Pop Culture Jeopardy By PopCult Gameshows
10:00 AM, Panel Room #1

The classic game show Jeopardy is here with a Pop Culture edition for PopCult Anime Con 2023! Three contestants test their geek knowledge to be crowned this year’s champion. Twelve categories and a Final Jeopardy question are all that stand between the players and glory!

Convention Survival Guide By KittyMonk
10:00 AM, Panel Room #2

Come and learn the ins and outs of attending conventions, and how to have a fun and safe time!

Intro to Ball-Jointed Dolls By Ace & Arrow
10:00 AM, Panel Room #4 (The Doll House)

Introduction to the ball-jointed doll hobby through Arrow and Ace’s experiences! We will share stories of our beginnings and early interest in the BJD hobby.

Donut Making Craft By Weeb Palace
10:00 AM, Workshop Room

Come get crafty and make your own animal donut keychain, inspired by the cute “doubutsu doonatsu” made in Japan! Materials fee: $3 in exact cash, Venmo, or Paypal.

Shopping for your First Doll (Or Second… or Third!) By Ace & Arrow
11:00 AM, Panel Room #4 (The Doll House)

A presentation on all the things you’ll want to know when buying a doll, including safe shops, drop shipping, etc. There will be a Q&A at the end for all your questions!

Cosplay Competition 101 By HS Cosplay
11:15 AM, Panel Room #1

 Want to dive into the world of competitive cosplay? Join Hatake and Sahara as they walk you through all the different types of competition and what you should know about them. Learn tips and tricks for getting ready for competition as well as helpful transport advice.

LeetStreet Boys Retrospective By Matt Myers
11:15 AM, Panel Room #2

In 2008, otaku band LeetStreet Boys released the song and video “Yuri The Only One” which became one of the most popular animated videos in the world for that year. The band went on to record 3 albums, perform live concerts at numerous anime conventions across North America, and reach international attention in the media. Through his unlikely story, Matt will share personal experiences and life lessons from LeetStreet Boys, answer questions from fans and newcomers, and hopefully help inspire today’s budding creatives to follow their otaku dreams from Waltham to the stars.

Isekai: The Best and the Worst of Anime By Weeb Palace
11:15 AM, Panel Room #3

In this panel we will do a dive into the world of Isekai, and why it is that genre is so dividing. This panel will do a deep dive into several Isekai animes in order to discuss what makes a good Isekai, versus what gives Isekai such a bad name.

Traveling to Japan! By Susume Paradise
11:15 AM, Workshop Room

As anime fans, many of us dream of traveling to Japan! Learn some travel tips and money saving advice. Hear some funny travel stories and share some of your own. We’ll cover different ways to enjoy Japan ranging from historical landmarks to anime pilgrimages!

Isekai Anime Openings that Slap! By Weeb Palace
12:30 PM, Panel Room #1

Come join us as we sing, dance, and enjoy the best of the best opening themes from Isekai anime!

Armor: How to Make and Move By HS Cosplay
12:30 PM, Panel Room #2

This panel looks at the many different material options and techniques for making armor. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of each of these materials and techniques.

Voca-History: A Deep Dive Into the History of Vocaloid and Its Fandom By MetaM0re
12:30 PM, Panel Room #3

Do you love Hatsune Miku? Of course you do, everyone does. But where did she get her start? What exactly IS Vocaloid? Beginning nearly two decades before the days of the now super popular Project Sekai, this panel turns the clock back and takes you on a journey through the history of Vocaloid and its fandom, from humble beginnings as a software for music producers developed in 2000, to the glorious (some would say, chaotic) days of 2010s Youtube and Nico Nico Douga, where many now-iconic songs were born, to the massive multi-media franchise it is today. Hosted by Birdie of Metam0re (a Boston-based Vocaloid cosplay and dance duo) who is a veteran Vocaloid fan since the early days of the fandom in 2008, we’ll take a walk down Vocaloid memory lane to classic topics like who was the very first Vocaloid (spoiler alert, it isn’t Miku), Miku Miku Dance (MMD), fanmade Vocaloids, UTAU, classic songs and videos, the origin of the “Len always dies” meme, and more! All are welcome, whether you are a new fan just getting started, or you know every word to World is Mine and Luka Luka Night Fever.

Iron Cosplay? More Like Paper Cosplay! By Emperor Kuzco
12:30 PM, Workshop Room

Con crunch is real, a real pain in the neck. How about a ten minute con crunch to build your cosplay? Gather in groups and build some costumes out of… office supplies? Coming back for a second year in a row, let’s not forget our hats and have to build a new one!

The Doll House: Open Room By Ace & Arrow
1:00 PM, Panel Room #4 (The Doll House)

Free time for BJD fans to meet, chat and play! Visit our premade sets with your cameras and dolls. This could also be a casual doll swap should anyone be interested in bringing any unwanted accessories.

Thrifty Cosplay – Cosplaying on a Budget By Misa On Wheels*
1:45 PM, Panel Room #1

This panel will explore tips and tricks to cosplaying on a budget. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to have an amazing cosplay!

Big Stage Presence: A Plus Size Cosplayer’s Guide to Being An Idol! By Zede of Kirameku Melody
1:45 PM, Panel Room #2

A panel for plus size cosplayers who want to explore the world of idols and need to know where to start. From costuming, to confidence, to taking the stage – plus size idol Zede is here to help!

K-Pop 101: From Seo Taiji and Boys to NewJeans By Madi Hyde
1:45 PM, Panel Room #3

Join music industry professional Madi as they dive into all four generations of K-Pop, starting with its inception in the early 90s. Get hip with the lingo, the fashion, the global relevance, and the incredible fan communities the movement has created.

Life Advice with Tamaki and Kyoya By Skele Cos
1:45 PM, Workshop Room

What better place to get advice on all of life’s challenges than the Ouran High School Host Club! Tamaki and Kyoya are here to answer your questions and give their (somewhat) expert advice on your issues. Have something on your mind causing anxiety? Well don’t fret! Mommy and Daddy are here to solve all of your problems! (Disclaimer: Kyoya cannot be held responsible for any questionable advice given by Tamaki.)

How Cosplay Ruined My Life By HS Cosplay
3:00 PM, Panel Room #1

This is a satirical panel that looks at what it is like to be a competitive cosplayer and what we wish we knew before we started. Learn about some of our greatest mistakes, hilarious situations, dumb injuries, and how we overcame it all.

Con Cringe: A Trip Down Memory Lane By BlondieSundae
3:00 PM, Panel Room #2

In this panel we will go over all the old and cringey parts of anime cons that no longer exist and why: for example, glomping and yaoi paddles. Come and share your stories of con cringe!

Exploring Old Anime Magazines By Kennedy
3:00 PM, Panel Room #3

Ever want to get a sense for what the anime industry or the landscape of anime fan culture was like at any given time? In this panel, we’ll be exploring the world of anime fandom from yesteryear through old anime magazines.

The Reality of Cosplay Idols By ZeroKuu
3:00 PM, Workshop Room

Have you ever wanted to be a cosplay idol? If so, you must know what kind of effort goes into it! I am a leader of a Cosplay Idol group and this panel is to show you the reality of being an idol and that it’s not as easy as it seems.

Dolls Inspired by Media By Ace & Arrow
4:00 PM Panel Room #4 (The Doll House)

A group discussion about BJD inspired by media. We want you involved, so come prepared to share dolls you have of your favorite characters or pictures of character dolls you think are cool! We will have a computer ready for google searching – you only need to come with ideas!

2 Good 2 Bad (Good Scene Gone Bad II) By Raul
4:15 PM, Panel Room #2

IT’S BACK! Good Scene Gone Bad makes its return to PopCult with all of the weird and “wait… what?” moments that pop culture has given us. Now partially hydrogenated!

If You Like That…. Then You May Like THIS! By Susume Paradise
4:15 PM, Panel Room #3

Anime recommendations with a twist! Are you an old-school anime fan who can’t find any good modern anime? Or a fresh-faced anime fan who is overwhelmed with the amount of older anime to choose from? We’ll be comparing classics to new hits to help fans find a new anime to start watching!

Kitsune Metal & Jyuu Meet & Greet By Kitsune Metal & Jyuu
4:15 PM, Workshop Room

Do you like idols? Do you want to get to meet and know them on a more personal level? This collaborative meet and greet panel is for you! Kitsune Metal and JYUU will be hosting a Q&A and providing goodies like cheki photos! Come stop by and see upcoming idols in action!

25 Words Or Less By PopCult Gameshows
5:00 PM, Panel Room #1

Two participants go head to head with two members of the Game Show Department, to try to get their teammates to guess the words they are trying to describe in 25 words or less!

Lolita 101: A Crash Course By Vic @theevelingcosplay
5:30 PM, Panel Room #2

Are you interested in lolita fashion but afraid to ask? Do you think of lolita fashion as too expensive? Let’s learn about the origins of lolita and how to keep it from breaking the bank. Join us for a fun and interactive panel!

Composing Music For Games By Matt Myers
5:30 PM, Panel Room #3

Matt Myers (aka LeetMusic) is a prolific professional music composer, with more than a decade of experience working for video game developers and publishers worldwide. He considers Japanese composers Nobuo Uematsu and Yoko Kanno some of his largest influences, and he is especially passionate about vocal pop / theme music in games. In this panel, Matt will showcase some of his favorite and most memorable music compositions, talk about the projects and their challenges, and introduce interested musicians to the tools and tricks of the trade.

Design a Button Workshop! By FlukeofFate
5:30 PM, Workshop Room

Create a button for your personal itabag! Everyone gets a blank button, while supplies last!

Tier Rank: Chuck Tingle (18+ ) By PopCult Gameshows
6:30 PM, Panel Room #1

The Tingle Verse finally comes to PopCult Anime Con 2023! We’re all familiar with the popular ranking charts that rank anything from who the supreme waifu is to which Adam Sandler outfit is the best. Contestants will show their true love for the Tingle verse by ranking which Chuck Tingle book is the best. Many laughs will ensue and the winner will get a special *spicy* prize at the end.

Um, Actually PopCult Edition By AlmightyBobino
6:45 PM, Panel Room #2

From All Might to Zangetsu, PopCult Nerds love lots of things. But there’s one thing they love above all else and that’s correcting people. This is Um, Actually – the game show where you get to flex your Pop Culture knowledge while correcting the host!

Guess That Obscure Anime! By Deer Princess Cosplay
6:45 PM, Panel Room #3

Are you a niche anime expert? Do you remember that one series from 2006 that no one talks about anymore? Are you constantly recommending underrated gems to your friends? Join niche anime lover Deer Princess Cosplay in this competition all about being able to identify what obscure anime is in that AMV. Come flex your niche anime knowledge!

YouTube Gaming & Content Creation By DragonoidGaming
6:45 PM, Workshop Room

Have you ever wondered what equipment your favorite YouTuber/YouTuber/Twitch Streamer/VTuber uses? In this panel, we’ll break everything down in specific details, even some things that a lot of content creators keep a secret! But wait– hold up! There’s more! At the end of the panel, two members of the audience will be chosen to play a fighting game, and the victor will win a super-secret prize!

Hentai Wheel of Fortune (18+) By PopCult Gameshow Staff
7:00 PM, Panel Room #1

Like Wheel of Fortune? Like Hentai? Then come compete in a combination of the two.

There’s a Live Action Version?! An Intro to Anime Musicals By Rumio
8:00 PM, Panel Room #2

Have you ever been browsing the fan wiki for your favorite anime series and come across what looked like elaborate cosplay pictures, only to find that they were actually from an official stage play adaptation? Come find out what the deal is with the genre known as “2.5D musicals,” where we aim to answer questions like “What is this?,” “Why is this?,” and “Sounds cool; now how can I watch?”

A Little Spice (18+) By Ace & Arrow
8:00 PM, Panel Room #4 (The Doll House)

Did you know some dolls come with ‘extra parts?’ Let’s have a chat about the secrets some BJDs hide, funny 18+ aspects of the hobby, and which dolls and brands are targets for spice.

More More Jump at Popcult! By Our Sekai
8:00 PM, Workshop Room

Your favorite Project Sekai Idols are coming to Popcult! Enjoy your favorite songs, and skits from your favorite characters, and try your hand at winning prizes!

Disney Jeopardy By PopCult Gameshows
8:15 PM, Panel Room #1

Test your Disney knowledge with this year’s Disney Jeopardy game.

Kamigami no Asobi: God Dating Sim By Slime Enigma
8:15 PM, Panel Room #2

Have you ever wanted to date a god? Well you’re in luck! Kamigami no Asobi is a dating sim where all the characters are based off of gods from real world mythology. Come and see what it’s about, where to play it, and this may become your newest obsession!

Impressionism (18+) By Zayne Belladonna
9:15 PM, Panel Room #2

Welcome to Impressionism, the game show where you have to give your best impression of the provided prompts on screen. Three rounds will be in the game and three chosen players from the audience will be given points based on their performance! The person with the highest score will be crowned the Impression King for the weekend and prizes will be provided by the host!

Let’s Rank Anime Openings By Super FanCom Podcast
9:30 PM, Panel Room #1

Spy x Family, Assassination Classroom, Death Note, Blood Lad–how would these openings rank? You tell me! We’ll listen to over 20 different anime themes and figure out what are the best and which are a pass!

Blanket Fort Building By Hemlock Inyx
10:00 PM, Eden Vale Lobby Overwalk

Grab your favorite pillow, it’s time to build a blanket fort with PCAC Con Chair Hemlock Inyx! Design it big or keep it small, lock it with a secret password or open it to all. This is a workshop where you’ll make new friends and some of your favorite con memories.

MS Paint Shenanigans: Takeover Popcult II (18+) By iadontknow
10:30 PM, Panel Room #2

Join in for 60 minutes of bad MS Paint art of your favorite (or most hated) anime characters. You draw the characters and we try to figure out who it is. Points and prizes to anyone who participates (Spoiler: the points don’t matter). Warning: images drawn may ruin eyes and destroy innocence. This panel is not responsible for damages. All-Ages version Friday night, 18+ version Saturday night!

PopCult Jam Band! By Danni Venus
10:30 PM, Workshop Room

In this workshop, anime/videogame nerdy musicians of all levels are welcome! We have compiled a long list of music from various fandoms and transcribed them into readable sheet music. Come join as we read the sheet music & play the songs together!

Yaoi Mad Libs (18+) By Darien Jay
10:45 PM, Panel Room #1

Tropes, and prizes, and ___, oh MY! It’s your favorite party game with a fresh new BL twist. This audience participation focused panel invites you along for the laughs, and one ___ of a time! Yaoi Mad Libs features manga cap fill-ins, original mad libs written by our panelists, as well as a few mini games. With your help, we can hope to fill in the rest!