An expected 3,5000 anime otkau, better known as fans, will gather this weekend in Hampton, Virginia. The Convention Center at 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, will host the 13th annual NekoCon, Virginia's oldest anime convention. Events include a cosplay (costumed skits) contest, karaoke, videos, panel discussions and workshops.
One of the longest running traditions at NekoCon is the art show, featuring work from both amateur and professional artists whose works cover anime, fantasy, and sci-fi themes. New to NekoCon this year is the Asian Ball Jointed Doll programming track. NekoCon 13 will include guest appearances by anime artists, writers and voice actors, including Cristina Vee and and Bettina M. Kurkoski. Vee has been a a voice actor since 16 whose roles have included Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, Rozen Maiden as Kanaria, The Familiar of Zero as Louise, Aika in Aika R-16, and the voice of Mio Akiyama in K-ON. Kurkoski is the creator/writer/artist of My Cat Loki.
Friday and Saturday's festivities will include concerts from The Sound Bee HD and dances: The Giant Robot Dance featuring DJ Ayres at 11:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, and Catseye with Rob Lantz, Andrew Iwancio, DJ Hip*Star and VJ ValuJet at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6.