Get ready for an electrifying weekend of Japanese anime and pop culture as HizashiCon makes its debut in Pensacola on Nov. 8 and 9, 2024. Hosted at the First United Methodist Church (6 E. Wright St.), this family-friendly convention is part of Foo Foo Fest 2024 and promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
Organized by the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, HizashiCon gets its name from the Japanese word for sunshine. The festival kicks off on Friday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. with an exhilarating Vocaloid and J-pop concert in First United Methodist’s Wesley Abbey. This special event will feature the first live performance of Trickle, a popular J-pop YouTuber, along with animated digital projections by Vocaloid artists nostraightanswer and EmpathP.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festivities will expand into the church’s Wright Place complex. Attendees will have the chance to meet renowned voice actors including Jack Stansbury, known for his role as Aqua in “Oshi no Ko” and his work on YouTube series “SolarBalls”; Stephen Fu, who voices Doma in “Demon Slayer” and Weather Report in “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure”; and Xanthe Huynh, the voice behind Haru Okumura in 2017 Game of the Year “Persona 5” and Marianne in “Fire Emblem: Three Houses.”
In addition to media guests, Saturday’s lineup will feature cosplayers, an idol fest, a fashion show, arts and crafts vendors, panel discussions, and the Heartstrings maid café. A cosplay contest will showcase the incredible creativity of fans, with prizes for the most imaginative costumes.
The excitement doesn’t end there; an afterparty will be held at the Handlebar (319 N. Tarragona St.) on Saturday night, offering fans a chance to celebrate together.
“We are thrilled to bring HizashiCon to Pensacola as part of Foo Foo Fest,” said Savannah Mikus, chair of the HizashiCon committee. “This convention celebrates the growing interest in anime and Japanese culture in our community. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-timer, there is something here for everyone.”
Passes for HizashiCon are now available at animepensacola.com. Advance pricing is $25 for general admission and $15 for students and Japan-America Society members, increasing by $5 on the day of the convention. Children aged 5 and under receive free admission. Please note that merchandise, autographs, and maid café seatings are sold separately.
For more information, including the full schedule and guest announcements, visit animepensacola.com and follow HizashiCon on social media.
