Panels & Workshops

Understanding Autism & Anime

Join Mental Health Professionals discuss the Autism Spectrum and how it relates to Anime. A brief explanation of Autism, followed by how Anime and Manga are utilized and beneficial within treatment.

Kimono And You – Wafuku 101

Looking to cosplay a character in kimono or wear one yourself, but unsure where to start? In this panel different types of garments, materials, and potential resources for both secondhand and handmade kimono will be discussed. There will be a Q&A section at the end for attendees to get suggestions.

Korean 101: Hangeul, the Korean Alphabet

Take the first step in learning Korean with this panel focused on the basics of the Korean writing system, called Hangeul, which is well known for being incredibly logical and simple. You’ll also have a chance to get familiar with a few basic phrases! Participants are encouraged to bring a pencil and paper, and no prior knowledge is required.

The Genealogy of the Magical Girl: a Matriarchal Family Tree

Are Sailor Moon and Kill la Kill really Cutie Honey’s daughters? Is Madoka Magica even related to other magical girl series? This panel will explore the rich history of magical girls, starting in 1953 and moving through time all the way to 2018.

Can I Use a Fork?: A Crash Course in Asian Cuisine

Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons… or have just seen one too many episodes of “Food Wars”, this is the panel for you! Join me for an introduction to Asian cuisine (on a budget)!

Neko Mania Cat Culture in Japan

Meow! Love cats? Of course you do! Come explore the history of the neko we love from their humble beginnings as shrine guardians to the internet famous cats we all know and love! BYODM Bring your own dead mouse Mew!

The Tale of Genji New Reader Introduction

The Tale of Genji is one of the most important novels in Japanese and world literature and one of the few written by a female author, but it’s not exactly reader-friendly since it is over 1,000 pages with long lists of characters that don’t even have formal names. This panel will break down the important points of the novel, explore its artistic and historical significance, and give potential readers some tips on how best to get the most out of the text. It will also look at a few anime adaptations.

The Romance of Three Kingdoms

Dynasty Warriors, Ikki-Tousen, Soten Koro, Red Cliff, the latest game in the Total War series – all based on this classical period of China. Join Richard C. Shaffer to learn more about the history and people behind this epic period!

Waka – The Subtle Art of Samurai Poetry

In Medieval Japan a samurai was not just regarded for their bravery, but also for their poetic capabilities. Join Richard C. Shaffer as we discuss the various types of Japanese poetry and how they affected the samurai world. Haiku, Tanka, Renga, and everything in between!

Only Cowards Use Shields w/Samurai Dan

The Tale of Genji is one of the most important novels in Japanese and world literature and one of the few written by a female author, but it’s not exactly reader-friendly since it is over 1,000 pages with long lists of characters that don’t even have formal names. This panel will break down the important points of the novel, explore its artistic and historical significance, and give potential readers some tips on how best to get the most out of the text. It will also look at a few anime adaptations.

The Chrysanthemum & The Cross w/Charles Dunbar

Christianity came over with the Portuguese, English, and Dutch, but has gone through banning, rebellion, persecution, and resurgence in the centuries since. This panel explores the history behind the religion’s appearance, fall, and resurgence: from incompatible philosophies to the Shogunate ban, the Shimabara Rebellion, the Hidden Christian age, and the postwar reconstruction and pop culture boom.

The Road to Becoming a Magical Girl w/Charles Dunbar

So we hear a lot about magical girls, but how does one actually define them? Joseph Campbell wrote extensively on the hero. But he left out the heroine. While her journey mimics his, it has its own markers and transformations, and her outcome is hers alone. This panel explores the different types of magical girls and how their stories are timeless.

Trauma in the “Tales Of” Series

This panel will follow the psychological journey of characters from Tales of the Abyss, Tales of Zestiria, and Tales of Berseria who have experienced trauma and confront the appropriate and inappropriate responses of the narrative to survivorship and recovery, as it relates to the needs of real-life survivors. Sponsored by CSSN.

Oh My Kami!: Risque Mythology (18+)

You thought the Greek gods like to get wild on the weekends, but the Japanese gods were also known to get their freak on! Join us for some wicked tales of creation sex, murders and punishment in hell, and other NSFW myths and legends. It’s sure to make you blush.

True Psychopaths of Anime (18+)

Join Moby White in discussing what makes a character a True Psychopath, and compare this definition to several anime characters.

History of hentai: from block prints to fakku (18+)

From The Tale of Genji is one of the most important novels in Japanese and world literature and one of the few written by a female author, but it’s not exactly reader-friendly since it is over 1,000 pages with long lists of characters that don’t even have formal names. This panel will break down the important points of the novel, explore its artistic and historical significance, and give potential readers some tips on how best to get the most out of the text. It will also look at a few anime adaptations.

Locked Up Abroad: Deadman Wonderland (18+)

“Stuck in your Wonderland” this Tekko? Come join Moby White as he delves into the correction system that is Deadman Wonderland and compares it to some of the worst prisons in history!

Notan Collage

Notan is the Japanese word for “light and dark”. We will use scissors and contrasting colors of paper to create a collage that plays with shapes as well as positive and negative space.

Painting The Great Wave of Kanagawa

The Great Wave is one of the most recognizable works of Japanese art. We will use crayons and watercolor paints to create our own version of this famous painting.

Crazy for Polka Dots (The Art of Yayoi Kusama)

Can you make art just out of dots? You sure can! Come make a fun polka dot project with us and also learn about how you can go visit one of Yayoi Kusama’s installation works right here in Pittsburgh.

Felt Sushi

It’s sushi that you can keep forever! Remember your most delicious sushi memories as we use felt to create sashimi and sushi rolls.

Teru Teru Bōzu Craft

If you’re trying to chase the rain clouds away, join us in making traditional Japanese teru teru bōzu dolls! These good weather charms became popular during the Edo period and are sure to brighten both your windows AND the skies. Younger children may require help with this craft.

What Life’s Like For a Child Living in Japan

Ever wonder what your life would be like if you lived in Japan? Come find out about a day in the life of a child living in Japan.

Japanese Folktale Storytime

Fortune bringing bees that come out of people’s noses? Ogres that eat baby belly buttons? These are just a few of the strange scenarios featured in Japanese folktales! Join our children’s librarian from Adams Memorial Library for this storytime including a variety of picture books that re-imagine classic Japanese legends.

Fuse that Pokémon?!

Like creating your own Pokémon? Stop by our family friendly workshop to participate in a game that invites attendees to combine two Pokémon, chosen at random, to create a new species. Small prizes will be given for our favorite drawings. Attendees of any drawing skill level are invited and encouraged.

Koinobori Craft

Something’s fishy about this traditional Japanese craft! Koinobori are carp kites or windsocks that Japanese families fly every Children’s Day on May 5th. Wild carp represent the family’s hope that their children will grow up to be strong. This craft is time consuming and younger children will require help.

Family Anime Games

Try your luck at some Japanese and anime board games, featuring your favorite characters.

Anime Headbands

Come make a headband to wear as you explore the convention.

Gotta Catch ‘Em All

Hunt down your favorite Pokemon in our live-action Pokemon Go!