talent actress. Her online presence is brought to you by J-rock North Promotions Inc. and LIVE EXSAM Inc.
Wasuta（The World Standard）わーすた, an idol group formed in 2015 with members from a digital native generation. This online concert is in association with J-rock North Promotions Inc. and Avex Entertainment Inc.