Kawaii Kon

Kawaii Kon
VenueHawaii Convention Center
Location(s)Honolulu, Hawaii
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2005
Attendance13,076 in 2019[1]
Organized byDyad LLC[2]
Websitehttp://www.kawaiikon.com/

Kawaii Kon is an anime convention geared towards Japanese animation and comics held in the Honolulu area.

Programming

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Kawaii Kon currently has AMV and anime screenings; industry, fan, and guest panels; Hall Cosplay contests, Masquerade/Cosplay Competitions, Art Shows, Artist Alley Contests, Concerts, Dances, and Karaoke, along with Video and Role Playing games, autographs, and a Dealer's Room.[3]

History

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Kawaii Kon was founded by Gamers Evolution Expo, LLC., a company started by Stan Dahlin, Marlon Stodghill and Scott Richardson. Dahlin is a Hawaii native himself, who was at the time based out of Atlanta, Georgia.[4] As for why they decided to bring an anime convention to Hawaii, taken from the website: "Being a transplanted local boy living far away from home for a better part of a decade or more, I'm very proud to be hosting this show in my home state. You ask why? A number of reasons but to simply state it.... I love anime!"[5]

Kawaii Kon was the first anime convention to be held in Hawaii.[6] Local support for the convention by fans in the event's first year resulted in a surprising attendance level that surpassed the staff's expectations. Kawaii Kon 2020 was moved from May to August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was later cancelled.[7][8][9][10] Comic Con Honolulu and Kawaii Kon were going to combine for the August 2020 event, until it was cancelled.[11] Kawaii Kon 2021 was moved from April to November due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was also later cancelled.[12][13][14][15] Kawaii Kon held an online event on May 29-30, 2021.[16] Comic Con Honolulu and Kawaii Kon combined for the 2022 event.[17] 2024 changes included additional concert and video game space.[18][19]

Event history

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Dates Location Atten. Guests
April 22 – 24, 2005 Ala Moana Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii		1,903S. Kai Bovaird, Robert DeJesus, Kaveh Kardan, Monica Rial, Stephanie Sheh, and David L. Williams.[20]
April 14 – 16, 2006 Ala Moana Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii		2,610S. Kai Bovaird, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Yoko Ishida, Jin Kobayashi, Vic Mignogna, Monica Rial, Stan Sakai, Sean Schemmel, Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas, and David L. Williams.[21][22]
April 27 – 29, 2007 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		2,925Christine Auten, Greg Ayres, Steve Blum, Luci Christian, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Brittney Karbowski, Vic Mignogna, Monica Rial, Christopher Sabat, Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas, David L. Williams, and Travis Willingham.[3][23]
April 18 – 20, 2008 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		3,739Colleen Clinkenbeard, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, The Emeralds, Tiffany Grant, Mari Iijima, Vic Mignogna, Yuko Miyamura, Monica Rial, Rikki Simons, David L. Williams, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[24][25]
April 10 – 12, 2009 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		4,479Shinji Aramaki, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Caitlin Glass, Illich Guardiola, Brina Palencia, Stan Sakai, David L. Williams, Vic Mignogna, Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re, and The Emeralds.[26]
April 16 – 18, 2010 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		4,877Alt/Air, Shinji Aramaki, Johnny Yong Bosch, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Samantha Inoue-Harte, Hideo Ishikawa, Daisuke Kishio, Vic Mignogna, Masakazu Morita, Wendy Powell, and David L. Williams.[27]
April 29 – May 1, 2011 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		5,203Alt/Air, Eleven Staples, Jacob Grady, Wendee Lee, Scott McNeil, Doug Smith, Jonathan Tarbox, David L. Williams, and Kappei Yamaguchi.[28][29]
March 16 – 18, 2012 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		7,542Akino, Yoshitaka Amano, Yuu Asakawa, bless4, Johnny Yong Bosch, Eyeshine, Ryo Horikawa, Vic Mignogna, Kenichi Miya, Lisa Ortiz, Christopher Sabat, and David L. Williams.[30][31]
March 15 – 17, 2013 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		7,975Johnny Yong Bosch, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Eyeshine, Toshihiro Fukuoka, Toshio Furukawa, Todd Haberkorn, Noizi Ito, Mint, Iruma Rioka, and Lisle Wilkerson.[32]
April 4 – 6, 2014 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		8,500[33]Misako Aoki, Chalk Twins, Jim Cummings, Quinton Flynn, Ayumi Fujimura, Richard Horvitz, Yoko Ishida, Hironobu Kageyama, Tetsuya Kakihara, Vic Mignogna, Masako Nozawa, Nicki Rapp, Leah Rose, Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas, Janet Varney, and Lisle Wilkerson.[34]
March 27 – 29, 2015 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		10,450[35][36]Akira, Eir Aoi, Toru Furuya, Todd Haberkorn, Jess Harnell, Cassandra Lee Morris, Range Murata, Bryce Papenbrook, Rob Paulsen, and Leah Rose.[35]
April 8 – 10, 2016 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		11,597[37]Curtis Arnott, Steve Blum, Johnny Yong Bosch, Grey DeLisle Griffin, Eyeshine, Sandy Fox, GARNiDELiA, Yumiri Hanamori, Naoto Hirooka, Joe Inoue, Shigeto Koyama, Lex Lang, Cherami Leigh, Loverin Tamburin, Toshio Maeda, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Jessica Nigri, Asami Shimoda, J. Michael Tatum, Hiromi Wakabayashi, and Lisle Wilkerson.[37]
April 7 – 9, 2017 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		12,104[38]Mai Aizawa, Dante Basco, bless4, Zach Callison, Luna Haruna, Joe Inoue, Kanae Ito, Erica Mendez, Vic Mignogna, Courtenay Taylor, Janet Varney, David Vincent, and Lisle Wilkerson.[38]
March 2 – 4, 2018 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		12,527[39]Martin Billany, Christine Marie Cabanos, Jonny Cruz, Elisa, Jacob Grady, Todd Haberkorn, Ryo Horikawa, K-ble Jungle, Brittney Karbowski, Carrie Keranen, Linda Le, Shiori Mikami, Marin M. Miller, ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D, Leah Rose, Hitoshi Sakimoto, Micah Solusod, Courtenay Taylor, Cristina Vee, Kari Wahlgren, Hynden Walch, Lisle Wilkerson, and Yuyoyuppe.[39]
April 5 – 7, 2019 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		13,076Mashiro Ayano, Steve Blum, Nobutoshi Canna, Elisa, Jacob Grady, Aya Hirano, Brittney Karbowski, Mika Kobayashi, Katsuyuki Konishi, Magic of Life, Mana, Jason Marsden, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Brandon McInnis, Leah Rose, Stephanie Sheh, Genevieve Simmons, Juliet Simmons, Michael Sinterniklaas, Matilda Smedius, J. Michael Tatum, and Hynden Walch.[1]
April 22 – 24, 2022 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		Asca, Steve Blum, Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond, Grey DeLisle Griffin, Jack DeSena, Doug Erholtz, Maile Flanagan, Deedee Magno Hall, Mika Kobayashi, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Michaela Jill Murphy, Nano, Tony Oliver, Michelle Ruff, TeddyLoid and Cristina Vee.[40]
March 31 – April 2, 2023 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		20,489 (est.)[41]6%Dokidoki, Ryan Bartley, Poonam Basu, Laila Berzins, Steve Blum, Burnout Syndromes, Sean Chiplock, Sandy Fox, Diana Garnet, Caitlin Glass, Olivia Hack, Erika Harlacher, Shigeto Koyama, Jennie Kwan, Lex Lang, Cricket Leigh, Landon McDonald, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Amanda C. Miller, Pixy, Erica Schroeder, James Sie, Konomi Suzuki, Eric Vale, and Hiromi Wakabayashi.[42]
March 29-31, 2024 Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, Hawaii		ACME, Asaka, Johnny Yong Bosch,Christine Marie Cabanos, Charlet Chung, James Ernest, Lizzie Freeman, Todd Haberkorn, Erika Harlacher, Kyle Hebert, Kikuko Inoue, Brittney Karbowski, Ryan Colt Levy, E. Jason Liebrecht, Madkid, Ai Maeda, Faye Mata, Adam McArthur, Sarah Miller-Crews, Cassandra Lee Morris, Mai Nakahara, Atelier Pierrot, Christopher Sabat, Keith Silverstein, Takeshi Takadera, Nami Tamaki, and Sarah Wiedenheft.[43]

Pictures

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  • Kawaii Kon 2015 opening ceremony crowd
    Kawaii Kon 2015 opening ceremony crowd

References

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  1. ^ a b "Kawaii Kon 2019 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  2. ^ Takeya, Paige (6 July 2015). "One Con to Rule Them All". Metro HNL. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Kawaii Kon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2007-12-21.
  4. ^ Yadao, Jason S. (April 21, 2005). "Anime-niacs". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  5. ^ "Kawaii Kon FAQ". Kawaii Kon. April 8, 2007. Archived from the original on May 3, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-08.
  6. ^ Paiva, Derek (April 22, 2005). "Ah, anime! Three-day convention opens today". Honolulu Advertiser.
  7. ^ "Kawaii Kon Postponed until August 7-9, 2020". Kawaii Kon. 29 March 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  8. ^ "Kawaii Kon Cancelled Facebook". Kawaii Kon Facebook. 12 June 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  9. ^ "Kawaii Kon May 2020 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  10. ^ "Kawaii Kon August 2020 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-07-16.
  11. ^ Danglapin, Agatha (13 June 2020). "Combined Kawaii Kon x Comic Con Honolulu event fully canceled for the year, new dates announced for 2021". KHON2. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  12. ^ "Kawaii Kon - Two big announcements". Facebook. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  13. ^ "Kawaii Kon April 22-24 2022". Facebook. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  14. ^ "Kawaii Kon April 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2021-02-21.
  15. ^ "Kawaii Kon November 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
  16. ^ Speakman, Kimberlee (5 May 2021). "Digital Exclusive: Behind Kawaii Kon 2021". KHON2. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  17. ^ Yee, Chelsee (5 April 2022). "Hawaii anime, comic fans can rejoice this year". KHON2. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  18. ^ Buan, Robert (29 March 2024). "Kawaii Kon 2024 kicks off at Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu". KITV. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  19. ^ Burgos, Annalisa (2 April 2023). "Hawaii Kawaii Kon showcases local talent in anime, illustration, gaming". Hawaii News Now. KHNL/KGMB. Gray Media Group. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  20. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2005 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2007-12-21.
  21. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2007-12-21.
  22. ^ Yadao, Jason S. (April 14, 2006). "For The Love of Anime". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2007-11-28. Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  23. ^ Yadao, Jason S. (April 27, 2007). "Serious About Cosplaying". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2007-08-28. Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  24. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2007-12-21.
  25. ^ Yadao, Jason S. (February 11, 2008). "Kawaii Kon finalizes 2008 guest roster (Cel Shaded column)". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Vol. 13, no. 42. Archived from the original on 2008-04-12. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
  26. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
  27. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  28. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  29. ^ Yadao, Jason (January 27, 2011). "Cel Shaded: Kawaii Kon and HEXXP introduce more guests". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  30. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  31. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2012". UpcomingCons.com. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  32. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  33. ^ "Memorable moments from Kawaii Kon 2014". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. April 8, 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-04-11. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  34. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  35. ^ a b "Kawaii Kon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2017-05-23.
  36. ^ Tonthat, Steven (March 30, 2015). "VIDEO: Kawaii Kon 2015". Pulse - The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Archived from the original on 26 September 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  37. ^ a b "Kawaii Kon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2017-05-23.
  38. ^ a b "Kawaii Kon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
  39. ^ a b "Kawaii Kon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
  40. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2022 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  41. ^ Dym, Zoe (6 April 2023). "Kawaii Kon reminds anime fans that nerd culture can be a safe space". Hawai'i Public Radio. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  42. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2023 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2023-04-10.
  43. ^ "Kawaii Kon 2024 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
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