#Japan #pop culture #Hokkaido #Kitahiroshima #KitaCon

New Entertainment Festival 'KitaCon' Announcement

The excitement for pop culture enthusiasts is rising as the 'KitaCon' executive committee has officially announced the inaugural "Hokkaido Entertainment Convention in Kitahiroshima" (commonly known as 'KitaCon') set to take place in Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido on November 14 and 15, 2026. This two-day celebration aims to become an annual event, scheduled every November starting from 2026.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Hokkaido Entertainment Convention in Kitahiroshima (KitaCon)
• - Event Dates: November 14 (Sat) - 15 (Sun), 2026
• - Location: Areas surrounding JR Kitahiroshima Station including the Kitahiroshima Arts and Culture Hall, Elfin Park Exchange Square, and TonaRie Kitahiroshima.

The venues will accommodate diverse activities with stages for performances, interactive experiences, merchandise areas, and even a collaborative blood donation event. A cosplay competition and special vehicle displays will also be part of the event with an additional participation fee.

Details regarding participating content and performers will be disclosed at a later date, creating anticipation for attendees eager to experience the vibrant offerings.

Image Character Design

The character illustrations for 'KitaCon' will be crafted by renowned artists Yuuki Hagure and Oton, both from the popular VTuber group 'Hololive'. Additionally, creative mind Yusuke Kumagai, known for his involvement in designing iconic figures like Hatsune Miku, adds his expertise to the character design collaboration.

Expect to see an array of captivating characters that embody the festival's spirit, and stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding the finalized designs.

Logo Contest Details

Currently featured is a temporary logo design. A formal logo will be determined through a competitive process involving design schools mainly from the Sapporo area. The top designs will be celebrated in a ceremony during the 'KitaCon' event.

The final touches on submitted logos will be managed by ENGI Co., Ltd., a notable design studio based in Sapporo. Detailed information regarding submissions and participation will be released soon.

The Official Remarks from Kitahiroshima Mayor

Mayor Shozo Ueno expressed his heartfelt congratulations for the upcoming 'KitaCon', emphasizing the significance of hosting such an event in a city rich in history and culture. Kitahiroshima, recognized as the birthplace of cold-region rice cultivation, is witnessing rapid development with new establishments like the ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, home to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of cityhood for Kitahiroshima, making it a perfect moment to welcome entertainment fans to experience the vibrancy of Hokkaido as well as the city itself. The mayor invites all enthusiasts to participate in 'KitaCon' and immerse themselves in its diverse offerings.

Meet the KitaCon Executive Committee and Collaborators

The event is spearheaded by Koichi Terasaka, a lifelong resident of the region passionate about gaming and entertainment. He began his career in sales at SNK and progressed through various roles in the gaming industry. Now independent, Terasaka focuses on promotions within the entertainment sector.

Supporting him is ENGI Corp., a collaborative studio known for producing hybrid digital animation renowned for its cutting-edge techniques. Additionally, Yukikaze Kazuki, an anime promotion producer, and Teikyo Horiguchi, representing the New Cultural Economy Promotion Organization, are contributing to the conceptualization and realization of pop culture at the festival.

Much creative input is provided by Yusuke Kumagai, whose extensive work with characters underlines the festival's branding efforts.

Official Information and Contact

For additional details, you can visit the official site KitaCon and follow them on X (formerly Twitter) at @kitacon_khiro.

For inquiries, reach out to the 'KitaCon' executive committee via email at [email protected], with Koichi Terasaka as the contact person.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of pop culture at KitaCon in 2026!