Programming for Saturday, November 15th

Zumba® with Danielle (Anime/J-Pop Edition) | 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Host: Danielle Sentz

Zumba® is a dance fitness party for everyone! This format combines all elements of fitness: cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy, and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class. (Proper footwear is recommended for this session and participants will be asked to sign a waiver.)

ODORI-NO-KAI: Japanese Folk Dance | 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM

Host: Japanese Group of Buffalo

Performers: Mary Hirtzel, Yoshiko Connolly, Alice Yumi Sinzato, Midori Brauch, Miwako Leising, and Miki Sophia Roberts

ODORI-NO-KAI (Japanese folk dance group) belongs to the Japanese Group of Buffalo. Come enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese folk dances culminating in a guided, audience-participation dance.

Q&A with the Dynamic Voice-Over Duo: Grant and Jessica Gee-George | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Host: Justin Pope, Director of Programming

Come sit and chat with Grant and Jessica as they take on your burning questions about voice acting, characters, their favorite foods – you name it! Get to know this wonderful husband and wife duo in addition to the many characters you already know and love them as!

KinshokuCon 2025 Cosplay Contest | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Host: Emma Morlino, Head of Cosplay

Judges: EarlCrayTea, Ashauros, and Ioneyes.cosplay

Welcome to the KinshokuCon 2025 Cosplay Contest! Come cheer on our contestants competing in the Craftsmanship, Runway/Walk-On, and Youth divisions.

Hatsune Miku Dance Performance | Cosplay Contest Intermission

Performer: Ophitian

Do you like Vocaloid? Are you prepared to get Miku Miku’d ♪ (for reals)? Enjoy a dance performance by cosplayer Ophitian to a medley of classic Hatsune Miku songs while dressed as the twin-tailed diva herself!

(18+) Nerdlesque Drag Show | 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Host: Vivi Devine and Sonny Rocket

Performers: Vivi Devine, Sonny Rocket, Fat Chance, Mojo Hoejo, Ava Lucian, and Onyxx Agape

Come see your favorite pop culture characters brought to life through the art of drag! Bring your applause, your attention, and most importantly your singles $$$

Why We Love Cozy Games | 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Host: Mariel Buchtman

Learn what makes a game “cozy” and why we enjoy it. Through one gamers ramblings, let’s dive into the topic together.

A Franchise Made Fullmetal | 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Host: Remi Varney

If you’ve ever wanted to start watching Fullmetal Alchemist, but have been unsure where to begin, this panel is for you! Join us as we rank and review every entry point to this classic series and finally answer the main question up for debate: Brotherhood or the original anime?

Thanks, I Thrifted It: Sourcing Secondhand Items for Cosplay | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Host: Lilly Damin

Ready to make the cosplay of your dreams without breaking the bank? You’ll learn tips and tricks on how to source pieces from both in-person thrift stores and online secondhand sites along with creative ways to transform ordinary items into extraordinary costumes. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or just getting started, join us to learn all about the joy of thrifting for cosplay!

Game that Tune! | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Host: Colleen Alessi

Think you’re the ultimate gamer lifeform? Secure the number one victory royale in Game that Tune! Win fantastical prizes such as candy, candy, and more candy just for guessing the tracks we’re laying! Come on down for some friendly competition, and catch some sick tunes, yeah?

Cosplay Photography Tips & Tricks | 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Host: Kat McCabe

Do’s, don’t and some tips to make your photoshoot amazing and safe from a professional cosplay photographer!

Gatekeeping in Blerd/Nerd Culture | 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.

Backlog Battles | 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Host: Jeb Leighton

Our guilty pleasure? Buying games and then never playing them. Unclog our backlogs through pre-picked titles of our own plus audience suggestions in a friendly, debate-style bracket showdown! Our gaming futures are in your hands, and maybe find something to add to your endless wishlist!

JRPG Jeopardy! | 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

Host: Andy Canizares

Are you a walking encyclopedia of Japanese Role-Playing Games? Put your knowledge to the test in our JRPG Jeopardy game show! From classic titles to hidden gems, show off your expertise, outsmart other fans, and claim bragging rights, with a chance to win a prize!

Fandom Mad Libs | 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Host: Danni Cooke

“Goku joins . . . the Straw Hat Crew to . . . battle Pokémon with . . . BTS?” Join us for a round of Mad Libs where all of our fandoms come together—anything can happen!

(18+) Can I Get Yaoi for 600: Revenge of the Citrus Scale | 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Host: EarlCrayTea, Cosplay Judge

Do you like yaoi? That’s a silly question, of course you do! Join us as we explore the old, the new, the infamous, and down right iconic ships that will bring you back to that dark place in high school. Cringe is dead, but yaoi is forever.

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

Kid’s Mask Making | 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Host: Emi Hurd-Penque

Kiddos of all-ages welcome! We will explore different materials to make your child’s favorite character come to life in their very own mask!

So You Wanna Vend? Elevating Your Nerdy Business Booth | 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.

Kanazawa Craft Workshop | 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!

Kumihimo Friendship Bracelet Demo | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Host: Michele Hauryski, Head of Hobby Hideaway

“Kumihimo” is Japanese for “gathered threads” and is the traditional art of braided cord making. This textile art form was featured in the anime film Your Name. Learn how to make your own in corded friendship bracelet during this dedicated demo time. These materials will also be available throughout the weekend for you to try on your own if you are not able to attend.

Love and Deepspace Fan Experience | 7:15 PM – 8:30 PM

Host: Vanessa Shevat

Come celebrate your favorite love interest from Love and Deepspace with activities such as the kitty card game, making a friendship bracelet based on your favorite boy and more! Prepare to have fun, win prizes, and feel free to come dressed as your favorite character.