- August 2-4, 2024
Guests
Guest Announcements for Otakon 2024 Are Coming Soon!
Ricco Fajardo
ActorRicco is an actor whose performances have been seen in many ways: on stage, film, commercials, industrials, voice-over, animation, motion-capture- if it involves the body and voice, he's done it! Best known for his roles in anime and video games, his most recent credits include the egoist striker Isagi in "Blue Lock," Tomo's best bud Jun in "Tomo-Chan is a Girl!," the enigmatic Kotaro in "Zombieland Saga," the loveable Mirio in "My Hero Academia," the fearsome Benimaru in "That Time I Got Reinca
Scott Westerfeld
AuthorScott Westerfeld is the author of twelve New York Times bestsellers, including the multimillion-selling Uglies series. Published in thirty-five languages and loved by generations of young readers, Uglies has been adapted as a feature film starring Joey King, streaming on Netflix in late 2024. The New York Times called the novels, "A masterpiece of popular art."
Takashi Otake
DirectorHe has worked with titles such as That time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Blue Lock, SYNDUALITY Noir, and The Irregular at Magic High School.
Kaoru Wada
ProducerKaoru Wada is a producer with FURYU Corporation. She has been in the anime industry since 2007 in roles such as production assistant, production supervisor, and line producer. She joined FuRyu in 2016, producing titles such as Laid Back Camp (Yurucamp) Season 3 and Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle.
Taketo Gompei
DirectorTaketo Gompei works at Goofy, Inc. He has been with the anime industry since 2017 and debuted as the art director for a TV anime series with SSSS.DYNAZENON in 2020. He has worked on various projects including TV series, short movies, as well as theatrical titles.
Susumu Tosaka
DirectorSusumu Tosaka is an anime director with Eight Bit. He started his career as an animator. At Eight Bit, he has directed Laid Back Camp (Yurucamp) Seatson 3, and he has also worked on Infinite Startos, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Encouragement of Climb, and If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die.
Koki Uchiyama
Voice ActorKoki Uchiyama is a Japanese voice actor whose roles include Rin Itoshi from “BLUE LOCK”, Banagher Links from “MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM UNICORN RE:0096”, Tomura Shigaraki from “My Hero Academia”, Rui from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”, Mithrun from “Delicious in Dungeon” in addition to many other anime series roles.
Shinnosuke Tachibana
Voice ActorShinnosuke Tachibana is a Japanese voice actor who is the voice of various characters such as Aoshi Tokimitsu in "BLUE LOCK", Yuki in "IDOLiSH7" series, Morisuke Yaku in "Haikyu!!", Mey Mey in "Wonderful Precure!" and Nils Nielsen in "GUNDAM BUILD FIGHTERS".
Takuma Kishida
ProducerTakuma Kishida is a producer with TMS Entertainment. He has worked on many titles such as The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse, I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too, and Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro.
Kikunosuke Toya
Voice ActorKikunosuke Toya plays Donny in The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse. His other roles include Denji in Chainsaw Man, and Fubuki in The Elusive Samurai.
Aino Shimada
Voice ActressAino Shimada plays Nasiens in The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse. She has also appeared in many other titles including Japanese dubs of foreign titles.
Michael Bain
ProducerMichael Bain is the Founder/CEO of Bainsoft Inc. and, Event Producer for Shine On! Kids, and Manager of Tokyo Underground Drag Collective Haus Von Schwarz.
Yuki Hayashi
ComposerYuki Hayashi was born in Kyoto in 1980. He was a competitor in rhythmic gymnastics, where selecting the music got him into the world of music.From his experience as a rhythmic dancer, he derived a unique style that emphasizes the unity between the music and the visual. His main titles include My Hero Academia, Haikyu!!, ONE PIECE FILM GOLD, DRAGON QUEST THE ADVENTURE of DAI, Death Parade, GUNDAM BUILD FIGHTER series, Pokemon, SHAMAN KING, and Run with the Wind.
Yomi Hirasaka
NovelistYomi Hirasaka is a novelist from Gifu Prefecture. He debuted in 2004 by winning the Excellence Award at the 0th MF Bunko J Light Novel Newcomer Award. His main works since then include "Haganai: I Don't Have Many Friends" published in 2009, "A Sister's All You Need" in 2015, and "A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics" (Henjin no Salad Bowl) in 2021.
Kentaro Iwaasa
EditorKentaro Iwaasa is the deputy editor-in-chief of Shogakukan's Gagaga Bunko department. He has worked with titles such as "A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics" (Henjin no Salad Bowl), "Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki," "Chitose-kun Is in the Ramune Bottle," and "Too Many Losing Heroines!"
Kazuhiro Fukuchi
AnimatorKazuhiro Fukuchi is an animator. He has worked as a character designer for A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics. He has also worked on Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit, Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya, Bofuri, Drugstore in Another World, and Yuki Yuna Is a Hero.
Shuichiro Umeda
Voice ActorShuichiro Umeda is a voice actor affiliated with KEN PRODUCTION, known for various roles in anime. Some of his notable roles include Saybil in “The Dawn of the Witch”, Yuuki Izumi in “Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie”, Akira Tendo in “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead”, Jogoro Kobato in “Shōshimin Series”, and Kazuhiko Nukumizu in “Too Many Losing Heroines!”.
Hiroya Nakata
Animation ProducerHiroya Nakata is an animation producer at ytv animation, scheduled to produce “Blue Miburo”. He has been a producer for anime such as “Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange”, “My Hero Academia”, “Case Closed: Zero's Tea Time”, and many other titles.
Maiko Higa
ProducerMaiko Higa is a producer with TBS Sparkle. She is a producer for A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics. She has also worked on a number of titles including The Quintessential Quintuplets, The Demon Girl Next Door, and The Great Cleric.
Nozomi Shimakura
Associate ProducerNozomi Shimakura is an associate producer at MAHO FILM, producing the live-action voice actor variety show “KOEMARU”, and is also scheduled to produce the anime “Blue Miburo”.
Teruki Endo
Battle DirectorPreviously a Planner and Lead Game Designer of the battle sections for Monster Hunter 3, Monster Hunter 4, and Monster Hunter: World, Endo joined SQUARE ENIX to serve as the Battle Director for FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, creating a battle system that combines signature FINAL FANTASY command battle with intuitive action. He has continued to serve as Battle Director for FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
Naoki Hamaguchi
DirectorNaoki Hamaguchi joined Square Enix in 2003, working on the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XII. Since then, Hamaguchi has been involved with several revered FINAL FANTASY titles, including the FINAL FANTASY XIII series and the mobile game, MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY.
Yoshinori Kitase
ProducerYoshinori Kitase began his career at Square Enix (formerly SQUARE Co., Ltd.) in 1990. Kitase has been involved with many projects, including FINAL FANTASY V, FINAL FANTASY VI, FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY VIII and FINAL FANTASY X.
Erica Lindbeck
ActressErica Lindbeck is an actress residing in Los Angeles. She is known for her work in the voiceover industry, & is honored to have worked on a large & diverse portfolio of projects, including Futaba Sakura in Persona 5, Jessie in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Peppermint in Hi-Fi Rush, Daki in Demon Slayer, Lady Nagant in My Hero Academia, Loona in Helluva Boss, Emira Blight in The Owl House, & Black Cat in Spiderman PS4 to name a few.
PLEA
K-pop Duo"PLEA" is a pop-duo formed in 2023 comprised of members JAYJAY and clovd. They create music that fits comfortably into your playlist, easy to listen at anytime and anywhere, and in the two years they've been active, they've released easy-to-groove-to songs like "Run to You," "Her Name Is," and "Stock Market." Don't let the age of the group fool you. Not only are they artists, they're also active music producers.
Jonathan Case
Voice ActorJonathan Case is an accomplished film and television actor. He has appeared in "Undergods," "Holby City," and "Joe Orton: Laid Bare." and has performed onstage in productions such as "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" (London), "our Last First," "The Jungle" (St Ann's Warehouse), and "Macbeth" (Wessex Grove).
Yuriyan Retriever
ComedianBorn in Nara, Japan in 1990, Yuriyan Retriever is a female comedian affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo. She is well-known for her comedic acts that showcase her proficient English, spot-on impersonations, and endearing appearance, making her a beloved figure on Japanese television.
U-Chae
K-pop IdolU-Chae debuted in 2021 with the hit single "Wings" with ALLART Entertainment under the name Dajeong as the youngest member of the K-Pop girl group, PIXY, who gained attention for their unconventional performances and unique concepts, and released many albums such as "Bravery," "Temptation," "Reborn," "Chosen Karma," and "The Voice."
Jay Choe
ProducerJay Choe's career has been a long chain of side quests. He is a long-time consultant in the K-pop music and events industry, having staffed concerts, tours, and festivals throughout late 2nd and 3rd gen K-pop eras. He has since returned to K-Pop in 2020 to consult for and prepare rookie groups for debut, and has had a hand in many aspects of k-pop, from M&A to auditions, songwriting, music production, and PR training
Hyomin An
CEOHyomin An is the CEO of ABRIDGE, a content creation, video, and event production company based out of Seoul, Korea. Hyomin oversees the production of over 200 events every year, including concerts, festivals, orchestras, museums, expos, embassy events, and award shows -- anything that requires sound, light, video, and crew, he'll be there!
Young-Bae Jo
Singer/Songwriteroung-Bae is a singer-songwriter, topliner, composer, and vocal coach based out of South Korea. Graduating from Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts in 2007, he made his debut in 2010 as a member of the group 2Nise with the digital hit single "Why are you like this?" and began his career as a composer in 2014, collaborating with various K-Pop artists and overseas musicians.
Jong Hoon Chae
CEOJong Hoon Chae is a music industry veteran in Korea specialized in publishing, master recording, and licensing. Previous projects include IVE, NCT 127, BTS, IU, Red Velvet, and etc.
KD Foxx
IllustratorKenya Danino a.k.a KDFoxx is a professional NYC native multimedia illustrator and storyteller. KD has collaberated on projects with companies such as Soho Press, Zag Animation, Dreamworks Animation, and LeftField Media.
Takahide Ogata
DirectorTakahide Ogata is a Japanese anime director affiliated with Studio Add. Becoming a director starting as an animator, he mainly handles TV series, with his specialty being limited animation.
Kurokata
Japanese novelistKurokata is a Japanese novelist. With their love for fantasy novels growing since they were young, they started posting on the website Let’s Become Novelists (Shousetsuka ni Narou) during their free time at university. Their publication debut was in 2016 through MF Books with the light novel The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic.
Kentarou Ito
Voice ActorKentarou Ito is a Japanese voice actor who plays the character Tong in The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic. Other notable roles include Renji Abarai in the anime BLEACH, Jin Tadokoro in Yowamushi Pedal, Choji Akemichi in NARUTO, and Yoshitake Shiraishi in Golden Kamui, among others.
Norihiro Kurosawa
ProducerNorihiro Kurosawa is a producer affiliated with Frontier Works. Anime productions he has overseen include Chivalry of a Failed Knight, The 8th Son? Are you kidding me?, and Hetalia World★Stars, among others.
Masahiko Otsuka
Studio TRIGGER - PresidentOtsuka has taken part in many of TRIGGER’s flagship titles such as KILL la KILL, Little Witch Academia, PROMARE, and most recently Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Aoi Abe
AnimatorAoi is one of TRIGGER’s leading keyframe animator and her latest contribution includes the Delicious in Dungeon animation series.
Sae Otani
AnimatorSae Otani enters the animation industry as an in-between animator for TRIGGER.
Diana Garnet
Voice ActorProfessional singer and bilingual voice actor Diana Garnet lends their dynamic, unique voice to many anime and game titles.
Moon Inho
Manhwa ArtistMoon Inho has been drawing manhwa for children for the past 20 years. His works include various children education manhwa such as “Hanja Sohwansa Jaryung” (Hanja Summoner Jaryong), and “Kids Science Magazine: Dong-a Oz’s Alchemist series” to name few.
Kensuke Yamamoto
VFX DirectorAs a founding member, Yamamoto began his career in gaming at Acquire Ltd. and developed the classic hit title, Tenchu. Early on his career, Yamamoto moves over to VFX/CGI in live action movies.
Akihiko Orikasa
CG DirectorOrikasa joined Orange straight out of college and swiftly made his mark as the studio's core creative force. He has since helmed the animation team as CG Sub-Director on acclaimed projects such as "Land of the Lustrous," "Active Raid," and "Ghost in the Shell."
Yoshihiro Watanabe
ProducerWatanabe is a producer at animation studio Orange Ltd. Watanabe is currently working on TRIGUN STAMPEDE and BEASTARS as business producer and creatively producing unannounced projects at Orange.
Waki Kiyotaka
Chief ProducerWaki is TRIGUN STAMPEDE's lead production producer. In 2007, Waki joined the animation studio Madhouse. After working with producer Yuichiro Saito at Madhouse, in 2011 he joined Mamoru Hosoda’s Studio Chizu as one of the founding members. At Studio Chizu, Waki was involved with projects such as ‘Wolf Children’ (2012), ‘Boy and The Beast’ (2015).
Mikage Project
Japanese Traditional MusiciansMIKAGE PROJECT is a group of three Japanese traditional instrument professionals, who have come together to connect with the next generation, folk songs from all around Japan have been recreated in a modern style.
Studio aLf
Cover song vocalistA vocalist with dynamic colors of voice that can change based on the songs and not bound by range or genre. The YouTube channel “Studio aLf” is loved by a wide fan base. aLf’s goal is to bring happiness to everyone’s heart through her performance of Anisongs.
Hiroshi Nagahama
DirectorDirector Hiroshi Nagahama was born in 1970 in the city of Saeki, in Oita prefecture of Japan. He was the concept designer for Revolutionary Girl Utena; the story board, the director of animation, and the key animator for Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi Yo!! Masaru-san; and the chief director of Jubei-chan: The Ninj
Uki Satake
SeiyuuUki Satake is a member of the Japanese girls' group '9nine' and has been responsible for several opening and ending songs for various anime, including "STAR DRIVER," "Beelzebub," "My Little Monster," "Magi: The Kingdom of Magic," "Ultimate Otaku Teacher," "THE REFLECTION," and "Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary."
Justin Leach
CEOJustin Leach has over two decades of experience working in the animation industry in the United States and Japan. In 1997, Justin began his career as an animator at Blue Sky Studios having worked on several award-winning commercials, shorts, and films. In 2001, Justin moved to Japan to work as a CG creator at Production I.G on Mamoru Oshii’s Innocence: Ghost in the Shell 2 and Kill Bill
Katrina Minett
ProducerKatrina Minett is a Producer at Qubic Pictures, bringing her expertise and multicultural background to the forefront of the anime industry. Originally from the UK, Katrina made the bold move to Tokyo in 2015, immersing herself in Japan's vibrant animation scene. With roots spanning Sri Lanka and Britain, Katrina's multiracial background enriches her creative perspective and lends a distinctive voice to her work.
Christophe Ferreira
DirectorChristophe Ferreira’s artistic journey began with a childhood passion for drawing inspired by TV cartoons and comic books. His dedication led him to study animation at Gobelins in Paris, and after graduating in 1998, he embarked on a diverse career in France. In 2001, a transformative workshop with Yasuo Otsuka prompted him to move to Japan to master Japanese animation techniques.
Park Seulki Rhea
Korean Cultural EducatorPark Seulki Rhea is a language and cultural educator, content creator, social worker, actor, and educational anthropologist.
Hideo Ishikawa
Voice ActorHideo Ishikawa is a prolific Japanese voice actor who has voiced numerous roles in anime and games. He is known for many roles such as Jushiro Ukitake in BLEACH, Itachi Uchiha in Naruto, Auron in Final Fantasy X, Cait Sith in Final Fantasy VII franchise, and Squall Leonhart from Final Fantasy VIII in his voiced appearances in games such as Final Fantasy Dissidia, World of Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts.
Yumi Kakazu
Voice ActressYumi Kakazu is a renowned Japanese voice actress known for her numerous roles in anime and games. Starting in 1996 with her role as Sala Tyrrell in After War Gundam X, she has voiced a wide variety of roles such as Shizuka Minamoto in Doraemon, Minto Aizawa in Tokyo Mew Mew, Ayame in Inuyasha, and Yuffie Kisaragi in Final Fantasy VII.
Haenuli & Iris Garden
FashionIn 2023, Haenuli and Iris Garden brought their unique visions of Harajuku fashion together to develop the Iris Garden x Haenuli sister brand, bringing chillingly charming wonders to life for the Lolita community they lovingly call home.
Nina Yndis
ActressNina Yndis, an accomplished actress, voiceover artist and producer of Norwegian and Polish descent, has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Based in London, she is set to take 2023 by storm with multiple new upcoming projects and releases of shows she’s been part of.
Ben Starr
Voice ActorBen Starr can be recently seen in London Kills, he can be more notably seen in Jamestown where he plays the role of Dr Christopher Priestley and film 7 Miracles in which he starred as Judas. His other current screen credits include Apple series Trying, ITV's mini series You & Me as well as the most recent season of Netflix's You.
Bethan Walker
Voice ActressBethan Walker is an voice actress, model and singer from the UK. She has been playing Alisaie in FFXIV for 8 years, with Dawntrail due for a summer 2024 release. Other titles include horrors Midnight Peepshow and Heretiks, Dr Who audiobooks and Torchwood.
Peter Bramhill
ActorPeter Bramhill is a British actor and voice over artist born in the North of England. He has worked extensively in the theatre both in Londons West End and Worldwide with companies including: Headlong and The Royal Shakespeare Company( where he gained a prestigious Ian Charleston award commendation) Plus many TV and Film roles (BBC, CH4, SKY, NETFLIX, APPLE TV+)
Colin Ryan
ActorActor Colin Ryan can be seen in Amazon’s show Boundless, playing series regular Enrique. A wonderful voice artist, Colin plays the role of Yurick in The Last Story and is well known for voicing the role of Alphinaud in the Final Fantasy XIV gaming franchise which won a BAFTA in the Evolving Game category this 2023.
Briana White
ActressBriana White is a professional actress and content creator. She has succeeded in all worlds of performing, with credits such as Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (Apatow Productions, Andy Samberg), Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (CBS), and as the lead in hit indie feature, Occupants, which earned her 12 Best Actress Wins.
Hinoki Kino
ArtistHinoki Kino is a Japanese manga artist. She made her debut in 2008. In 2020, she serialized the comic adaptation of Toko Amekawa's light novel 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! in Comic Guild.
Kyoko Aiba
ArtistMaking her debut in 2011, Kyoko Aiba is a Japanese mangaka who is mainly active in the boys love genre. Since 2023, after her release of "Young Carer - Invisible Me", she has branched out to work on manga that tackles social issues.
Setta
ArtistCurrently, he provides illustrations for logos and CD jackets for bands such as Yamaarashi and King Gnu. He was responsible for 2D works (title logos, brush lettering, special illustrations, various designs, etc.) in numerous works such as Drifters, Garo -Vanishing Line-, Kakegurui, Dorohedoro, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan.
Aya Uchida
Voice ActressAya Uchida is a Japanese voice actress known for her many roles in anime, radio, and games.
Substantial
ArtistHusband and wife duo, Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson are the co-CEOs of Substantial Art & Music, a multimedia organization focused on providing consulting services to the visual and performing arts community.
Flow
Rock BandWe are excited to announce FLOW will be performing at Otakon on Friday August 2nd! More details including VIP Tickets coming soon.
Max Mittelman
Voice ActorWell known as the voice of Saitama in ONE-PUNCH MAN, Max Mittelman has also given life to other fan-favorite characters such as Ryuji in PERSONA 5, Arataki Itto in GENSHIN IMPACT, Plagg in MIRACULOUS LADYBUG, King in SEVEN DEADLY SINS, Sabito in DEMON SLAYER, Meruem in HUNTERxHUNTER, and Atsushi in BUNGO STRAY DOGS.
Brandon McInnis
Voice ActorMost known for voicing Gyutaro (the Upper Six demon) in Demon Slayer, Sir Nighteye in my Hero Academia, Mafuyu in Given, Alear in Fire Emblem: Engage, Finral Roulacase in Black Clover, and Gen in Dr. Stone, Brandon McInnis is an LA-based voice actor, singer, and translator with over 150 roles in anime and video games, and a prolific TikTok account (>600k followers).
J. Michael Tatum
Voice ActorNurtured on anime classics from a tender age, he spent more years than he cares to remember in what might charitably be called free-fall before landing, mostly by accident, smack dab on the industry of his dreams.
John Bentley
Voice ActorJohn Bentley has been working at his trade since 1996. He has several on-camera, commercial and voice over credits. Some of his V.O. Credits include Barret in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, Viviano Westwood in Jo Jo’s Bizarre Adventures, Mr. Von Carnegie in Spidey and His Amazing Friends, 7 Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse, King Bulgher in CannonBusters, 4 Lightning in 4 Souls of Coyote, and many more.
Suzie Yeung
Voice ActressSuzie Yeung is an actress who voices in various anime, video games, and cartoons. She is best known for being the voice of Yuffie in Final Fantasy VII Remake, Fuuka in Persona 3 Reload, Makima in Chainsaw Man, and Eula in Genshin Impact.
Britt Baron
Voice ActressBritt Baron the voice of Tifa Lockhart in the highly anticipated Final Fantasy Vii Rebirth has also lent her voice to a handful of other video games over the years including: Gabs in "Jedi: Survivor," Linda of the Blue Team in “Halo 5: Guardians,” “Destiny-2: Foresaken” as Ada-1, "Starfield," “Dishonored 2,” "Fallout 76," "Agents of Mayhem," and “Skylanders: Imaginators”.
