Sakura-con

After a few years of hearing friends rave about this convention, I finally got a chance to check it out for the first time this year. All I can say is wow… for a convention that lasts 3 days to figuratively kick my ass as much if not more than a 4 day con like Animé Expo or Fanime, that says something about the programming and wealth of stuff to check out. For the most part, badge pickup was easy enough as I waited about 30 minutes to get my badge which for me is fantastic considering I’ve been used to waiting 2+ hours to get my badge in the past at AX. Signage was clearly visible all over the main thoroughfares of the center showing you what was located on each floor, but what I really thought was a nice touch was the usage of signs between the railings on each escalator that pointed out what was ahead on each floor. That right there was very handy as it was daunting at first to navigate the WSCC. As far as programming goes? There was no shortage of good programming to check out, so much so that I had to miss out on a lot of stuff because there was no way to check it all out. I also liked the myriad of Japanese culture related panels and workshops that were available in addition to the usual animé related programming, not that I got a chance to check it out. Props also to the wide selection of gaming options, especially the retro room where I played some old school NES and SNES. Also a plus for this con is the venue as it’s a beautiful and spacious convention center with ample spots inside and out for cosplay gatherings of all sizes; the fact that you’re close to so many restaurants and Seattle attractions like Pike Place whenever you get a chance to break away from the con certainly doesn’t hurt.
Overall, I enjoyed every second of my time at this con even if I didn’t do everything I wanted to… I will definitely be back next year if my finances will allow it

This was my first nerd convention ever and I signed up as a volunteer. Overall I gotta say my experience as a volunteer was pretty good but not great.
Pros: We got a lot of free food and perks. Such as shirts, a free badge, connections and the hours were pretty flexible. After you work your shift you can roam around and do whatever you want. There were so many great cosplayers, activities and shows. People ere really nice and nerds were just connecting with nerds. Even the grandmas were chill. Saw an 70 year old cosplay and playing Pokemon in the gameboy.
Cons: when you volunteer you might miss out a lot in events and shows. There are creepos around you who stalk people.
Next I might just buy the tickets for the full experience. Not sure yet.

This convention was almost entirely a disappointment.
Perhaps some of my discontentment with the entire event was because I had attended Emerald City Comicon the weekend before; it’s difficult for any other event to measure up to such a fun and well-​organized con. My expectations were perhaps too high; I expected an animé-​themed version of the same thing.
When I saw the line for registration, I almost walked out. If you didn’t pre-​register, it took at least two hours of waiting in line for a pass. Sakura-​con tries really hard to prevent scalping, so unlike for ECCC, they won’t mail out passes in advance, and passes come with your name on them. For some reason, this meant that if you DID register in advance, you had to wait for a shorter-​but-​still-​exorbitant amount of time in line to get your pass upon arrival.
So I stood in a room for two hours waiting for a $ 70 pass. They had about 8 or 10 lines open for pre-​reg and only 4 open for on-​site registration, even though the pre-​reg lines were basically empty when I got there late Friday afternoon, and the on-​site registration lines were absolutely packed. I don’t know why they didn’t switch over any of the pre-​reg lines to on-​site registration lines. This was the first example of a complete lack of organization that would show itself throughout the convention.
When they registered me, they took my ID and verified that I was 18, and did nothing else; this will become relevant later on.
My friend, who had pre-​registered, waited in line with me and worked relatively hard to convince me to not back out. We looked at the schedule of events, and there were two events that were basically the kickers for me: a panel on physics in animé, which I immediately became extremely excited for (my friend and I are physics majors), and a screening of the new dubbed version of Free!, hosted by one of the voice actors. With these events in mind, I handed over my $ 70.
At this point I would like to point out the utter ridiculousness of the event’s refusal to sell one-​day passes. The event always takes place over Easter weekend, during which many people cannot commit to three days. At well-​organized cons like ECCC, you can choose whether you want to go for one, two, or all three days, and pay accordingly. For some reason, Sakuracon does not give this option.
We waited in line for a half hour for our physics panel as staff members kept passing through and telling us to stand closer to the wall, knowing that this was the designated line for this particular panel, and failing to ever mention even once that we needed a special stamp to verify our age to be let in. Government-​Issued IDs were not acceptable as a form of verification, only a stamp.
(Which is really stupid anyway. Why in the world would a science-​based panel be 18+?)
As mentioned before, the con knew that I was 18, and didn’t bother to stamp me at that point in time. We were towards the front of the line, but when we were about to enter, they made us run upstairs to get the stamp before we could be let in. The line for the stamp was chock-​full of con-​goers on the verge of tears because apparently none of the staff members were competent enough to tell anyone that stamps were required. At least half of the people in line for my panel in particular were right behind my friend and I in line for the damn stamp.
We got our stamps and ran downstairs, just as the doors were closing. We were invited to stand in an overflow line, which we did for about ten minutes, until the staffer got so rude and annoying that we left.
We then decided to go to a panel on parodies and abridged series. We entered a large room with a big screen. A voice actor from a popular abridged series introduced the panel, and I was excited to be shown funny clips and be entertained. However, we learned a few minutes in that the event was simply a poorly-​organized Q&A. We left for good after a few minutes, disappointed and bored, after only a few minutes.
The screening of Free! was at 10:30 this morning, so we went to go line up. Incidentally, the voice actor couldn’t make it, so my last-​ditch effort to make the event worthwhile was cancelled.
We spent the next few hours in the exhibition hall. It was alright; definitely not as fun as the one at Comicon. I bought one or two things and met some people with cool cosplays, but this part of the con was only mediocre.
I know that there are a lot of good reviews about this too, and if you’re passionate enough about animé (I’m not), you might have a better experience hanging out with other cosplayers and attending Q&As and buying merchandise. But if that doesn’t apply to you, I hope that this review will play a part in convincing you not to waste your time and money.

Been Going to Sakuracon since 2007, and i always have a great time!
I’m not a big panel person, i mostly go for the shopping and cosplay and chance to meet favorite voice actors so i cant say much for that.
The cosplay community is amazing, so friendly, and its just a good environment, anyone and everyone can cosplay and not feel judged. Ive never been apart of such a loving community ive made so many friends over the years here and its thanks for cosplay.
Shopping is SO AWESOME, there is so much to buy, seriously bring ATLEAST 200 bucks, cause you are gunna find some rare stuff that you wont find anywhere else. And if you want a deal on stuff wait till Sunday!
Getting hungry? They have a Taco Del Mar! (Vegan options)
Tired? SIT DOWN, seriously pick a spot and sit, just people watching is fun!
Bored? Go see a animé! They have lots of theaters! AND at night time they have a Rave!!! super fun!

I lurved it! Call me a nerd but im dead serious! Sakura con was absolutely amazing! All your favorite animes are here in one spot! I recommend that you register for the con months before hand rather then paying the 65 dollars when the convention actually starts. It’s cheaper this way and makes things a whole lot easier! It’s usually got a lot of people making the streets of seattle a busy place, but, the building its held in is huge! So it’s not too crowded, and your never board! Between all the activities available for you too participate in, the animé merchandise you may not find anyway else, and the people in the costumes, your usually pretty entertained! I don’t rate 5 stars on very many things unless its worth it ;)

Sakura Con has improved immensely over the years. My experience was that it was organized, and even had the main schedule able to download on your smart phone. Further, I didnt wait in line for registration at all due to implementing a scan style system via bar codes on your phone (hey fanime, maybe you should take a hint from this???). It also isnt crowded, and it is easy to walk around without bumping into people.
Seriously though, this is the first convention I didnt have to wait in line to pick up my pre registration badge. Kudos to Sakura Con!!!

Wow. Didn’t think it could get any worse.
I returned to the delightful town of Seattle this March for Sakura-​Con 2013. I figured that things would have changed for the better after my critique of their 2011 expose.
How wrong I was.
While registration only took a couple minutes compared to previous years, the badge still does not come with a lanyard. This is 2013, Sakura Con. Every convention includes a lanyard with the badge. They sell them for cheap if you buy them in bulk from Office Depot. Or the local Daiso.
Communication in between staff, staff and convention center staff and staff and attendees has slipped. When asked about events or autograph lines, the staff was largely ineffective. No one seemed to know where events were going to be held, where a particular guest was going to hold their autograph session or even what to do with the amount of people already lining up for the guest. Rules would change on the stop — In one particular case, I was allowed to line up for a guest over an hour before their autograph session was scheduled, but in other cases, I had to wait the standard 30 minutes. Convention Center staff grew irate with the staff, and several times audibly said to waiting attendees that last year’s staff was much better. Oopsies.
Regarding autograph lines, Sakura Con mentioned on its guidebook that they would be instituting a new rule giving those who attended a guest’s panel priority over those that lined up for the autograph session instead. Panel attendees were supposed to be given a ticket which could then be redeemed for an autograph. However, at all the guest panels I attended, no tickets were ever handed out. I overheard from one of the convention staff that they were discarding the ticket rule on Day 1, yet they could not announce either on their website/​Facebook or audibly for all attendees? Many attendees who went to guest panels were under impression that this new rule would guarantee them an autograph, only be turned away by staff because the line for the guest was already to capacity.
There was a lot of underhandedness going on behind the curtains in the autograph room as well. Several times I observed staff and other members of the public being escorted behind the curtain to take pictures and get autographs from the guests. If there is a reason that these people should get this priority service, why not give them a VIP badge like every other convention does with their attendees and allow them to get whatever they want first? Why try to hide this behavior? Is there some reason why this needs to be done behind the curtain?
There were a lot of cosplayers this year, and most of the costumes I saw were really well done. I like that there are lots of spaces, mainly outside behind the convention center, where photos can be taken. A lot of other conventions do not have any place that is away from the main traffic where pictures can be taken. This makes this center more ideal in that aspect.
Honestly, I don’t know if I’d consider returning to Sakura Con after this. There are other conventions that seem to be able to put on better, and more fair, shows. They manage to draw in big names and lots of guests, while this year’s convention was lacking in both.
You’d do well to go to conventions like Animé Expo over Sakura Con.

I finally attended SakuraCon 2012, after years of planning (almost went in 2010, but a trip to Europe nixed my budget).
I have to say that this was one of my all-​time favorite conventions. There was so much to do, see and take in that it almost became overwhelming at times.
I’d never set foot in Seattle until this past April, so not only was I soaking in all that SakuraCon had to offer, but I was also investigating everything there was to know about Seattle.
I have to say everything was seamless, from my flight in to hotel check-​in to pre-​registration pick-​up. I’m not sure when they implemented the bar code scanning system, but that was such a great idea. I was in and out of the registration area within minutes, if not seconds. I had to miss part of Day 1 as I was on a Savor Seattle Walking Tour, but when I arrived back at the convention, there was no shortage of amazing cosplays to photograph and fun events and panels to attend.
I think the highlight of the entire convention was the autograph session for the myriad of Fate/​Zero and Puella Madoka Magica GOHs that had arrived from Japan for the convention. My friend had given me a Fate/​Zero manga for everyone to sign and they were all so gracious and fan-​friendly that it really made my con. In addition, SakuraCon staff were very friendly and clear in the autograph process, unlike so many other cons that I’ve attended in the past.
Although I attended SakuraCon2012 solo, I never felt «alone» at any moment.
Bravo to everyone at SakuraCon. Keep up the great work!

It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely five stars… for 3 days, a total nerd like me is in her element. Random panels [um, Wheel of 4chan?!], animé viewings, Japanese seiyuu [voice actors] and mangaka [manga artists] and occasionally an awesome band or three [High and Mighty Color zomg!]… it’s impossible to not have a good time, even if it’s just admiring costumes.
Things that are not good about con: Registration line takes forever.
Things that are good about con: Pretty much everything else.
Likelihood I’ll be back next year: 100% [unless I am living in Japan!]

I’ve been attending Sakura-​Con for almost 8 – 9 years now. It was my first animé convention and for that, is almost a bit of a comfort convention to me.
Over the years it has grown, which is both a bad and good thing at the same time.
There’s something for everyone at this convention. From animé viewing rooms, to a happenin’ arcade, and plenty of special guests and concerts. The Dealers Hall has tons of merchandise to choose from, and the Artist Alley is worth a look.
Reading some of the other reviews here, let me set something straight. Animé conventions are not cheap, yes your registration will cost around $ 40 a day. If you’re smart, you pre-​register early at the con rate of $ 45 for the whole weekend. Sakura-Con’s registration lines are like waiting for death, so do the right thing and pre-​register. We have almost every year we’ve gone and it takes less than 30 mins to pick up your badge on a busy day, or if you go the day before, alot less.
Yes there are sometimes cosplayers that might make you feel slightly uncomfortable, but remember that everyone is there to have fun and NO ONE means any harm. You can avoid the hentai section of the dealers room, the man dressed as Sailor Moon is not going to hurt you, and the people in furry costumes are probably a helluva lot nicer than you think.
The con is 24-​hrs, so late night hangouts are definitely a plus. They also have dances Friday and Saturday nights.
My only complaints about Sakura-​Con are…
1.) As an artist, I feel the Artist Alley should be treated as a bigger event. It sells out in minutes to even seconds every year and over 100 artists try to get into it. Comic conventions have large areas for artists, I think animé conventions should start doing the same.
2.) Staff is either great or terrible. Many of the staff are volunteers, but regardless, I think many have to put on a fake smile AT THE VERY LEAST to make it seem like we, the people who pay to be there, aren’t just some stupid kids in their way. Some have had power trips or have been rude for no reason. And it’s come to a point where you expect it, and so I avoid them when I can at all costs. This isn’t to say there aren’t nice staff, just to be cautious.
Overall I really enjoy this convention and my friends and I always have fun, after all it’s more the company you’re with sharing the experience of a convention with like minded people. And Sakura-​Con pulls it off every year for us.

The pros and cons of Sakura-​con are as follows:
Pros:
–People dressed in awesome costumes like the characters from Team Fortress
–Awesome J-​Rock acts like Ketchup Mania
–Stalls and stalls of awesome toys and t-​shirts
–More unusual people watching than you can handle
–Seeing the look of «What is my child into!?» as they wait in line to register
–Animé Classics on the big screen
Cons:
–People dressed in terrifying costumes like the pot-​bellied man dressed as Sailor Moon
–Stalls of Hentai manned by creepy middle-​aged balding men
–Dubbed animé on the big screen (Seriously?! at an animé convention!?)
–Furries
–The dysfunctional registration system
-$ 40 for one day?! That’s more than Bumbershoot!
–Furries
–Creepy, creepy furries
If you are in the mood to descend into the bizarre and surreal, check it out. If people in cat ears terrify you… give it a little more consideration and go equipped with a spray bottle and rolled up newspaper. «Bad Furry! No. No!»