We are about to hit spring break, the cherry blossoms are blossoming…That means it’s time for Sakura-Con again.
Before I continue on in this article, I want to share a small story. When I first got into anime and manga, I had no clue what a convention even was. I didn’t know that people dressed up in cosplay or that you could buy fan made merch or real merch, that you could meet voice actors or connect with others about series you love to read and watch. The first convention I ever went to was Sakura-Con. My dad started taking me to Sakura-Con until I was eighteen, it was a way for us to bond and spend time together. In all my years of attending this convention, no year has been as good as when I attended with my dad (I know he probably hated it, but he never complained and took us all over the convention to see everything). I guess, what I’m trying to say here with this short story is that Sakura-Con is special to me, I would always have a good time, even after my dad and I stopped going together and I went with friends. It was my first convention (ever) and because of it, I now know about so many things I never knew about and met some amazing people (and got introduced to new series I love). I want this convention to succeed, I want it to be for the fans and I want people to enjoy it fully.
With all that, I’m hoping for the best this year at Sakura-Con. My expectations aren’t high, just not rock bottom. Last year there was a fire, then a gas leak, and many parts of the convention that weekend were closed for many hours, canceling panels and meet ups (and ruining lots of plans). They also had many meetings with the public about how they could do better leading up to the convention, and fell short when the time came…there is also still a big accessibility issue for people who are not as able as others, ADA. People with accessibility and disability issues deserve to be able to attend the convention and take part in all aspects of it.
Currently, there is a “fight ableism” rally that will be held on Thursday, April 2nd (12pm-6pm) at the Seattle Convention Center-Summit Building at the corner of 9th Ave & Pine St. This is a peaceful rally to encourage the convention to take notice of who they are overlooking and inform others attending the convention and to help the community. More details can be found on Instagram @kai.the.cypress.log
Now for the upside of things for this convention, Sakura-Con has put together a jam packed schedule filled to the brim with fan panels, show premieres, concerts, and much much more! This con is also known for the great artist alley and vendor hall they have every year, I get the majority of merch a year just from this convention alone because there are just so many amazing booths there.
The panels I’m stoked to check out are the following: On Friday, Examining the Cultural Impact of One Piece, Marriagetoxin panel, Most Loved in Deepspace- a Love and Deepspace game show (18+). The Saturday panels are: Learn to play Mahjong, Crunchyroll presents: Witch Hat Atelier premiere screening, Yaoi bingo, Lads Jeopardy: Battle of the Hunters. I know there are a lot more I’m leaving out from this list, but there’s just too many I want to pop in on and take part in. There are also a whole list of meet ups everyday, I know I’ll be trying to stop in at the Love and Deepspace ones and of course going to the One Piece ones!
Lets also not forget the insane amount of after parties being held this year. There is We Touch Grass on Thursday night, Senpai Squad on Friday night, and AniMirai will also be hosting an after party on Friday night, SonicBoomBox will be hosting one on Saturday night as well. I know there is about one more happening during the weekend, but for the life of me I can’t find it and can’t remember the name (I’m so sorry!). But, as you can see the convention night life is also booked and gives everyone attending lots of options on which parties they would like to attend.
So, if you’re planning to attend Sakura-Con this weekend, April 3rd-5th, you will never find yourself without something to do. Bursting with panels, vendors, artists, concerts and all the after parties you could ask for.
Are you going to be at Sakura-Con 2026? If so, what are you looking forward to? Feel free to leave a comment below or chat with us on Threads at @theconventioncollective, or Bluesky at @theconcollective.bsky.social
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