Spotlight on This Year’s Headline Guests

Below are eight of the most talked‑about names announced so far and why they're a big deal. Expect autograph sessions, Q&A panels, and (for musical acts) live concerts included with a weekend badge.

• Hiroshi Kamiya (Japan, Seiyū) The award‑winning voice behind Levi in Attack on Titan, Trafalgar Law in One Piece, and Yato in Noragami makes a rare U.S. convention appearance. In "TOUGEN ANKI," set to premiere in July 2025, Kamiya will play Naito Mudano.

• Koutaro Nishiyama (Japan, Seiyū) 2018 Seiyū Awards “Best New Actor,” known for Kentarō Momose (My New Boss Is Goofy) and Ryūichi Kashima (School Babysitters). He’ll discuss his dual career as a singer and voice actor. He has appeared

Why Otakon 2025 Matters

Otakon’s steady growth reflects anime’s mainstream ascent in the U.S., and 2025’s guest roster underscores that trend. Bringing together industry legends like Hiroshi Kamiya and fresh talents such as Sayumi Suzushiro alongside global performers like MindaRyn and BABYBEARD, the convention continues to bridge East and West fandoms.

Whether you’re there for premieres, panels, concerts, or a weekend marathon of cosplay and karaoke, Otakon 2025 promises another unforgettable summer in the nation’s capital. Check otakon.com and social feeds for rolling guest additions—and start polishing that armor or sewing those wig fibers now.

Getting In & Getting Around

Otakon 2025 will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, conveniently located in the heart of DC. The venue is easily accessible via Metro, bus, and rideshare services. For those driving, parking options are available nearby, but early arrival is recommended due to high demand.

• Badges: Early‑bird weekend memberships start at $75 and rise in tiers until on‑site registration ($105).
• Location: The Walter E. Washington Convention Center sits atop the Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St‑Convention Center Metro stop (Green & Yellow Lines) and a short walk from multiple hotels and restaurants.
• Hotels: The Otakon block opens each fall; nearby rooms sell out quickly, so book early.
• Transportation: The convention center is a short walk from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop (Red Line) and easily accessible by bus or rideshare.
• Food: DC’s Chinatown and CityCenterDC are within a five‑minute walk—plenty of late‑night ramen, bubble tea, and food‑truck options.
• Cosplay Photos: Take advantage of the glass‑walled atrium and the Carnegie Library lawn across 9th Street for natural light shoots.

Why Otakon Still Matters

Otakon’s volunteer DNA keeps badge prices comparatively low while nurturing a community‑first vibe that mega‑corporate cons struggle to replicate. Its move to the nation’s capital unlocked bigger venues, international airlift, and a pipeline of marquee guests—yet the con still celebrates the grass‑roots panelist, the garage AMV editor, and the cosplayer debuting hand‑stitched armor at 2 a.m. In a crowded convention calendar, that balance of scale and soul is what keeps fans returning—and records falling—year after year.