Tsumicon was a convention set up at Alexis Park Resort about 25-30 minutes walking distance from the Las Vegas strip. The event was hosted from March 31st to April 2nd with a wide variety of events during this time frame. Including the setup of a Merchandiser hall for vendors and Artist Alley for self-startup art businesses. The convention is adult themed with an 18+ age range with afterparties which were 21+. What a perfect place to host an event as it’s far enough away from the strip to feel extremely local with the availability of Vegas.
Tsumicon was hosted by Marvin Squarenoodles, Karen Huynh, Kim SenpaiSquad, and David Senpai with numerous vendors who supported the convention such as XPRESS SKINS, Senpai Squad, The Weeb Stop, and Ecchi Gang. An adult themed convention was highly needed due to the fact that hentai-esque iterations are always part of the anime and manga scene. For example, many smaller creators of hentai manga create Doujins which millions of people love to read.
Hentai and Tsumicon
Hentai is a genre of Japanese animated and/or illustrated pornographic material that often features explicit sexual content, including sexual acts between individuals of various genders and sexual orientations, and depictions of fetishes or taboo subjects. The term “hentai” is derived from the Japanese word for “pervert” or “perverted,” and it is typically used to describe sexually explicit anime or manga.
While some hentai content is created and consumed by a small subset of adults in Japan, it has gained a global audience through the internet, with online communities dedicated to sharing and discussing hentai content. However, it’s important to note that hentai is considered pornographic material and is therefore not appropriate for minors.
Some hentai works include stories, often as a framework for the sexual content. These stories can range from simple plotlines that serve as a pretext for sexual encounters to more elaborate narratives that explore themes such as romance, fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Some hentai works are adaptations of existing anime or manga series, while others are original works created specifically for the hentai genre.
While the sexual content is often the main focus of hentai works, the stories can also be complex and well-developed, with character arcs, plot twists, and thematic depth. However, it’s important to note that the explicit sexual content is still the primary reason why most people consume hentai, and not all hentai works prioritize storytelling over sexual content.
Since Tsumicon was an 18+ event there were many iterations and creations of hentai content at the convention. A welcoming scene once you enter the artist alley and merchandiser hall with numerous artworks portraying beloved characters in their ultimate form. With their sexual nature fully available in posters, stickers, body pillows, shirts, decals, and more. There were artworks portraying Sailor Moon characters fully nude or low clothing themed characters including Makima, Power, and even Satoru Gojo.
Cosplay and Tsumicon
As the event known as Tsumicon was an adult themed event it allowed cosplayers from all over the world to attend with their not safe for work cosplays. Some of which included alterations of characters from beloved anime, manga, and video games. However, not all the cosplays were adult themed. As the convention was for the community it allowed everyone from all walks of life to indulge in cosplaying as their favorite characters.
People cosplay for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common motivations include:
- Expressing creativity: Cosplay allows people to express their creativity by designing and creating costumes, props, and accessories inspired by their favorite characters from movies, TV shows, anime, manga, video games, and other media.
- Fandom and community: Cosplay can be a way for fans to connect with each other and share their love for a particular franchise or character. Attending conventions or other events with other cosplayers can create a sense of community and belonging.
- Escapism: Dressing up as a favorite character can be a form of escapism, allowing people to temporarily step out of their everyday lives and embody someone else’s persona.
- Performance: For some cosplayers, the act of cosplaying is a form of performance. They may enjoy embodying the character’s personality, mannerisms, and expressions to create a more immersive experience for themselves and others.
- Photography and social media: Many cosplayers enjoy taking photos of themselves or having their photos taken in costume. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also become popular places for cosplayers to share their work and connect with other fans.
Overall, cosplay can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows people to express themselves creatively, connect with others, and indulge in their favorite fandoms.
Afterparties and Tsumicon
One of the best aspects of Tsumicon included the afterparties with one being hosted at Area 15. The afterparty events were 21+ as alcohol was consumed at the Emporium and the other venues. These events allow the community to party, enjoy music, and socialize in an aspect community members are not originally allowed to do at other conventions. For example, at Anime Expo the event is allowed for all ages with children at the event. This is wonderful as all ages can enjoy anime and manga; however, it doesn’t allow the adult audiences to enjoy themselves fully.
Since Tsumicon afterparties were meant for ages of 21+ it gave the much needed break that other conventions do not. Many different influencers, fans of the genre, and general partygoers were given the ability to take the edge off with some much needed alcohol. It also helps that Las Vegas allows you to openly carry and drink alcohol. There was a lot of enjoyment in the con and the afterparties giving the opportunity to meet with members of the community to socialize, collaborate, or share their recent watches/reads.
Events at Tsumicon
There were numerous events at Tsumicon including, but not limited to:
- Cosplay competition
- Comedy club
- Open mics
- Karaoke
- Pole dancing
- Meeting V Tuber Projekt Melody
- BDSM 101
- Hentai Game Show
- How to shoot Boudoir
- Q&A with porn stars
- Anime dating game
These are just a few of the events listed that happened at Tsumicon panels and in the merchandiser hall. Many of which were very intriguing and enticing for the attendees. Again as the event was an 18+ age range it created an environment for everyone to have some fun in the adult aspects of the community.
Guests at Tsumicon
There were various guests officially and unofficially who attended Tsumicon. Including, but not limited to:
- Projekt Melody
- HanaBunny
- StellaChu
- Sabrina Banks
- Mizzi Mie
- Jenny Belly
- Alyri
- AnnjeLaifu
- K8Sarkissian
- Sneaky
- AriellaDarling
Many of the guests had booths either in the artist alley or the merchandiser hall. Allowing for fans of their content to come and interact with the creators.
Conclusion
Tsumicon was overall a major success as it was able to pull off the 18+ age event which some have tried before. Hopefully, Tsumicon will be revived for next year as everyone who attended enjoyed their time very much during the convention. Lines were managed well throughout the event including fully loaded panels and the dealer halls. The guests were provided for everyone to meet and greet at booths which were available for everyone.
The afterparties for the event were also a major success with many con-goers enjoying them. A stark change compared to hotel parties at other conventions. For example, the afterparties had full bars, live entertainment, arcades, and much more you may never find in a hotel party. Hopefully the convention will continue their plans of having a yearly event giving everyone the opportunity to share their content, creations, and merchandise yearly.