Otakorp Inc

Programs: Otakorp inc. Sponsors, as part of its annual meeting, a 3-day educational and immersive event of asian popular arts and culture, called otakon. Otakon includes lectures, workshops, concerts, film and video presentations, and live appearances and performances by those involved in creating, producing, and distributing asian art and culture. In 2017, we moved to a new facility and the festival drew over 22,000 members for each of three days, including members of the japanese embassy, plus over 800 volunteer staff. The convention is one of largest events of its type in the united states, and has been our primary event since the founding of the corporation. Beginning in 2011, otakorp has sponsored the otakon matsuri, an outdoor festival featuring music, food, and other activities; modeled on traditional japanese street festivals to promote cultural awareness and is open to the general public. Space usage limitations at our new location forced us to absorb this festival into our otakon event as a programming track. In conjunction with the smithsonian's freer and sackler galleries, and the japanese information and culture center, otakorp sponsors an animation marathon as part of the national cherry blossom festival in washington, d. C. We have funded, assisted with film selection, provided staff, and sponsored speakers and related activities at this event since 2004. This event is open to the general public, but members are invited to participate and volunteer, and supports both our educational mission and our publicity and outreach needs. Additionally in 2017 we participated in sakura matsuri directly as an event sponsor. This includes both providing financial support and recommending volunteers from our organization to support their event. In 2017, otakorp continued the sponsorship of its second convention called otakon vegas. This was the 4th year for the event, held in las vegas, nv. This event is modeled after our annual meeting, in that it is a 3-day event including panels, lectures, workshops, concerts, film and video presentations as well as live appearances and performances by those involved in creating, producing, and distribution of asian art and culture. Our 2017 bought in more than 2000 attendees over the three day weekend and was supported by 80 volunteer staff. It had over 100 hours of panels/workshops and 100 hours of video programming content, including that from relevant industry partners. This year, we had as guests voice actors from the us industry partners who dub japanese animation into english, japanese screenwriters and directors, and professional sumo wrestlers. As guests, they host panels and q&a sessions allowing attendees to learn more about the guests and the industry. Since 2005, otakorp has dispatched small teams to tokyo, japan to attend major festivals relevant to our cross-cultural mission. Specifically, we have participated in tokyo anime festival, tokyo music market and anime contents expo. Our participation has included exhibits, panels, and discussions regarding american perception of cultural exports. We also use the opportunity to network and maintain relationships with guests and industry, which assists in bringing relevant guests to our events.