Step into a little slice of Japan right in the heart of Pensacola with HizashiCon, a three-day celebration of music, cosplay, and anime that brings sunshine—both literal and figurative—to the fall season. “Hizashi means sunshine, or the feeling of sunshine on your skin,” says Savannah Mikus, Secretary for the Japan America Society of Northwest Florida. “We wanted to capture that eternal Florida summer, even in the fall, through this festival.”
The fun kicks off Halloween night at The Rex Theater, where Vocaloid and Trickle will take to the stage, along with Thai McGrath, Sana Takizawa, and nostraightanswer. “With two artists focused on rock sounds, two artists on electronic, and one more pop, it’s a perfect blend of the different subgenres of Japanese pop music,” Savannah explains. “It’s great for those who may like a specific niche but also would like a sampler of what all Japanese music has to offer.”
Saturday, November 1, is the main convention day at First United Methodist Church with panels, performances, and hands-on events filling the schedule. Cosplayers, anime fans, and newcomers alike can dive into the cosplay contest, idol festival, and J-Fashion show. “Anime conventions are about participation,” Savannah explains. “You’ll see longtime fans who started in the ’90s alongside teens just discovering it. Everyone shares the same excitement. It’s a true multigenerational community.”
The convention also highlights Japanese pop culture through a Maid Café, where attendees enjoy themed performances and interactive table events, and a Guest Hall with voice actors from beloved anime and video games, including Felecia Angelle, Branden Loera, Bryson Baugus, Drew Breedlove, and John Patneaude. Gamers can compete in tournaments, and the expanded Vendor Hall and Artist Alley are full of zines, crafts, and unique collectibles to explore.
When the convention doors close, the celebration continues. Saturday night’s after-hours party at The Handlebar 850 features beats from AZAZUS, Mac Ro, and Sam Sky. Then Sunday, November 2, brings Paws & Pixels at Coastal Cat Café: cosplay, trivia, and time with rescue cats, offering a relaxed and playful close to the weekend. “For nonprofits, putting on events like this can feel impossible without partners like Foo Foo,” Savannah says. “Foo Foo Fest lets us create something accessible, social, and immersive for everyone in the community. It’s a place where people can find their niche, try something new, and connect through art and culture.”
HizashiCon is presented by the Japan America Society of Northwest Florida, an organization dedicated to fostering friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and the U.S. Through programs ranging from traditional festivals like Tanabata and Bon Fest to educational partnerships with the University of West Florida, including tea ceremony demonstrations, language learning, and scholarships, the Society connects the community with both pop and traditional Japanese culture. “Many people get into Japanese culture through pop culture,” Savannah says, “and it’s exciting to see that interest lead to exploring the traditions behind it.”
Tickets for HizashiCon are available at animepensacola.com.