Newly Added
Hayao Miyazaki: A Storyteller's Journey
Tengu Talks
Sat 8:00pm–9:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Newly Added
American Anime: The Ultimate Oxymoron
Western Anime" has long been considered an oxymoron- anime is Japanese, so how can Western nations lay claim to it?
Tengu Talks
Sat 2:30pm–3:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Newly Added
Guess that Otaku Tune!
Some of us might not know the lyrics, but some of the songs associated with our anime can be so awesome to listen to!
Timothy Christopher Ouellette
Sat 4:00pm–6:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Newly Added
In-Character Dating Game
An in-character fake dating show
Jessica Reed
Fri 7:30pm–9:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Newly Added
Madness of Junji Ito
This panel explores Ito the man, the mangaka, and the fan himself- someone who took his passion and turned it into a career that has inspired countless others to pursue their own.
Tengu Talks
Fri 2:30pm–3:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Newly Added
NSFW "Now Suitable for Worship"
Dosojin. Sekibo. Shunga. Those three words all share something in common- they refer to SEX GODS.
Tengu Talks
Fri 10:00pm–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Newly Added
Tabletop Anime
Anime and tabletop gaming have a LONG history, and this panel aims to pull back the curtain on some relics of the past, waiting to be discovered by a new generation.
Tengu Talks
Sat 6:00pm–7:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Newly Added
The Life and Times of Godzilla
This looks at Godzilla's entire life story from his origins as an avatar of nuclear destruction, to his superhero phase, his reinvention, and his two SUBSEQUENT ones as well
Tengu Talks
Fri 4:30pm–5:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Newly Added
Waifu Rumble 2026
We shall talk about a lot of the power of women in anime and share our opinions about the one's we find truly the best!
Timothy Christopher Ouellette
Fri 3:30pm–5:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Newly Added
You Don’t Need to Be an Artist: Pixel Art for Beginners
You don’t need to be an artist to make pixel art. In this panel, you’ll learn how to create your first game ready sprite using simple shapes, limited colors, and beginner friendly techniques. Perfect for aspiring game devs and creators with zero art experience
Birdtek Games
Sat 1:00pm–2:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Newly Added
Pom Pom Power Up! ☆ with ChiRi Girls
Join ChiRi and wota to not only their original music but brand new covers of anisong and jpop idol bangers!
ChiRi Girls
Sat 3:00pm–4:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Cosplay Feedback Panel
Cosplay contest feedback session
Cosplay Coordinator
Sun 2:00pm–3:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Anime Jeopardy
Do you want to test your knowledge on anything and all anime? If you do then anime jeopardy is the place to do just that.
Jade Wojtowicz
Sun 1:00pm–2:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Banger OPs to Anime that You Don't Know: A-Side
Dustin Timmons
Fri 3:00pm–4:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Banger OPs to Anime that You Don't Know: B-Side
Dustin Timmons
Sat 3:00pm–4:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
AMV Freeplay
Join us for a fun, fast-paced look AMVs during AMV Freeplay
Rewind Art Studio
Fri 9:30pm–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Anime Pictionary
Party Table
Fri 5:30pm–7:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Cosplaying While Trans
Let's talk about how to be safe while capturing cosplay euphoria, explore ways to avoid dysphoria, and get advice from community!
Rewind Art Studio
Sun 1:00pm–2:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
J-Pop Revolution: The Sound of Yasutaka Nakata
Let's explore the world of Yasutaka Nakata, a pioneer in J-Pop and electronic music
Rewind Art Studio
Sat 1:00pm–2:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Secrets of Suzume: Symbolism Through Color
Let's step into Shinkai's ""Suzume"" (2022) to explore how color theory and visual storytelling are used throughout the film and enhance the storyline
Rewind Art Studio
Sun 3:30pm–4:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room H
Are You A Great Senpai?!?
Party Table
Sun 2:00pm–3:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Behind the Mic: A Live Q&A with Jason Douglas
Jason Douglas
Sun 12:00pm–1:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
From Titans to Tyrants: The Many Voices of Jason Douglas
Jason Douglas
Fri 5:00pm–6:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Party Table Presents: Mystery Hentai Theater 9069!!!
Party Table
Sat 9:30pm–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Celebrating Underrated Vocaloids & Friends!
Come share the love for Vocaloid and vocal synth characters that don't get nearly enough attention!
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Fri 1:00pm–3:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
IA: A vocaloid to surpass Hatsune Miku
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Sun 10:00am–12:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Improv Debate Challenge: Powerscaling Showdown!
Debate teams of 3 will argue over who'd in a battle. Dive into a wild debate where teams of 3 pit never-before-heard anime characters against each other in absurd showdowns!
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Sun 3:30pm–5:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Introduction to 3D Printing
Corey Kapolka
Sun 3:00pm–4:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Isekai Writers Can't Make Games: A Self-Indulgent Rant For Exorcising My Personal Demons Regarding Fiction I Don't Like
A lot of anime (and other fiction) involve people getting immersed either figuratively or literally in games
Steven Zavala
Sat 11:00am–12:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Produce Me!: A Guide Through the iDOLM@STER Circle of Idol Heck
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Fri 5:00pm–6:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
sasakure.UK's Doomsday Anthology: The MOST depressing Vocaloid series.
I will take you back to the past of sasakure.UK, the person who made the theme song for Magical Mirai 10, and show you how 4 of his most depressing narratives are connected
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Sun 1:30pm–3:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room H
Simple Animal Origami
Corey Kapolka
Sun 12:00pm–1:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
The 45 Minute Semester: A Game Design Crash Course
Steven Zavala will now teach as much as he can in the span of a single panel slot about game design. Don't worry, he can talk very, very fast
Steven Zavala
Sun 10:00am–11:00am · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
The People who Brought You Mekakucity Actors, IA, and...Listeners... 1st PLACE Co., Ltd.
Join me as I take you on this wild ride of gay crushes, confused marketing, genuine compassion, insane success, doing too much, project diva competitors, economic collapse, burnt bridges, unfulfilled promises, vtubers, extremely weird anime, investment fraud, and redemption
Corey Kapolka
Sat 11:00am–1:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Touhou Cold Read Comedy Grand Prix!
Come on down to witness or participate in a comedic gauntlet where contestants from all over the state will do whatever it takes to win the grand prize!!!
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Sat 6:00pm–8:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Touhou M-1 Grand Prix: Translating on Lunatic
Take a peek behind the curtain of Touhou M-1 Grand Prix's English translation to learn about the fun and challenges of localizing comedy
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Fri 5:30pm–7:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
What the heck is a Touhou Project?
Are you vaguely aware of Touhou Project? Are you a huge fan of Touhou Project? Do you not even know what Touhou Project is? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this panel is for you!
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Fri 9:30pm–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Where all of this really started: Anime Shinseiki Sengen
Discover how one 1980 event was the big bang that led to all of this, changing the media landscape overnight
Aria Bane-Knockeart
Sat 10:00am–11:30am · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Your Favorite Anime Sucks: I Will Roast the Thing You Love
Steven Zavala will roast whatever anime you love the most for your entertainment
Steven Zavala
Fri 8:30pm–9:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Child Labor Law Violations In Anime
Have you ever watched an anime and asked yourself, "How is this legal?" Odds are, it isn't!
Moon Bunny Panels
Sun 11:00am–12:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
(Don’t) Trust the Process: A Cosplay Panel
Your cosplay fairy godmothers are here with real cosplay horror stories, beginner-friendly tips, and quick hacks to help you survive the con floor
Yellow Thread Cosplay
Sat 10:00am–11:00am · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Fanfic Troupe Fight: 2026 Edition
Which fanfic tropes are the best?
Moon Bunny Panels
Sat 8:00pm–9:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Finding Love in Deepspace
Join us as we dive deep into the characters, memories, and “plot” of Love and Deepspace
Yellow Thread Cosplay
Sat 8:30pm–9:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
It’s Not a Phase, It’s an Itabag
Itabags are a creative way to show off your favorite characters, ships, and passions—whether it’s a small display or a full-on shrine
Yellow Thread Cosplay
Sun 10:00am–11:00am · Grand Gallery Overlook Room H
Pokemon Jeopardy
Test your Pokemon knowledge in this fun twist on the hit game show!
Nathan Moon
Fri 1:00pm–2:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
The Rise And Fall Of A Project Diva
You may know Project Sekai…but before that there was Project Diva and its various spin-offs
Moon Bunny Panels
Sun 3:00pm–4:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
This Was Not in the Budget: Smart Con Spending
We’ll be breaking down how to plan ahead, prioritize what matters, and make the most of your con without financial regret
Yellow Thread Cosplay
Fri 7:00pm–8:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Vocaloid Jeopardy
Kelsey Hall
Sun 12:00pm–1:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room H
We All Picked the Worst Option: Otome Edition
Welcome to otome games, where the drama is high, the romance is intense, and 2D men keep leading us to bad decisions
Yellow Thread Cosplay
Fri 9:00pm–10:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Anime Audition Workshop (2-Hour Intensive)
Join veteran anime voice actor and director Jeremy Inman for an in-depth, two-hour audition workshop designed for aspiring and working voice actors
Jeremy Inman
Fri 2:00pm–4:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Directing in Anime: Why You Should Care
Ever wondered who shapes the performances, tone, and emotional punch of your favorite anime dubs? Join veteran director Jeremy Inman for an inside look at what anime directing really involves, and why it plays such a huge role in the shows you love
Jeremy Inman
Sat 12:00pm–1:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Feedback Panel
Sat 5:00pm–6:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
From Stage to Studio: A Q&A with Alex Organ
Join acclaimed voice actor and theater performer Alex Organ for an in-depth and engaging Q&A panel exploring his work across anime and the stage
Alex Organ
Sat 1:00pm–2:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
VIP Mixer
This is a time for VIPs to sit and chat with each other, with snacks and drinks provided
Sun 11:00am–12:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room H
Cosplay Showcase
Cosplay Showcase event
Cosplay Coordinator
Fri 4:00pm–5:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Vendor Hall Feedback Panel
Sat 9:00am–10:00am · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Anime Movie Showing
Yet to be determined
Fri 11:30am–1:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Cosplay Ops and Judging
Cosplay prejudging room!
Cosplay Coordinator
Sat 11:00am–3:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room D
Horsetory: a Look at Umamusume Lore
A look at the world of Umamusume Pretty Derby and more importantly: the Implications created by changing all horses to instead be young women.
Daisy Pupel
Sun 10:00am–11:00am · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Itasha and Car Culture
Anime! Cars! Anime + Cars = Itasha!
Anthony VanOveren
Sun 1:00pm–3:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room F
Karaoke
Fri 11:30am–11:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room D +2 more
Let's Go Gambling - Remixed
Have you ever wanted to place bets on the most ludicrous, dumbest, absurd, and nonsensical games? Do you truly want to know what it feels like to put everything on 17 black? Then let-it-ride at this panel where gambling like a complete fool is its own reward! Disclaimer - There is no actual gambling with real currency at this event. It's all just for fun and competing over one single prize.
Anthony VanOveren
Fri 7:30pm–9:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Manga Library
Fri 11:00am–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room G +2 more
Museum of Warriors
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Fri 1:00pm–9:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room F +2 more
Pokémon League
Fri 1:00pm–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room C +2 more
Screening Room
Fri 1:00pm–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room B +2 more
JAFAX Signals: Anime
Lexen
Fri 1:00pm–2:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room C+D +2 more
JAFAX Signals: Video Games
Lexen
Fri 2:30pm–3:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room C+D +2 more
Katana Class
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Fri 7:00pm–8:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room C+D +2 more
Sumo 101
Grand Rapids Sumo (working title)
Fri 12:30pm–1:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E +1 more
Sumo: Open Practice
Grand Rapids Sumo (working title)
Fri 2:00pm–4:00pm · Main Atrium +1 more
Sumo: Tournament
Grand Rapids Sumo (working title)
Sat 11:00am–5:00pm · Main Atrium
Interpreting Samurai Swordsmanship
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Sun 4:00pm–5:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Koshirae: Art of the Japanese Sword
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Sun 11:00am–12:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Let's Draw Kaiju
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Sat 2:00pm–3:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Nuts About Anime Squirrels!
Squirrels - those bushy-tailed, fuzzy friends scurry their way into our hearts… and also scurry into our anime!? You’d be surprised how many shows have a squirrel or two in them! Trust us, we counted. And we’ll share the best anime recommendations… based on squirrel representation! Not to mention tons of squirrel facts!
Jeremy Podczerwinski
Sat 4:00pm–5:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Sengoku Jidai: Warfare in Japan's Warring States Period
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Sat 6:00pm–7:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Swords in Media: Myth vs. Reality
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Fri 1:30pm–2:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room E
Anime Jeopardy!
It’s just like Jeopardy, except all the questions are about anime, we are filling in for Alex Trebek. Contestants will be selected from the audience based on a short knowledge-test at the beginning of the show.
Mitch Guzek
Sat 8:00pm–9:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Banger OPs to Anime You Don't Know: Encore Edition
Attack on Titan. Demon Slayer. One Punch Man. Of course you know some banger anime openings. But what about these?
Dustin Timmons
Sun 10:00am–11:00am · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Bonsai: Look to the Trees
Ted Bentley
Sat 2:00pm–3:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B +1 more
Cosplay Battle Arena
Fri 2:00pm–9:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room E +2 more
Epic OSTs to Anime You Don’t Know
The best beats don't always come from blockbuster anime. From orchestral pieces to rock anthems, this showcase highlights tracks from overlooked series that deserve your ears. Join us to find your next favorite track and build a playlist that'll make your friends ask, "Wait, what anime is this from?"
Dustin Timmons
Sun 12:00pm–1:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Gotta Name Them All
Think you have what it takes to 'be the very best?' Theres 1025 Pokémon out there can you and your teammates name them all? Name the most? This all-ages panel is a sign up prior, however you are more than welcome to come and watch. See how many you can name as they play.
Kuffed Cosplay
Sun 11:00am–12:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Granblue Fantacy Versus: Rising Tournament
Sun 1:00pm–2:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Guilty Gear Strive Tournament
Sun 12:00pm–1:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Kirby Air Riders Tournament
Fri 8:00pm–9:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Kiss, Marry, Kill, Kuff?
Kuffed Cosplay
Fri 9:00pm–11:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
K-Pop / J-Pop Showcase
TOXINESIS
Sun 2:30pm–4:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Magical Girls Throwin' Hands
See why magical girl anime punch above their weight in action animation. Fun for fans of frills or flying fists!
Dustin Timmons
Fri 6:30pm–7:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Mario Kart World Tournament
Sat 1:00pm–2:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Melty Blood: Type Lumina Tournament
Sat 5:00pm–6:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Modular Origami for Beginners
Jeremy Podczerwinski
Sat 7:00pm–8:30pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Nerd Chapel at Jafax
Nerd Chapel
Sun 9:00am–10:00am · Main Atrium
Pom Pom Power Up! ☆ with ChiRi Girls (MINI LIVE)
ChiRi Girls
Fri 6:30pm–7:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Sonic Racing Crossworlds Tournament
Sat 3:30pm–4:30pm · Exhibit Hall C
Street Fighter 6 Tournament
Fri 4:00pm–5:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament
Sat 7:00pm–8:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Tekken 8 Tournament
Fri 6:00pm–7:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
Tetris Tournament
Sun 2:00pm–3:00pm · Exhibit Hall C
The Anime Writer Who Keeps Wrecking You
Writer Jukki Hanada crafts stories that hit hard and stay with you long afterward
Dustin Timmons
Fri 4:00pm–5:00pm · Grand Gallery Overlook Room A
Toxinesis Live Show: A Tale in Two Part 1
TOXINESIS
Fri 7:30pm–9:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Toxinesis Live Show: A Tale in Two Parts 2
TOXINESIS
Sat 4:30pm–6:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
You Can’t (Legally) Watch This Anime
Ever fallen in love with a show only to see it disappear from streaming? Here we'll spotlight both fan favorites and forgotten series that streaming platforms left behind. We'll discover why these stories are worth remembering and why it's a loss you can't (legally) watch these anime.
Dustin Timmons
Sat 10:00am–11:00am · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Heavy Steel Combat
Swordsmanship Museum and Academy
Fri 11:30am–12:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room C+D +7 more
Closing Ceremonies
Sun 5:00pm–7:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Cosplay Chess
Sat 12:15pm–1:15pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room C+D
Cosplay Contest
Craftsmanship and Skit Divisions
Cosplay Coordinator
Sat 6:00pm–8:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Electronic Dance Party
Cody Stratz
Fri 9:00pm–11:00pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room C+D +1 more
Kids Cosplay Contest
Children's cosplay contest
Cosplay Coordinator
Sun 4:00pm–4:30pm · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Open Gaming
A space for console, arcade, board and tournament gameplay
Fri 11:30am–11:30pm · Exhibit Hall C +2 more
Opening Ceremonies
The kickoff to JAFAX 28
Lexen
Fri 11:00am–11:30am · Grand Gallery Meeting Room A+B
Taiso
Traditional Japanese stretching
Lena
Fri 10:30am–10:45am · Main Atrium +2 more
Vendor Hall
A space for vendors and artists to showcase their goods
Fri 12:00pm–8:00pm +2 more