View source for Sakura-Con

{{Short description|Anime convention in Seattle, Washington}}
{{Infobox Convention
| name       = Sakura-Con
| image     = File:Sakuracon2006 mainspace.jpg
| caption   = Sakura-Con in 2006
| logo      = Sakura-Con logo.png
| logo_caption    = Sakura-Con logo.
| status     = Active
| genre      = [[Anime]], [[Manga]], [[Video game|Gaming]]<ref name="st04052007"/><ref name="ft2011"/>
| venue      = [[Seattle Convention Center]]
| location   = [[Seattle, Washington]]
| country    = United States
| first      = 1998
| organizer  = Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association (ANCEA)<ref name="ann03242016">{{cite web|title=19th Annual Sakura-Con, March 25–27|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2016-03-24/19th-annual-sakura-con-march-25-27/.100180|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=11 April 2016|date=March 24, 2016}}</ref>
| filing     = 501(c)(3)<ref name="ann03242016"/>
| attendance = 25,000 (est) in 2017
| website    = [http://www.sakuracon.org/ www.sakuracon.org]
}}

'''Sakura-Con''' is an annual three-day [[anime convention]] held during March or April at the [[Seattle Convention Center]] in [[Seattle, Washington]]. The convention, which is traditionally held over [[Easter]] weekend, is the largest anime convention in the [[American Northwest|Northwest]].<ref name="clip04122012"/> It is organized by the volunteer Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association (ANCEA).<ref name="seattlepi2007">{{cite news | work = Seattle Post-Intelligencer | title = Americans have become anime-ted | date = 2007-04-05 | last = Chansanchai | first = Athima | url = http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/article/Americans-have-become-anime-ted-1233448.php | access-date = 2013-05-12}}</ref><ref name="napost03232018">{{cite news |last1=Rutledge |first1=Bruce |title=INTERVIEW: Sakura-Con |url=https://napost.com/2018/sakura-con-2018/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |work=North American Post |date=March 23, 2018}}</ref>

== Programming ==
The convention primarily showcases interactive activities related to the culture of Asian countries, most frequently Japan. Typical activities include panels hosted by enthusiasts and industry professionals, live game shows, an [[anime music video]] contest, an art show, artist alley, dances/raves, [[Collectible card game|collectible card gaming]], cosplay chess, cosplay contests, an exhibitors hall with both independent and corporate booths, a fashion show, Japanese cultural  and presentations (aikido demonstrations, kabuki performances, kendama play, kendo swordsmanship, taiko drumming, tea ceremonies), [[J-pop|Japanese pop]] and rock concerts, [[karaoke]], masquerade ball, panels, [[Tabletop game|table top]] [[Role-playing game|RPG]] gaming, [[Video game|video gaming]] (arcade, console, PC), 24-hour video theaters.<ref name="ft2011">{{cite news | work = Film Threat | title = In the thick of Sakura-Con 2011 | date = 2011-04-28 | last = Hodge | first = Mike | url = http://www.filmthreat.com/blogs/34845/ | access-date = 2013-07-08 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121130073021/http://www.filmthreat.com/blogs/34845/ | archive-date = 2012-11-30 }}</ref><ref name="clip04122012">{{cite news | work = The Clipper | title = Sakura-Con 2012 | date = 2012-04-12 | last = Chandra | first = Johan | url = http://www.clipperonline.info/node/2284 | access-date = 2013-06-11 | archive-date = 2016-03-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304202243/http://www.clipperonline.info/node/2284 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="seattlepi2007"/><ref name="ann04272002"/><ref name="td04162009">{{cite news | work = The Daily | title = Sakura-Con: Anime fans enjoy weekend of nonstop entertainment | date = 2009-04-16 | last = Martin | first = Julian | url = http://dailyuw.com/archive/2009/04/16/imported/sakura-con-anime-fans-enjoy-weekend-nonstop-entertainment | access-date = 2013-05-14 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130713190023/http://dailyuw.com/archive/2009/04/16/imported/sakura-con-anime-fans-enjoy-weekend-nonstop-entertainment | archive-date = 2013-07-13 }}</ref><ref name="wsh04082013">{{cite news | work = West Seattle Herald | title = SLIDESHOW: Take Two #72: Sakura-Con 2013 | date = 2013-04-08 | last = Hom | first = Kyra-lin | url = http://www.westseattleherald.com/2013/04/08/opinion/slideshow-take-two-72-sakura-con-2013 | access-date = 2013-05-20}}</ref><ref name=td04082015>{{cite news|last1=Giakoumatos|first1=Maria|last2=Patterson|first2=Keegan|title=Sakura-con 2015|url=http://www.dailyuw.com/arts_and_leisure/article_657c02f6-ddac-11e4-af9d-4bcbfc27cd9e.html|access-date=12 April 2015|work=The Daily|date=April 8, 2015}}</ref> The convention runs programming for 24 hours a day.<ref name="clip04122012"/><ref name="st04282009">{{cite news | work = The Seattle Times | title = The Sakura-Con convention is a celebration of Japanese animation | date = 2009-04-28 | last = Liu | first = Marian | url = http://seattletimes.com/html/entertainment/2009015663_zliv10sakuracon.html | access-date = 2013-05-12}}</ref>

In 2002 the charity auction benefited the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]] and raised $4,560.<ref name="ann04272002"/> The 2010 charity auction also benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation raised $27,000.<ref name="ann04082010"/> The convention before holding fundraisers at the 2012 event raised $90,000 for [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|tsunami]] relief.<ref name="ann04062012">{{cite news | work = Anime News Network | title = Sakura-Con 2012 | date = 2012-04-06  | last = Dong | first = Bamboo | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2012/sakura-con/ | access-date = 2013-07-13}}</ref> The 2015 charity auction benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation and raised over $40,000.<ref name=td04082015/> In 2016, a blood drive was held for [[Bloodworks Northwest]].<ref name="fox28-04222016">{{cite news|last1=V|first1=Mia|title=Five Highlights and One Complaint – Sakuracon 2016|url=http://www.myfoxspokane.com/five-highlights-and-one-complaint-sakuracon-2016/|access-date=28 May 2017|work=Fox 28|date=April 22, 2016}}</ref>

== History ==

Sakura-Con's roots are from within the local [[science fiction convention]] community. A number of anime fans, including Daniel Harrison, decided that there was not enough anime content represented at conventions such as [[Norwescon]], hatched the plan for an anime convention in a [[Tacoma, Washington]] comic book shop.<ref name="st08202006">{{cite news | work = The Seattle Times: Pacific Northwest Magazine | title = Odd and Proud | date = 2006-08-20 | last = Seven | first = Richard | url = https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060820/pacificpfans20/odd-and-proud | access-date = 2006-10-01}}</ref> Originally named Baka!-Con, (''[[Baka (word)|baka]]'' or ''ばか'' is Japanese for ''idiot'',) the first convention was held at the Double Tree Inn in [[Tukwila, Washington]] in 1998.<ref name="forbes04242011">{{cite news | work = Forbes | title = Where Whimsy Reigns Supreme: Sakura-Con 2011 | date = 2011-04-24 | last = Siegel | first = Timothy | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/timothysiegel/2011/04/24/where-whimsy-reigns-supreme-sakura-con-2011/ | access-date = 2013-06-11}}</ref> In 2000, Baka!-Con changed its name to Sakura-Con, (''[[Cherry blossom|sakura]]'' or 桜 (alternately: さくら) is Japanese for ''cherry blossom'').<ref name="st04052007">{{cite news | work = The Seattle Times | title = Manga and anime addicts, don't forget your costumes | date = 2007-04-05 | last = Seven | first = Richard | url = http://seattletimes.com/html/entertainment/2003651713_anime050.html | access-date = 2007-07-02}}</ref>

In 2002 the convention utilized 70 percent of the convention space at the Seattle Airport Hilton & Conference Center along with having county representatives and the local Japanese Consulate General speak at opening ceremonies.<ref name="ann04272002">{{cite news | work = Anime News Network | title = Sakura-Con 2002 | date = 2002-04-27 | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2002/sakura-con | access-date = 2013-07-09}}</ref> Several guests canceled appearances in 2003, [[Yoko Ishida]] and [[Maria Yamamoto]] due to [[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan|Pioneer]] company policy on traveling during international strife, and [[Akitaro Daichi]] and Atsushi Okuda.<ref name="ann04072003">{{cite news | work = Anime News Network | title = SakuraCon 2003 | date = 2003-04-07 | last = Pope | first = Kyle | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2003/sakuracon | access-date = 2013-07-09}}</ref> The 2004 convention had a warm body attendance cap of 4,500 people.<ref name="ac2004cap">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/news/post/47/sakura-con-announces-attendance-cap | title = Sakura-Con announces attendance cap | publisher = AnimeCons.com | date = 2004-03-16 | access-date = 2018-06-06}}</ref> In 2005 Sakura-Con had to limit its attendance to 5,100 and turned people away, resulting in the convention's move to the Washington State Convention & Trade Center.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thenewstribune.com/ae/story/5611717p-5041950c.html | title = Sakura-Con fans wig out | access-date = 2007-01-01 | last = Hutchens | first = Bill | date = March 24, 2006 | work = The News Tribune |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070211121722/http://www.thenewstribune.com/ae/story/5611717p-5041950c.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-02-11}}</ref>

The event ran for over 55 hours in 2007 and had 1,200 hours of programming, with only about half the attendees being from the Seattle area.<ref name="st04052007"/> Tatsunori Konno, the CEO of [[Bandai Visual]] USA, was heavily questioned about the company's pricing policies during their 2007 panel.<ref name="ann04102007">{{cite news | work = Anime News Network | title = Fans Confront Bandai Visual About Pricing | date = 2007-04-10  | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-04-10/fans-confront-bandai-visual-about-pricing | access-date = 2013-07-13}}</ref> In 2009 the event included five concerts, three dances, a large gaming area, seven theaters, and over 1,000 hours of programming.<ref name="st04282009"/><ref name="at04032009">{{cite news | work = Tri-City Herald | title = Anime lovers suit up, unite for Sakura-Con in Seattle | date = 2009-04-03 | url = http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2009/04/03/531272/anime-lovers-suit-up-unite-for.html | access-date = 2013-07-08 | archive-date = 2014-04-07 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407063100/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2009/04/03/531272/anime-lovers-suit-up-unite-for.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> Registration line waits of three hours or more occurred due to the convention's growth.<ref name="td04162009"/> Sakura-Con in 2009 brought an estimated $13 million to the Seattle economy.<ref name="nwcn08152009">{{cite news | work = NWCN | title = Anime convention a boon to Seattle economy | date = 2009-08-15 | url = http://www.nwcn.com/archive/61502867.html | access-date = 2013-05-20 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061022/http://www.nwcn.com/archive/61502867.html | archive-date = 2014-04-07 }}</ref>

The convention covered six floors in 2010 and included six gaming rooms, seven panel rooms, and five video rooms.<ref name="ann04082010">{{cite news | work = Anime News Network | title = Sakura Con 2010 | date = 2010-04-08  | last = Hodgkins | first = Crystalyn | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2010/sakura-con | access-date = 2013-07-10}}</ref> At the opening ceremonies a wedding proposal occurred between two staff members. The [[Dazzle Vision]] and [[High and Mighty Color]] concert had over 4,000 attendees. [[Exist Trace|Exist Trace's]] concert in 2011 drew over 3,000 attendees.<ref name="ann04282011">{{cite news | work = Anime News Network | title = Female Visual Kei Band Exist†Trace Performs for 3000 Fans at Sakura-Con 2011 | date = 2011-04-28  | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2011-04-28/female-visual-kei-band-exist-trace-performs-for-3000-fans-at-sakura-con-2011 | access-date = 2013-07-13}}</ref> Before the 2012 convention around 12,000 attendees pre-registered.<ref name="td04092012">{{cite news | work = The Daily | title = A young attraction | date = 2012-04-09 | last = Norimine | first = Hayat | url = http://dailyuw.com/archive/2012/04/09/lifestyles/young-attraction | access-date = 2013-05-14 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130713185920/http://dailyuw.com/archive/2012/04/09/lifestyles/young-attraction | archive-date = 2013-07-13 }}</ref> Sakura-Con 2013 had the second largest impact of area conventions, adding $19 million to the local economy.<ref name=psbj04192014>{{cite news|last=Donner|first=Marcus R|title=Sakura-Con draws thousands to Convention Center (slide show)|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2014/04/sakura-con-draws-thousands-to-convention-center.html|access-date=6 May 2014|newspaper=Puget Sound Business Journal|date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> During the 2014 convention a cosplayer was held up at the nearby [[Freeway Park]].<ref name=komo04252014>{{cite news|last=Harthorne|first=Michael|title=Police: Cos-player with fake weapon robbed by man with real one|url=http://www.komonews.com/news/crime/Police-Cosplayer-with-fake-weapon-robbed-by-man-with-real-one-256715291.html|access-date=6 May 2014|newspaper=KOMO News|date=April 25, 2014}}</ref> Sakura-Con was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="ann03162020">{{cite news |last1=Sherman |first1=Jennifer |title=Seattle's Sakura-Con 2020 Convention Canceled |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-03-16/seattle-sakura-con-2020-convention-canceled/.157555 |access-date=18 March 2020 |work=Anime News Network |date=March 16, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AC-2020">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/13221/sakura-con-2020 | title = Sakura-Con 2020 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2020-03-17}}</ref><ref name="ann01242021">{{cite news |last1=Hazra |first1=Adriana |title=Seattle's Sakura-Con 2021 Canceled |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-01-24/seattle-sakura-con-2021-canceled/.168732 |access-date=28 January 2021 |work=Anime News Network |date=January 24, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AC-2021">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/16431/sakura-con-2021 | title = Sakura-Con 2021 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2021-01-28}}</ref>

[[The Cheesecake Factory]] at the [[Seattle Convention Center]] caught fire during Sakura-Con 2025, which caused the Artist Alley to have a delayed opening.<ref name="king04192025">{{cite news |last1=Toay |first1=Adel |title=Kitchen fire delays opening of Sakura-Con's Artist Alley at Seattle Convention Center |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/ventilating-smoke-fire-seattle-convention-center/281-6986f8cd-a002-4cfd-91bf-efe0b6208a5b |access-date=6 May 2025 |work=KING-TV |date=19 April 2025}}</ref><ref name="king04222025">{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=Kipp |title=Pike Street Cheesecake Factory fire deemed accidental |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/two-alarm-fire-cheesecake-factory-ruled-accidental-seattle-washington/281-32101a9d-51ca-4f06-ace8-9c1cce116cf4 |access-date=6 May 2025 |work=KING-TV |date=22 April 2025}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Event history===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Dates !! Location !! Attendance !! Guests
{{Convention list
| date       = April 24–26, 1998
| venue      = Double Tree Inn
| location   = [[Tukwila, Washington]]
| attendance = 313
| guests     = Tony Butler, [[Bruce Duffy]], Dr. Antonia Levi, [[Stu Levy]], Sam Liebowietz, Neil Nadelman, and Ron Scovil.<ref name="AC-1998">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/326/baka-con-1998 | title = Baka!-Con 1998 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2008-07-06}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 23–25, 1999
| venue      = Double Tree Inn
| location   = Tukwila, Washington
| attendance = 553
| guests     = Yushin Daiko, [[Tiffany Grant]], Tristan MacAvery, and [[Stan Sakai]].<ref name="AC-1999">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/323/baka-con-1999 | title = Baka!-Con 1999 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2008-07-06}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = March 31 – April 2, 2000
| venue      = Double Tree Inn
| location   = Tukwila, Washington
| attendance = 866
| guests     = Yushin Daiko, [[Sandy Fox]], Tiffany Grant, [[Lex Lang]], Dr. Antonia Levi, Tristan MacAvery, Doug Smith, and Taka Koto Ensemble.<ref name="AC-2000">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/325/sakura-con-2000 | title = Sakura-Con 2000 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2008-07-06}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 27–29, 2001
| venue      = Holiday Inn and Convention Center
| location   = [[Everett, Washington]]
| attendance = 1,519
| guests     = Steve Bennett, [[Hiroki Hayashi]], Mitsutaka Iguchi, Pamela Lauer, Dr. Antonia Levi, Mary Ohno & The Kabuki Academy, Lorraine Reyes, [[Lia Sargent]], and Taka Koto Ensemble.<ref name="AC-2001">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/324/sakura-con-2001 | title = Sakura-Con 2001 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2008-07-06}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 26–28, 2002
| venue      = Seattle Airport Hilton & Conference Center
| location   = [[Seattle, Washington]]
| attendance = 2,328
| guests     = [[Johnny Yong Bosch]], [[Jessica Calvello]], Pamela Lauer, Dr. Antonia Levi, [[Hiroshi Nagahama]], [[Norio Shioyama]], Tsunami Taiko, and Masakazu Yonemura.<ref name="AC-2002">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/263/sakura-con-2002 | title = Sakura-Con 2002 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-03}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 4–6, 2003
| venue      = Seattle Airport Hilton & Conference Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 3,023
| guests     = [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]], [[Hilary Haag]], Yukio Kikukawa, Hiroshi Nagahama, [[Michelle Ruff]], Susumu Sakurai, Hidakazu Shimamura, and Yoshinobu Yamakawa.<ref name="AC-2003">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/315/sakura-con-2003 | title = Sakura-Con 2003 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-03}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 23–25, 2004
| venue      = Seattle Airport Hilton & <br /> Sea-Tac Marriott Hotel
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 4,775
| guests     = [[Yoshitoshi ABe]], [[Colleen Clinkenbeard]], [[Akitaroh Daichi]], [[Michael Dobson (actor)|Michael Dobson]], Fred Gallagher, [[Jerry Holkins]], [[Hiroki Kikuta]], [[Mike Krahulik]], [[Scott McNeil]], Hiroshi Nagahama, [[Monica Rial]], Kaeko Sakamoto, [[Run Sasaki]], Eric P. Sherman, [[Hiroko Shimabukuro|Hiroko "hiro" Shimabukuro]], [[Yasuyuki Ueda]], and [[Yoshihiko Umakoshi]].<ref name="AC-2004">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/5/sakura-con-2004 | title = Sakura-Con 2004 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-03}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 8–10, 2005
| venue      = Seattle Airport Hilton & <br /> Sea-Tac Marriott Hotel
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 4,745
| guests     = [[Angela (band)|Angela]], Tom Bateman, [[Real Life (webcomic)|Greg Dean]], Jerry Holkins, Kumiko Kato, Hiroki Kikuta, Mike Krahulik, Hiroshi Nagahama, [[Ikue Ohtani]], Run Sasaki, [[Tatsuo Satō (director)|Tatsuo Sato]], [[Travis Willingham]], and [[Tommy Yune]].<ref name="AC-2005">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/212/sakura-con-2005 | title = Sakura-Con 2005 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-03}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = March 24–26, 2006
| venue      = [[Washington State Convention & Trade Center]]
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 8,300
| guests     = The 404s, Katie Bair, [[Ippongi Bang]], [[Jessica Boone]], Camino, Fred Gallagher, [[Michael Gluck]], Jerry Holkins, [[Takanori Hoshino]], [[Takahiro Kimura]], Mike Krahulik, [[Hideyuki Kurata]], [[Tony Oliver]], Run Sasaki, [[Stephanie Sheh]], [[Goro Taniguchi]], [[David Vincent (actor)|David Vincent]], and [[David Williams (producer)|David L. Williams]].<ref name="AC-2006">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/821/sakura-con-2006 | title = Sakura-Con 2006 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-03}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 6–8, 2007
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 11,000
| guests     = A-Key Kyo, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Akitaroh Daichi, Michael Gluck, [[K.T. Gray]], Shawn Handyside, [[Kouta Hirano]], Jerry Holkins, [[Jeph Jacques]], [[Kyle C. Jones|Kyle Jones]], Jonathan Klein, Mike Krahulik, Hideyuki Kurata, [[Jason Liebrecht]], LiN Clover, Sam Logan, [[Vic Mignogna]], [[Move (Japanese band)|Move]], Hiroshi Nagahama, [[Kaori Nazuka]], [[Yasuhiro Nightow]], [[Liam O'Brien]], Monica Rial, [[Rooster Teeth Productions]], [[Carrie Savage]], [[Sumi Shimamoto]], Doug Smith, [[Spike Spencer]], [[John Swasey]], and Toshifumi Yoshida.<ref name="AC-2007">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/1047/sakura-con-2007 | title = Sakura-Con 2007 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-10}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = March 28–30, 2008
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 13,600
| guests     = [[Ali Project]], J.L. Anderson, Robby Bevard, [[Caitlin Glass]], [[Brandon Graham (comics)|Brandon Graham]], [[Todd Haberkorn]], Wes Hartman, Jerry Holkins, [[Yutaka Izubuchi]], [[Yuna Kagesaki]], [[Toshihiro Kawamoto]], Roland Kelts, ketchup mania, Hiroki Kikuta, Mike Krahulik, [[M. Alice LeGrow]], Vic Mignogna, Jake Myler, Hiroshi Nagahama, [[Joshua Ortega]], [[Brina Palencia]], [[Derek Stephen Prince]], [[Scandal (Japanese band)|Scandal]], [[Yuji Shiozaki]], [[The Slants]], and [[Nobuteru Yuuki]].<ref name="AC-2008">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/1308/sakura-con-2008 | title = Sakura-Con 2008 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2008-07-06}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 10–12, 2009
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 16,586
| guests     = Yoshitoshi ABe, [[Leah Clark]], Greg Dean, [[Aaron Dismuke]], [[Peter Fernandez]], [[Girugamesh]], Todd Haberkorn, Shawn Handyside, [[Hangry & Angry]], Jerry Holkins, Roland Kelts, Jonathan Klein, Mike Krahulik, [[Joel McDonald]], Myuji, [[Sasaki Nozomu]], Hideo Okamoto, [[Wendy Powell]], The Slants, [[Smile.dk]], Soul Candy, [[David Stanworth]], [[J. Michael Tatum]], and [[Kappei Yamaguchi]].<ref name="AC-2009">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/1589/sakura-con-2009 | title = Sakura-Con 2009 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2009-04-21}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 2–4, 2010
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 18,002
| guests     = [[Troy Baker]], [[Luci Christian]], [[Dazzle Vision]], [[Richard Epcar]], Todd Haberkorn, [[High and Mighty Color]], [[Ryō Horikawa|Ryo Horikawa]], [[The Hsu-nami]], [[Yasuhiro Imagawa]], [[Noizi Ito]], [[Mai Kadowaki]], Vic Mignogna, [[Yutaka Minowa]], [[Rika Morinaga|Lika Morinaga]], Satoshi Nishimura, Tsuyoshi Nonaka, Brina Palencia, [[Chris Patton]], Wendy Powell, Soul Candy, [[Kent Williams (voice actor)|Kent Williams]], and Takahiro Yoshimatsu.<ref name="AC-2010">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/1860/sakura-con-2010 | title = Sakura-Con 2010 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-10}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 22–24, 2011
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 19,040
| guests     =  6%Dokidoki, [[Berryz Kobo]], [[Chris Bevins]], DJ Blade, [[Chris Cason]], [[Jo Chen]], [[Cynthia Cranz]], [[Exist Trace]], Tiffany Grant, [[Clarine Harp]], Roland Kelts, [[Kotono Mitsuishi]], [[Daisuke Moriyama]], [[Cassandra Lee Morris]], Tony Oliver, Wendy Powell, DJ Rize, DJ Saiyan, Stephanie Sheh, [[Michael Sinterniklaas]], Sixh., Spunk Da Bunny, Atsushi Suzumi, [[Jason Thompson (writer)|Jason Thompson]], [[Cristina Vee]], and Vofan.<ref name="AC-2011">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/2195/sakura-con-2011 | title = Sakura-Con 2011 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-10}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 6–8, 2012
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 21,457
| guests     = [[Steve Blum]], Leah Clark, Todd Haberkorn, Clarine Harp, [[Naoto Hirooka]], Atsuhiro Iwakami, Fumiko Kawamura, Jonathan Klein, [[Reuben Langdon]], [[Jamie Marchi]], Yutaka Minowa, [[Katsushi Ota]], [[Christopher Sabat]], [[Stereopony]], Michihiko Suwa, [[Retsu Tateo]], [[Gen Urobuchi]], [[Kanon Wakeshima]], [[Kawajiri Yoshiaki]], and Zekkyō.<ref name="AC-2012">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/2594/sakura-con-2012 | title = Sakura-Con 2012 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2013-03-10}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = March 29–31, 2013
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 21,000 (est)
| guests     = [[Eir Aoi]], [[Ayumi Fujimura]], Gashicon, [[Luna Haruna]], [[Atsuko Ishizuka]], [[Reki Kawahara]], Toshihiro Kawamoto, Vic Mignogna, Katsuyuki Motohiro, [[Bryce Papenbrook]], Stephanie Sheh, Naoyoshi Shiotani, John Swasey, and Joji Wada.<ref name="AC-2013">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/3545/sakura-con-2013 | title = Sakura-Con 2013 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2015-01-02}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 18–20, 2014
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 23,103
| guests     = [[Shingo Adachi]], Toshifumi Akai, Kyoji Asano, Leah Clark, [[Elisa (Japanese singer)|Elisa]], Todd Haberkorn, [[Chuck Huber]], [[Yui Ishikawa]], [[Tomohiko Itō (director)|Tomohiko Ito]], [[Erik Scott Kimerer]], Tetsuya Kinoshita, [[Mami Koyama]], Maki, [[Koji Masunari]], [[Erica Mendez]], [[Matthew Mercer]], Mint, [[Range Murata]], Hiroshi Nagahama, Tetsuya Nakatake, [[Koichi Ohata]], [[RinRin Doll]], Shigehiko Sato, [[Patrick Seitz]], and [[Christopher Corey Smith]].<ref name="AC-2014">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/4303/sakura-con-2014 | title = Sakura-Con 2014 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2015-12-07}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 3–5, 2015
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 23,419
| guests     = Masaki Asai (APSY), Chris Bevins, Johnny Yong Bosch, Kotomi Deai, [[GARNiDELiA]], Naoto Hirooka, Arifumi Imai, [[Kanako Ito]], Shinichiro Kashiwada, Hiromi Kato, Katsuhiko Kitada, [[Osamu Kobayashi (illustrator)|Osamu Kobayashi]], [[Kanako Kondo]], [[Yoshitsugu Matsuoka]], Vic Mignogna, Toshimichi Mori, Bryce Papenbrook, Rachel Robinson, Sumi Shimamoto, [[Haruka Terui]], [[Kana Ueda]], David Vincent, Makoto "Max" Watanabe.<ref name="AC-2015">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/5105/sakura-con-2015 | title = Sakura-Con 2015 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2015-12-07}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = March 25–27, 2016
| venue      = Washington State Convention & Trade Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 23,000 (est)
| guests     = [[Aaron Dismuke]], [[Kyle Hebert]], [[Natalie Rose Hoover]], Chuck Huber, Masashi Ishihama, Shinichiro Kashiwada, Reki Kawahara, Toshihiro Kawamoto, Jonathan Klein, Shigeto Koyama, Reuben Langdon, Kazuma Miki, [[Ian Sinclair (voice actor)|Ian Sinclair]], [[Micah Solusod]], J. Michael Tatum, Joji Wada, Takahiro Yoshimatsu,<ref name="AC-2016">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/5881/sakura-con-2016 | title = Sakura-Con 2016 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2016-12-29}}</ref> and [[Band-Maid]].<ref name="naw03112016">{{cite news |last1=Aoki |first1=Emiri |title=Maid in Japan — Japanese rock group BAND-MAID to debut overseas at Sakura-Con |url=http://nwasianweekly.com/2016/03/maid-japan-japanese-rock-group-band-maid-debut-overseas-sakura-con/ |access-date=28 January 2021 |work=Northwest Asian Weekly |date=11 March 2016}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 14–16, 2017
| venue      = Washington State Convention Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 25,000 (est)
| guests     = [[Takanori Aki]], Johnny Yong Bosch, [[Kira Buckland]], [[Christine Marie Cabanos]], Aaron Dismuke, Megan Emerick, Caitlin Glass, Todd Haberkorn, Natalie Rose Hoover, [[Yasuhiro Irie]], Chikashi Kubota, [[Erica Lindbeck]], Erica Mendez, Matthew Mercer, Vic Mignogna, Hiroshi Nagahama, Christopher Sabat, Patrick Seitz, [[Kenichi Sonoda]], and Gen Urobuchi.<ref name="AC-2017">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/7492/sakura-con-2017 | title = Sakura-Con 2017 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2019-06-21}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = March 30 - April 1, 2018
| venue      = Washington State Convention Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 
| guests     = [[Ray Chase (voice actor)|Ray Chase]], Leah Clark, [[Robbie Daymond]], M-Project, Mana, Takanori Matsuoka, Joel McDonald, Mint, [[Max Mittelman]], [[Okamoto's]], [[Rumi Okubo]], [[Chiharu Sawashiro]], Shigefumi Shingaki, Yosuke Shiokawa, Ian Sinclair, Micah Solusod, John Swasey, and [[Mamoru Yokota]].<ref name="AC-2018">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/9179/sakura-con-2018 | title = Sakura-Con 2018 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2018-11-20}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 19–21, 2019
| venue      = Washington State Convention Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 
| guests     = [[Justin Briner]], [[Erika Harlacher]], [[Cherami Leigh]], Erica Lindbeck, Jamie Marchi, Yutaka Minowa, Hiroshi Nagahama, Hideo Okamoto, Tony Oliver, Monica Rial, ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D, [[Ryukishi07]], [[Satoshi Shiki]], Ian Sinclair, Goro Taniguchi, [[Alexis Tipton]], Cristina Vee, David Vincent, and [[Kari Wahlgren]].<ref name="AC-2019">{{cite web | url = http://animecons.com/events/info/11222/sakura-con-2019 | title = Sakura-Con 2019 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2019-06-21}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 15-17, 2022
| venue      = Washington State Convention Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 
| guests     = Steve Blum, Johnny Yong Bosch, Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond, [[Brittney Karbowski]], [[Wendee Lee]], [[Kyle McCarley]], [[Kristen McGuire]], Erica Mendez, Mint, Max Mittelman, Cassandra Lee Morris, ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D, [[Tara Sands]], [[Keith Silverstein]], and Ian Sinclair.<ref name="AC-2022">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/18203/sakura-con-2022 | title = Sakura-Con 2022 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2022-05-02}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 7-9, 2023
| venue      = Seattle Convention Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 
| guests     = Griffin Burns, Leah Clark, Kôhei Eguchi, [[Junya Enoki]], Richard Epcar, [[Flow (Japanese band)|Flow]], Katelyn Gault, Junichi Hayama, Shintaro Inokawa, [[Hisashi Kagawa]], Erica Lindbeck, [[Mike McFarland]], Mint, [[Xander Mobus]], Kenji Muto, [[Queen Bee (band)|Queen Bee]], Aaron Roberts, [[Erica Schroeder]], [[Ellyn Stern]], Cristina Vee, Kiyotaka Waki, and Yoshihiro Watanabe.<ref name="AC-2023">{{cite web | url = http://animecons.com/events/info/19991/sakura-con-2023 | title = Sakura-Con 2023 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2023-04-17}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = March 29-31, 2024
| venue      = Seattle Convention Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 
| guests     = Leah Clark, [[Khoi Dao]], Aaron Dismuke, Naoto Hirooka, Shigeto Koyama, Alex Organ, [[Anairis Quiñones]], [[Lindsay Seidel]], [[Megan Shipman]], [[Laura Stahl]], [[Rie Tanaka]], [[Austin Tindle]], Natalie Van Sistine, Hiromi Wakabayashi, and [[Howard Wang]].<ref name="AC-2024">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/22698/sakura-con-2024 | title = Sakura-Con 2024 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2024-04-01}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date       = April 18-20, 2025
| venue      = Seattle Convention Center
| location   = Seattle, Washington
| attendance = 
| guests     = [[Sally Amaki]], [[Dameon Clarke]], Jordan Dash Cruz, [[Lucien Dodge]], Damien Haas, Naoto Hirooka, [[AmaLee|Amanda "AmaLee" Lee]], Erica Lindbeck, [[Emi Lo]], [[Brandon McInnis]], Erica Mendez, Xander Mobus, [[Casey Mongillo]], [[Trina Nishimura]], Oriana Perón, [[Reol (singer)|Reol]], Ian Sinclair, [[Sonny Strait]], J. Michael Tatum, [[Sora Tokui]], [[Abby Trott]], and Simba Tsuchiya.<ref name="AC-2025">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/23348/sakura-con-2025 | title = Sakura-Con 2025 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2025-04-17}}</ref>
}}
|}

==ANCEA==
The Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association (Sakura-Con organizers) were given the Foreign Minister's Award from Japan on May 30, 2012. The award was given at the residence of the Japanese Consul General Kiyokazu Ota.<ref name="nap06132012">{{cite news | work = The North American Post | title = Sakura-Con Receives Foreign Minister's Award from Japan | date = 2012-06-13 | last = Ozeki | first = Genya | url = http://www.napost.com/2012/06/13/sakura-con-receives-foreign-minister%E2%80%99s-award-from-japan/ | access-date = 2013-07-08 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130713185945/http://www.napost.com/2012/06/13/sakura-con-receives-foreign-minister%E2%80%99s-award-from-japan/ | archive-date = 2013-07-13 }}</ref><ref name="naw06182012">{{cite news | work = Northwest Asian Weekly | title = ANCEA receives award from Japanese Foreign Minister | date = 2012-06-08  | url = http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2012/06/ancea-receives-award-from-japanese-foreign-minister/ | access-date = 2013-07-08}}</ref>

==Collaborations==
Sakura-Con in 2013 returned to host the Anime Costume Contest at Dragon Fest 2013 in Seattle, Washington's Chinatown for the fourth time.<ref name="naw07032013">{{cite news | work = Northwest Asian Weekly | title = Chinatown–International District fired up for Dragon Fest 2013 | date = 2013-07-03 | url = http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2013/07/chinatown-international-district-fired-up-for-dragon-fest-2013/ | access-date = 2013-07-13}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Sakura-Con}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{imdb title|1537166| A Look Inside Sakura-Con (2005)}}

{{Anime conventions in North America}}
{{Washington State Fandom Conventions}}

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[[Category:1998 establishments in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Anime conventions in the United States]]
[[Category:Annual events in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Culture of Seattle]]
[[Category:Festivals in Seattle]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1998]]
[[Category:Seattle Area conventions]]
[[Category:Conventions in Washington (state)]]