Partnerships

Doorways to Japan: Local Japan Sister City Relationships and Japan-America Societies

Friday 11/14 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Host: Suzy Martin, JapanWNY

Learn about the 60+ year history of organizations that support Japan-related initiatives in the area and how you can get involved!

Kanazawa Craft Workshop

Saturday 11/15 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Host: Suzy Martin, JapanWNY

Try your hand at a simple craft activity featuring gold leaf from Kanazawa, Buffalo’s first sister city!

Japanese Pop and Anime Music

Sunday 11/16 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Performer: Bridget Dooley, JapanWNY

A vocal performance medley of anime themes and enka classics in Japanese, including themes from Your Name and Cowboy Bebop, and artists such as Ishikawa Sayuri and Yamaguchi Momoe.

CYBERBAE Crochet & Craft Corner

Friday 11/14 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Host: Maddy McDaniel, Hidden Village

A cozy, community lounge where attendees can bring their own projects, swap yarn and materials at the stash table, and connect through creativity. Beginners are welcome to learn basic stitches with free hooks (limited supply) and yarn provided, making this an inclusive space for all skill levels.

Name that OST/Character

Friday 11/14 | 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Host: Blackstar Mack, Hidden Village

If you know you know . . . but really DO YOU ACTUALLY KNOW? Come test your knowledge as I test your inner otaku and nerd side of you.

Blerds in the RPG Space: Roll With It!

Friday 11/14 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Host: HexxedHiei, Hidden Village

Roll With It! is an interactive mix of improv games, dice-driven challenges, and storytelling where Blerds and allies come together to laugh, play, and celebrate RPGs. No experience needed—just bring your imagination and join the fun!

So You Wanna Vend? Elevating Your Nerdy Business Booth

Saturday 11/15 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Host: Maddy McDaniel, Hidden Village

Learn how to elevate your artist alley or convention booth with practical tips on branding, display, and customer engagement. CYBERBAE shares budget-friendly hacks, personal experience, and encouragement to help small business owners and creatives confidently step into vending.

Gatekeeping in Blerd/Nerd Culture

Saturday 11/15 | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Host: Desiree Kee, Hidden Village

Gatekeeping in Blerd/nerd culture is almost too taboo to talk about as most fandoms feel very strongly about certain anime, video games, and manga. We’ve watched these gems that we’ve grown up on (and were probably bullied for liking) gain popularity in the Age of Social Media and become more of an aesthetic than a lifestyle for newcomers. But should we consider being more open to its increasing popularity? Let’s dissect this a little bit more in this panel discussion.

Anime Roast: Your Favorite Anime Is Not As Good As You Remember

Saturday 11/15 | 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM

Host: Otis East, Hidden Village

Think your favorite anime is untouchable? At the Anime Roast, audience members place shows on a live S through F tier-list and defend their picks while panelists and the crowd roast their show to pieces. If no one’s brave enough, the panelists will stir the pot with their own hot takes.

Wakandaverse: How Black Panther Can Enrich the Youth

Sunday 11/16 | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Host: Ace Pierce, Hidden Village

Enter the WAKANDAVERSE! The characters and stories of Black Panther can go beyond traditional comic entertainment to educate the youth about their world. Join this panel discussion to learn about the power of Wakanda in scholastic settings!