Hawaii’s anime convention produces record attendance while enforcing precautions against COVID-19


By Mio Acenas and Alfred Acenas
Eagle News Service

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – After two years of hosting virtual forums due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kawaii Kon 2022 took place as an in-person gathering between April 22-24 at the Hawaii Convention Center near Waikiki.

The annual event celebrates anime, manga and all facets of Japanese culture.

A large banner providing directions and instructions for all attendees is displayed at the lobby of the Hawaii Convention Center during Kawaii Kon 2022. (Photo by Mio Acenas, EBC Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Service)

This year, Kawaii Kon took up the entire venue with video and table-top games, costume pageants, panel discussions, concerts and an exhibit floor showcasing hundreds of artists, writers and merchants.

According to Kawaii Kon spokeswoman Gina Maeda, organizers did not take any chances and required all participants to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, as well as to wear face masks at all times.

“During the pandemic, we put a lot of effort into keeping fans connected and wanted to keep people’s spirits up,” Maeda said. “We want everyone to enjoy being together again but in a safe way.”

The Hawaii Tourism Authority estimated the total attendance at 12,000 throughout the three days. However, several reports suggested more than 17,000 actually showed up, beating the previous record of 13,076 set in 2019.

The Hawaii Convention Center lobby was already crowded at the start of Day 2 of Kawaii Kon 2022. (Photo by Mio Acenas, EBC Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Service)

For cosplayer Albert Yee, attending in person was both a “risky” yet “necessary” opportunity to finally mingle with other people.

“Kawaii Kon did a pretty good job in making sure everyone to stay masked,” Yee observed. “During a lot of the events, it was kind of crowded, but everyone was masked. So it was a little less of a risk.”

Given the huge turnout, Kawaii Kon is already making plans for the next event, which will take place again at the Hawaii Convention Center from March 31 to April 2, 2023.

(Eagle News Service)