The “27th Nan Desu Kan (NDK)” held in Colorado (August 30 - September 1, 2024)

This year marked the 27th anniversary of the Nan Desu Kan, an annual anime convention which started in 1997. It has grown to be the largest anime convention in the Rocky Mountain region. Special guests included voice actress INOUE Kikuko from Japan, many voice actors/actresses from the USA, and Dr. Alisa Freedman, a professor from Oregon University, all of whom served as panelists. Many people from both Colorado and out of state attended the event. At the convention there were panels, video screenings, various vendors, a cosplay competition, and an itasha (anime painted cars / motorcycles) exhibition.

The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver was invited. Consul-General MIKAMI Yoichi gave remarks at the opening ceremony on August 30. Consul FURUTANI Keiko gave a lecture on the consulate and participated as a judge in the cosplay contest on August 31. The consulate also operated a Japanese culture and tourism booth jointly with the JET Alumni Association of the Rocky Mountains (JETAARM), with many people visiting the booth and expressing interest in Japan.