HotaruCon | Event Descriptions

Want to know what you can expect to see and do at HotaruCon? Read about each event here, and use the schedule to plan your weekend.

3 Decades of Anime Openings

Friday 21:00 - 22:00 Presenter: DJ Charlie
Description: Back with an all new set list of Anime Openings, some sub, some dub, some from this season and some...more obscure choices. Join Chairman Charlie to kick off the HotaruCon Parties in true Otaku style.

A Brief History of the Circus

Saturday 14:00 - 15:00 Presenter: Pepper
Description: Curious about how the circus started and how it has evolved over the years? Join me as I cover a brief history of the circus and the huge variety of acts that make the greatest show!

A Dehydrated History of Ramen

Sunday 13:45 - 14:45 Presenter: Thekillingdoll
Description: Instant ramen noodles are a quick and popular snack food, but how much do you know about the history of this cupboard staple? Put down your chopsticks and come and find out.

A Radical History of Japanese Politics

Friday 13:15 - 14:15 Presenter: DJChay
Description: Japan has the 11th largest communist party in the world, and been representated in the national legislature for 76 out of the past 77 years. Learn about the unique path of this oft forgotten about force in Japanese politics.

A Vague Recollection of One Piece

Friday 16:15 - 17:15 Presenter: leicester d. square
Description: Is your strawhat-pilled friend always begging you to read One Piece? Got frustrated with the animation in Dressrosa but still want to skip to the stunning cuts in Wano and Egghead? Watched the live action and can't wait for more lore? Then why not listen to a stranger give you a vague recollection of the whole plot of One Piece, in just under an hour!

Activity Room + Comic and Manga Library

Friday 12:00 - 00:00 / Saturday 10:00 - 00:00 / Sunday 10:00 - 00:00 Presenter: HotaruCon & Sun Kitten
Description: Swing by the Activity Room at Hotarucon to relax and unwind! Browse a variety of comics and manga including indie gems (kindly loaned by Morag), or join in on drawing sessions and casual play. Feel free to drop in anytime—just keep an eye out for scheduled activities, as they may fill up quickly!

All About The Vocaloid

Sunday 20:00 - 21:00 Presenter: Liliya Miray, Cerise_Queen
Description: Calling all Vocaloid fans!!! We want to discuss our passion of vocaloid and Project Sekai characters. We have everything lined up from: Tips on how to learn Vocaloid dances. Our experience in singing and learning songs. We even have a fun little Quiz lined up with a treat for the winner!! So if you're a hardcore Project Sekai and Vocaloid fan like us then joins us in this amazing panel!!!

AMV Chill Time

Friday 22:15 - 23:15 Presenter: Racerabbit
Description: Want a break from the hustle and bustle? Come and sample a selection of AMVs handpicked by Racerabbit (AMV connoisseur and 3 time Kitacon AMV champion) from a range of genres - from sexy to emotional, experience the best AMVs the internet has to offer.

Animation 101: A Workshop

Sunday 14:30 - 16:30 Presenter: Whisksarebae
Description: Are you an inspiring animator or simply wanting to try some animating for fun? Here's a workshop for you! It's simple, fun and easy to do!

Blood on the Clocktower

Saturday 12:00 - 14:00 Presenter: Em
Description: It's a social deduction game, great for meeting people and then stabbing them in the back. Do we have an evil Snake Charmer? Perhaps the Juggler, crossed paths with the poisoner during the day. Is that Minstrel a Zombuul? At least we can trust the Acrobat and the Magician...right?
5-16 players

Bring & Buy

Friday drop off 2pm-4pm & 6pm-8pm / Saturday 10:00 - 18:00 / Sunday collection only 10:00 - 14:00
Fill in your Bring & Buy form, pick up your labels at registration and drop off your items on Friday, shop on Saturday and pick up your money and any unsold items on Sunday. An easy way to raise money for charity while earning some for yourself, or to find a rare item you've been hunting for!

Buddhist, Shinto and Folklore in Jujutsu Kaisen

Saturday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: Mighty Odango
Description: Mighty Odango explores the aspects of popular series Jujutsu Kaisen that are drawn from Japanese religious and folk lore.

Can't afford Tokyo? Habibi come to London!

Saturday 16:15 - 17:15 Presenter: Charles II
Description: An island nation, once known as a great empire but got nerfed after the Second World War, very fond of tea and unethical territory expansion. Not sure what country I'm talking about? Me neither, so let's explore all the curious similarities between the UK and Japan together!

Canvas Time

Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: Identityshell
Description: During canvas time, you'll be given a choice between 3 sizes of canvas.
You may paint with watercolour or acrylic paint, and have a small variety of brushes/sponges to paint with.
This is a 1hr and 30 mins session, and I'll give a few time reminders to help you wrap your project up! Let's have some fun

Circus Animal PomPom Charms

Sunday 11:15 - 12:45 Presenter: Aloe Chanterelle
Description: Make your own fuzzy pompom animal accessory to liven up your look! Everything you need will be provided, so come along and make a fluffy friend to take home with you.

Closing Ceremony & Charity Auction

Sunday 17:30 - 19:30 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Whilst HotaruCon won’t be entirely over, this is our formal way of closing out the weekend on Sunday afternoon where we hold our charity auction, announce the winners of our competitions (or let you decide), total what we raised for the Con Charity and wrap up any loose ends.

Comparative Coffee Tasting

Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: Mushroom
Description: Returning for the third year! Everyone has an idea in their mind of what coffee tastes like. Come with me on a journey through a comparative tasting of several different specialty coffees to find out how it can be so much more than that.

Cosplay Ball

Sunday 20:00 - 21:30 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Time to get fancy! Dance away in your spectacular cosplays and fancy clothes - no strict dress code: just have fun. There will be live musical acts to get you ballroom dancing across the floor.

Cosplay Cafe

Sunday 14:00 - 17:00 Presenter: joy.cos and co.
Description: Fancy a break amongst the hustle and bustle of HotaruCon for some coffee and cake? Purchase tokens and be served by our themed cafe team, with all profits going to this year’s convention charity.

Cosplay Chess

Sunday 11:00 - 13:00 Presenter: thesparkofrevolution and Ceresel
Description: Cosplay Chess is a game of chess played between two characters, using other cosplayers as the chess pieces! To take a piece there’s always a battle - be it a fight, a dance off, or a duel. So come and watch this fun, dynamic mish-mash of characters, from all the series being cosplayed across the con, battling it out for victory!

Cosplay Chess Rehearsal

Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: thesparkofrevolution and Ceresel
Description: Mandatory rehearsal for those involved with Cosplay Chess

Craft and Chill

Sunday 21:15 - 22:15 Presenter: Em
Description: A chance to sit back and relax from the hustle and bustle of HotaruCon, join us for tea and biscuits for a chance to sit and do a craft, be it knitting, crocheting, needle point etc. Tea and colouring in books provided. Bring you own cup or mug

Cryptography, including quantum

Sunday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: Robert von Oliva (naruciakk)
Description: For thousands of years, people have tried to hide various pieces of information from each other. In today's world, cryptography appears everywhere - we use such techniques when logging into a bank (or browsing the web simply), in instant messaging, to secure disks and so on. But how are quantum computing techniques changing or will change this field? What are the dangers of today's encryption technologies and how can we change them?

Dancing in the Spotlight 101

Friday 18:30 - 19:30 Presenter: Cerise_Queen
Description: Have you ever wanted to do a dance performance but don't know how to go about it? Maybe you want to learn how to do a specific K-pop dance? Maybe its a dance from an anime, Vocaloid or even Love Live! Join me and learn about doing dance performances at cons! Let's look into what it takes in entering a performance show with a dance. Join me to discuss tips on how to learn dance covers, the key to making your own dances to songs and prepping for a competition and performance! Who know you might even leave learning a dance ;)

Dancing Lessons

Sunday 13:45 - 15:15 Presenter: Shrink Laureate
Description: You shall go to the ball! Bring both your left feet to this class, and we'll have them flying over the dance floor in no time.

Detroit Metal Quizzy: The Anisong Trivia Quiz!

Sunday 17:00 - 19:00 Presenter: blossomshed
Description: Part Name That Tune, part anime music trivia, if you know your BanG Dreams from your Love Lives and your Joe Hisaishi from your Hayashi Yuki, this is the quiz for you!

Disney Daddy Issues

Friday 14:30 - 15:30 Presenter: Aloe Chanterelle
Description: There are all sorts of fathers in the Disney cannon, so what better way to explore the many shades of dad then to analyse them and place them in a ranked list? Join us to explore the good, the complex and the questionable world of Disney Dads.

Drag & Cosplay

Friday 12:00 - 13:00 Presenter: PHOBIA
Description: PHOBIA walks you through the basics of drag in all its forms, from makeup to gender expression and how you can incorporate it into your cosplays!

Fanfiction Mad Libs

Friday 21:30 - 22:30 Presenter: WifeyGamer52
Description: Would you enjoy making the most cursed Fanfics with a group of people who also wants to see what chaos we can cause! Than join us for Fanfiction mad libs we will randomly generate characters (anime, video games etc.) that's been suggested by the room and then after a round of going around the room filling out the mad libs we will have the most chaotic fanfic possible.

Fic Around

Saturday 23:30 - 00:30 Presenter: Whisksarebae, Frog Hat Man
Description: One word. Mayhem.
We shall look at fanfictions of all types and even have a spinny wheel of suspicious tags.
Welcome to the sleep deprived ao3 readers club.

FireFly Lounge

Saturday 19:00 - 20:30 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Pull up your chair and join us for an hour that promises to be entertaining as your fellow attendees dazzle you with their talents on the HotaruCon main stage. Sure to astound and delight.

FireFly Lounge Green Room

Saturday 18:30 - 20:30 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Mandatory for all Firefly Lounge performers. Welcome to the Firefly Lounge Green Room. Enjoy a secure area to store your belongings while you relax with water and snacks, and prepare for your performance!

Gaming Quizatron 2000

Friday 12:00 - 13:30 Presenter: Cerise_Queen
Description: Calling All Gamers!!! Do you remember when you first picked up that PlayStation 2 controller? Or maybe that Nintendo DS? Well if you do join me in the Gaming Quizatron 2000 where you will be tested on your general knowledge of Video Games from the early 2000s to Today's production of video games!!! Your team will be tested on your knowledge of Characters, Soundtracks and even Voice Actors!!! So get ready to hit those nostalgic days! The winning squad will receive a prize for their POTG.

Genshin Impact - Cards Against Teyvat

Sunday 18:15 - 19:15 Presenter: Moota
Description: Come and Play Cards Against Humanity with your favourite Genshin Impact Characters. Genshin Editions Cards will give a twist to the classic game you're used to. Pick the winners each round and have a laugh along the way.

Getting Started in Aerial & Underwater Cosplay

Sunday 13:00 - 14:00 Presenter: celerymoondesigns
Description: Take your cosplay to new heights (and depths) as we talk through safety, costume design, training, and everything else involved with aerial and underwater photoshoots.

Hear Me Out: Smash or Pass Edition

Saturday 21:15 - 22:45 Presenter: CaptainM00gs
Description: Give us your favorite fictional 'hear me out's and we'll decide if they're worthy of a smash or a pass!

Hentai Got News For You

Saturday 23:00 - 00:30 Presenter: RustedWireWitch
Description: The topical* hentai quiz panel show comes to Hotarucon! Featuring laughs, gasps, prizes and the best kind of audience participation: The instantly regretful kind!
*topical circa 1994

Ho-Ho-Horror

Sunday 20:00 - 21:00 Presenter: QueersForFears
Description: Partake on a journey into the slaughteriffic world of festive horror films, all the way from old school classics like Dead of Night, to retro throwbacks such as Black Christmas, to modern favourites like Krampus, perfect for fledging terror-philes who want the low-down on some holiday scares, and for the seasoned fan looking to revisit some old scares. So come on down, get cozy, and have a scarily-good time!

Honkai: Star Rail - Quiz

Saturday 18:45 - 19:45 Presenter: mrowqa
Description: Do you know where the name March 7th comes from? Or maybe you know the impact of crit chance on the calculation of super break damage? Come and test your knowledge of various aspects of the game!

Horny Book Club 2: the second coming

Friday 22:45 - 23:45 Presenter: J0y.cos, VioletteNoRegard, Turtlelylev
Description: The horny book club is back! Join the Trigun Holy Trinity for a silly discussion surrounding tropes in fan fictions. Come with an open mind and your fav fic recommendations. Will include corn talk.

Hotaru Game Night

Friday 16:00 - 18:00 Presenter: Lady Oni, Oni-91
Description: We did it last year, and somehow nothing exploded, so let's do it again! Lord and Lady Oni welcome you to an evening of merriment, intrigue, and, let's be honest, a whole lot of laughing at dick jokes. Seven brave players will risk their dignity playing the best games that Jackbox has to offer, as they draw, outwit, and lie through their teeth against you, Team Audience! Who will get the most points and claim moral superiority? Who will win in the Arbitrary Endgame Gameshow Game? And just how in the hell are we going to cut the Hotaru Championship Belt into 50 equal pieces if Team Audience win? There's only one way to find out!

Hotaru Royale

Friday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: Em
Description: A chance to assassinate your fellow convention goers of Hotaru and be the last person standing in a game of Hotaru Royale.

HotaruCon Feedback Panel

Sunday 15:30 - 16:30 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Got something you want to let the committee know about how HotaruCon went? Come to the feedback panel and let us know. We welcome all feedback with a view of making HotaruCon the best we can for all of you.

How a Brutal Murder Spawned an Entire Genre of Japanese Media

Saturday 19:15 - 20:15 Presenter: soothingMelody
Description: Beep beep beep beep... Conspiracies, the supernatural, the darkness that hides behind the corner and in the most messed up parts of your brain. From the most depraved day dreams to the horrifying reality, denpa VNs take you on a journey into the grimy human subconcious and I'm gonna tell you where to start, as well as introduce to you some of the history behind this fascinating genre. Come dive into the Whirlpool of Madness.

How to DIY a Lolita Dress

Saturday 14:45 - 15:45 Presenter: Aloe Chanterelle
Description: Do you yearn for ribbons and lace? Dream of having the frilliest dress possible? Have you ever wanted to design your own custom fashion piece? This panel will show you how to get started with creating and bringing your design to life! I'll be covering how to draw inspiration from the fashion as a whole, how to select patterns, fabrics and trims, and the art of creating your own printed fabric.

How To Learn Japanese Through Anime

Sunday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: Niffer
Description: Do you watch a ton of anime and want to turn your passion into the ability to speak real Japanese? In this talk we'll go over tips and tricks to utilize anime, manga, games and other media in your Japanese studies to help improve your speaking, listening, and reading skills!

How to Teach Yourself Japanese

Saturday 15:00 - 16:00 Presenter: Niffer
Description: Interested in learning Japanese but don't know where to start? Or are you already learning but are stuck and can't see to make any progress? This talk goes over tips and tricks for learning Japanese and how to cater them to YOUR learning style! This is not a Japanese lesson. No Japanese ability needed!

Hyper Realistic Anime Battle Simulator

Friday 18:30 - 20:00 Presenter: Resha, 2tired2eepy
Description: Let's play a war game but instead of dice we let a hallucinating computer decide the outcome. To spice things up, the fights will take place in locations and with characters from anime and video games. Choose a champion and wage war against your fellow con goers to claim victory!

Idol and Anisong Performance~!

Saturday 21:00 - 22:00 Presenter: Guruguru-Himawari (Lilia & Luluko)
Description: Lilia will be singing covers of various anime, idol and vocaloid favourites, and Luluko will be dancing! âœ© Please enjoy our first full duo live with a special setlist and bring your green/pink penlights!

Intro to Miniatures Painting

Sunday 13:00 - 15:00 Presenter: Kyrie
Description: Want to get into the colourful world of painting miniatures for wargames and/or TTRPGs? Come join Kyrie for a chill drop-in-and-out session of painting tiny dudes, featuring tips, tricks and rambling stories. All welcome whether beginners, lapsed fans or loyal wargamers looking to pass some time painting.

Japanese Green Tea and Matcha Introduction and Tasting

Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: RobotJellyfish
Description: Always wanted to try green tea or matcha but don't know where to start? Afraid that you might find the taste too bitter or just intimidated by the art of making Japanese tea? Come along for an introduction on how to prepare tea and sample some of the varieties on offer in the UK.

Japanese Literary Masters: Meiji to Shouwa!

Saturday 16:30 - 18:30 Presenter: Liliya Miray
Description: Lilia welcomes you to a varied discussion of literary luminaries throughout Japan's 20th Century. Ranging from the father of the Japanese short story, Akutagawa Ryuunosuke, to the protest fiction of Kobayashi Takiji! We'll relive their stories, their lives, and appreciate their contribution to both the historical and modern world of letters!

Japanese trains - are they the best in the world?

Saturday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: Robert von Oliva (naruciakk)
Description: One of the things that gives rise to positive associations with Japan is the country's well-working public transport system. But what principle does it operate on? Why is Japan a country with such extensive use of these modes of transport? What makes this system unique and what difficulties have the engineers, workers, managers?

Just Dance Free Play

Friday 20:00 - 22:00 Presenter: Monsterhaul
Description: Celebrate 15 years of Just Dance and the release of Just Dance 2025 with two hours of free play! Go for a high score or just dance for fun. Hosted by Eternyx Superstar: Jack Rose

Karaoke

Friday 20:00 - 00:00 / Saturday 20:30 - 00:30 / Sunday 20:00 - 00:00 Presenter: calaldees & Shish
Description: Running across all 3 evenings, join our karaoke hosts calaldees and Shish for karaoke featuring songs from anime, videogames, movies and more. Use the KareKare webapp to reserve your song in the queue, then rock out with your friends!

King Dice's Charity Bingo!

Friday 18:30 - 19:30 Presenter: Kaleido/King Dice
Description: As a member of casion debauchery, of course King Dice tries to turn Hotarucon to a full casino...however gambling laws, the devil and Charlie's glare made sure he couldn't get away with it so this will have to do. £1 per ticket, all proceeds go to charity and you can win some fabulous sweets/prizes/attempts at humour (needs to check the budget...) - nothing fancy, turn up, play bingo and see how Chris and Sarah can try and figure out 90 anime prompts....

Kpop Random Play Dance!

Sunday 17:00 - 18:00 Presenter: Sara
Description: Join us for the ultimate K-pop Random Play Dance session, where fans can show off their moves and test their knowledge of the hottest K-pop choreography! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a casual fan, this event is all about having fun and celebrating your love for K-pop. We'll play random snippets of iconic K-pop songs, and it's your job to jump in and dance along to as many routines as you can. Don't worry if you don't know every step - just bring your energy and enthusiasm. Grab your friends, meet fellow K-pop stans, and let's dance the night away!

Kristylae's Video Game Quiz: Colosseum

Friday 15:30 - 17:00 Presenter: Kristylae
Description: Join your fellows as you test your knowledge of video games. From FPS greats like Half Life 2 to old retro wonders such as Legend of Zelda. And maybe even some random games that you'll have to stop and think about. So come have fun, and compete for wonderful prizes.

Let's Laugh at Anime Dubs

Friday 20:15 - 21:15 Presenter: Cosp_Lain
Description: A showcase of the funniest, strangest and worst that anime dubs have to offer!

Madlibs Manga

Saturday 11:45 - 13:15 Presenter: swampsloth
Description: Attention! Artists and writers needed to create Shonen Jumps next big thing!
Madlibs Manga is a three round adventure and a half. As a team the whole room is going to make a manga in an hour and half. We will fill in the story blanks and character descriptions as in the iconic phrasal template game Madlibs, design the characters and create a couple pages of the story as a team, leaving us with a manga which will be revealed at the Hotarucon Closing Ceremony!

Masquerade Cosplay Showcase

Saturday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: A convention staple, it’s the MASQUERADE! Cosplayers take to the stage showing off their costumes; all levels and styles are welcomed and enjoyed! Come show your support, grab some awesome photo opps and see some amazing characters brought to life.

Masquerade Green Room

Saturday 16:15 - 18:15 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Mandatory for all masqueraders! Join us in the Masquerade Green Room where you can securely store your bags while enjoying complimentary water and snacks. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize with fellow participants, and prepare for your moment in the spotlight before the main event!

Masquerade Rehearsal/Firefly Tech Check

Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Mandatory rehearsals for both the Masquerade and the Firefly Lounge. This will run through from the Masquerade and into the Firefly Lounge so if you are only participating in one or the other you do not need to remain for the entire rehearsal. Please arrive for the briefing and health & safety talk at the start, and after this you’ll be given a timing scale for how each rehearsal section will run.

Meeting the Mascots: A Showdown of Japan's Sweetest, Most Surreal Mascots

Friday 22:30 - 23:30 Presenter: Kinoko-tan
Description: It's Hotarucon 3 and the stage is set for the cuddliest clash of the century!!! We welcome you to take your seats and join us in getting to know the cute, cool and ... mascots that have made their mark in Japan.
From the combative Chiitan, to Agguretsuko (the girl who puts the grrrr in grrrrlboss!!), to jumping pears and more, get familiar with your favourite cuddly friend and be ready to cheer them on, as they go head-to-head in a showdown to decide the sweetest, strongest mascot of them all~!!

Name that Tune

Friday 14:00 - 15:30 Presenter: RobotJellyfish
Description: The classic game of 'I know this song!...' returns. I promise new songs, I don't promise less of a challenge.

On your marks, Get set, Cosplay!

Saturday 14:30 - 15:30 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: Words pulled from a hat create your prompt...random items (some may call it junk) are your materials. From there you have a time limit to use the items provided and your own imagination, and a member of your team as a model to create your cosplay. The loudest cheer at the closing ceremony wins!

On your marks, Get set, Draw!

Friday 13:15 - 14:15 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: A list of words...random words...pulled from a hat to create your prompt, from there you have a time limit to draw your own creation using these prompt words and the HotaruCon mascots to inspire your creation. Paper and pencils will be available but feel free to bring your own materials. The loudest cheer at the Closing Ceremony wins!

Opening Ceremony

Friday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description: The official opening of HotaruCon. Come meet the committee and hear about some of the amazing things we have planned for the weekend along with important announcements you won’t want to miss.

Party 1.5

Friday 22:00 - 23:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
Description:

Party 2

Friday 23:00 - 01:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
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Party 3

Saturday 21:00 - 23:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
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Party 4

Saturday 23:00 - 01:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
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Party 5

Sunday 21:00 - 23:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
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Party 6

Sunday 23:00 - 01:00 Presenter: HotaruCon
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POC Representation In Cosplay

Saturday 13:30 - 14:30 Presenter: Cerise_Queen
Description: We all love to cosplay and to represent our community but what happens when there is issues such as racism and other issues in the cosplay community? In this panel I will talk about POC representation in Cosplay and the experiences of being a POC cosplayer, including ways we can all make the cosplay community better! <3

Quixar

Friday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: QueersForFears
Description: In this instalment of the Quizneyland series, we'll be focussing on Pixar specifically, the little 3D animation studio that could! Test your know-how through a bevy of rounds to win fabulous prizes. Or don't, I'm not your dad.

Radio Taisou: Japanese Radio Calisthenics

Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: melikkuma
Description: 1-2-3-4! Let's try Japaness radio calisthenics! Radio Taisou is gentle aerobics and stretching, done seated or standing, for those post-con-crunch aches and to get you energised for the day. All abilities welcome!
There's even a prize if you attend BOTH days!

Radio Taisou: Japanese Radio Calisthenics 2

Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: melikkuma
Description: 1-2-3-4! Let's try Japanese radio calisthenics! Radio Taisou is gentle aerobics and stretching, done seated or standing, for those post-con-crunch aches and to get you energised for the day. All abilities welcome!
There's even a prize for attending both days!

So you want to be a Pokemon Master?

Sunday 11:15 - 13:15 Presenter: Gaz
Description: Do you want to be the very best, like no one ever was (in trivia)?
Come along to the Pokemon Quiz.
Test your Pokemon knowledge against the other teams to become the Champion Team!

So You Want To Write a TTRPG Plot?

Saturday 17:30 - 19:00 Presenter: Kyrie
Description: Following last year's panel on picking the right Tabletop RPG system for you, Kyrie returns with a talk on getting a story together for your games. From generating ideas to pacing to set-pieces, with lots of examples drawn from two decades of TTRPG trial and error (and error, and error, and error, and-...)

Sword Art Online: Anime's Unending Civil War

Saturday 22:15 - 23:15 Presenter: Muri Sensei
Description: Why do the critics hate it with a passion? Why do the fans love it to bits? Why doesn't there seem to be *anybody* with a middling opinion of this anime? How did an anime so highly touted become the target of such heated debate, and - despite all the criticism - how did it come to sit amongst the most popular anime ever made? Despite it first airing more than a decade ago, why are they *still* talking about it and are we ever going to hear the end of it?!
Muri Sensei has answers. Join him as he takes a deep dive into the world of SAO to explain just what all the fuss is about, and why this franchise might be more than a little bit terrifying!
(This panel contains spoilers for - and content warnings matching - all of the story arcs covered in the animated series)

The Anime Pub Quiz

Saturday 13:00 - 14:30 Presenter: Niffer
Description: Do you know your Jojos from your quintuplets? Have you seen every Ghibli under the sun? Or just want to have a fun time? Take part in the all ages anime pub quiz! Team up with your friends or random fans to answer questions about anime and win prizes from Japan!

The Best Worst Anime

Sunday 15:00 - 16:00 Presenter: Luluko
Description: Some anime are good, some anime are bad, and then there are those special few that are so unbelievably bad that they end up becoming good. Join Luluko as she takes you through terrible animation, atrocious voice acting and nonsensical plots to find the very best of the worst anime has to offer.

The City of Nerds Overtaken by Normies - how the internet has destroyed Akihabara

Friday 21:15 - 22:15 Presenter: Shippo
Description: Bright neon lights, cute maids, tons of figures and anime merch - there are many things you could associate with Akihabara. After all, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations for a reason.
But why so many people in Japan dislike this city and the changes it went through over the last decades? Let's talk about what Akiba was, what it is right now, and what it will probably become in the future!

The Depths of Visual Novel Insanity - A Love Story

Friday 14:30 - 16:00 Presenter: Nert
Description: Visual Novels are a wonderful medium, but few have the time or spoons to invest in playing them! Some gems need to be shared, and some are so incredibly messed up that they need to be.. inflicted. So join Nert on the completely normal and not at all traumatic rollercoaster ride of YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story

The Jester Judgement

Friday 12:00 - 13:00 Presenter: Pepper
Description: Join me to discuss clown and jester characters from a variety of anime, games, and other media and judge them on their clown credentials. Who has really nailed the aesthetic? Who is the funniest? Who doesn't deserve to call themself a clown?

The Return of the 69p Budget UK Quiz Show Quiz!

Saturday 11:15 - 12:45 Presenter: Kaleido Chris
Description: Chris returns with his basic tech to incorporate rounds of classic quiz shows such as Jeopardy, Pointless and Tenable, but adding/changing rounds with Family Fortunes and Blind Date being added to the mix. How can these work in a pub quiz format? No idea, but a way will be found. And it's fun.

The Slightly Less Basics of DJing

Saturday 13:45 - 14:45 Presenter: The Raggedyman
Description: We got you playing your first set, and now we're going to get you polishing up your skills. Covering set preparation, track selection, mixing techniques, audience requests, what to do when it all goes wrong, and other things that you can start worrying about once you've stopped worrying about playing one track after another. Experienced DJs are welcome to throw in their tricks, tips, and stories of it all going wrong.

The Snackdown 2

Saturday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: monsterhaul
Description: The Snackdown is back. But this time it's bigger, better and WEIRDER! Join your favourite triangle demon as we try wacky and yummy snacks from Japan and decide which is the best!

The Studio That Made Evangelion - Appreciating GAINAX

Saturday 12:30 - 13:45 Presenter: Melody
Description: From sword-flying bunny girls to killer maids, from small-scale stories about growing up to giant robots throwing galaxies around like frisbees, GAINAX was a powerhouse of a studio that released many shows that would define the anime landscape for years to come. So, come join us as we take a trip down GAINAX's golden years, from its most well-known works to those that slipped under the radar of your average anime fan!

The Three Minutes Presentation Challenge

Friday 13:15 - 15:15 Presenter: Raggedyman
Description: Get your learning shoes on, because you are about to see ten phenomenal presenters give ten tantalizing talks about ten scintillating subjects within the tricky time limit, all for the chance to win one of the highest accolades known to humankind. Warning: may contain illiteration.
The Three Minutes Presentation Challenge is calling YOU! Are you ready to give a talk for three minutes on any topic you find interesting? Would you like the chance to win a CUPCAKE OF GLORY!!!? Then go here to find out more and email [email protected] if you wish to claim your chance to ascend to CupCake Mountain!
We also have some PowerPoint Karaoke available if anyone wants a try at that :-)

The Unofficial HotaruCon 3 Pub Quiz - Festive Edition!!

Saturday 14:45 - 16:45 Presenter: QueersForFears
Description: Ho-ho-ho, It's back! The quick-fire pub quiz where you can compete for fabulous prizes through a variety of geeky trivia, with general ignorance, picture, music, and super special awesome rounds! But seeing as we are close to December, this quiz will have a Yule tinge to it! So come on down and see how much festive big brain energy you got. Or don't, I'm not your mum.

The Very Basics Of DJing

Friday 19:45 - 20:45 Presenter: The Raggedyman
Description: Back, once again, it's the 60 minutes guide to playing one track and then another. Basic theory will be discussed and practical experience given.

The Very Basics Of Presentations

Sunday 11:45 - 12:45 Presenter: The Raggedyman
Description: Ever wanted to learn how to put together and run a talk at a convention? The Raggedyman is back to take you through everything needed to get from having something you want to tell everyone about to being up in front of your first audience. Experienced presenters are also welcome to share their hard-fought tips, and maybe even learn some new ones.

The Wonderful Wide Worlds of Interactive Fiction

Saturday 15:15 - 16:15 Presenter: Kristylae
Description: Wanted to read a story that you can control? Or just wondering what an IF is? Join Kristylae as she walks you through the basics of interactive fiction and why she believes you should be reading them. From where to buy them, and what makes them so inclusive. To which ones she recommends. You might even learn how to get started making your own.

Tipping Point

Saturday 20:00 - 21:00 Presenter: Lady Oni, Oni-91
Description: You've seen that quiz show, Tipping Point, right? You probably haven't seen it like this! In this version, everyone on your table plays as a team! Answer our delightfully fiendish questions right to put counters in our arcade machine, but beware! We bought the machine off of the black market, and it might be a liiiiittle bit cursed...

Travel 101: How to Conquer Japan on a Budget

Sunday 11:15 - 12:15 Presenter: celerymoondesigns
Description: Learn the tips and tricks to plan a successful action-packed, cosplay & culture trip to Japan for under Â£1,000.

Turnabout for Teyvat - A Genshin Impact Panel

Friday 20:00 - 21:00 Presenter: Lady Furina and the Court of Fontaine
Description: The court is in session once again at Hotarucon 3!! Venti seems to have got himself in trouble whilst on holiday, and with Neuvillette and Wriothesley *otherwise occupied* Furina takes it upon herself to reinstate her position in the courtroom. Come take part as part of the fabulous jury to ask any and all questions and decide whether or not Venti will be sent to jail in foreign lands!!

Unknown, Cheap, Anime - Game Recs

Sunday 17:30 - 19:30 Presenter: mrowqa
Description: Games? Anime styled? Little known? And cheap at that? Come, listen to war orchestry, admire a bunny girl swinging a giant wrench, and go crazy with gravity! And maybe you want to say something as well?

Wait, What??

Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: Em
Description: The quiz that for some reason is back because people liked it last year. A quiz in which you have to answer questions based on, how people have described the anime, how people have expertly drawn the characters, run songs though a translator so many times it doesn't make sense anymore to name a few rounds.

Warrior Cats AMVs and Chill

Sunday 21:15 - 22:45 Presenter: Jack Shuck
Description: Looking for a quieter and/or furrier party? Come watch some classic warrior cats AMVs, discover new ones, and learn a bit about the fandom and its love for murder cat animations!

Weebs and Crafts

Friday 14:30 - 16:00 Presenter: Frog Hat Man
Description: Time to bring out the egg boxes, beads and pipe cleaners. We will be making lil crafts to bring back the nostalgia of childhood. Stickers and juice will be supplied for attendance. Crafts will be simple so I hope you come along and enjoy!

What is Super Robot Wars?

Friday 18:45 - 19:45 Presenter: Danj
Description: Do you love giant robot anime? Do you love turn-based strategy video games? Buddy, have I got a panel for you! Come along to learn about the Super Robot Wars video game franchise and how you can get into it!

What's my CF? Discover your Chinese Element!

Friday 17:30 - 18:30 Presenter: Chii-ren
Description: Long before Western Medicine, VHS, and Madonna, the Yellow Emperor Huang Di sat down with his advisor, Qi Bo, and asked: â€œyo why these youths keep dying at fifty? I heard the ancients lived to beyond a hundred!
And Qi Bo said unto Huang Di, "they do not know... da wae."
Back then, Huang Di learned the secrets of Five Element Acupuncture and the inner workings of the human body. Today, Acupuncture is making a comeback as an effective treatment for pain, chronic illness, anxiety and much more. Join me, a student of Chinese Medicine, as we learn about Five Element Acupuncture. Discover fun things like your Constitutional Factor (CF), what herbs are best to take for otaku fever, and what it means to be attacked by wind???

Why Canonically Higurashi Would Not Exist Without Incest?

Sunday 16:15 - 17:15 Presenter: soothingMelody
Description: Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni is a visual novel that even 20 years after its initial release still captures the hearts of many otaku. But how can one person write a story that impactful? After looking over many interviews and old message boards, I think its because of... Incest????? Come join me, as I tell you the story of a man who wrote some of the longest and some of the most well received visual novels, as well as go through his most important creative output over the years!

Your Waifu's Real - Parasocial Relationships with Anime Girls

Friday 12:00 - 14:00 Presenter: Shippo
Description: Can you be in a relationship with someone who doesn't exist? Many experiences of fellow weebs prove that it is, in fact, possible!
But why are so many people fascinated with 2D characters, and to what extreme outcomes can it lead to? That's exactly what we're going to talk about on this panel!