What is Tsukicon?
Tsukicon is our Ohio anime convention. A larger-scale celebration of anime, cosplay, and otaku culture from the team behind IZAKAYA.
If IZAKAYA is the neon-lit restaurant and bar where you come for Korean corn dogs, cocktails, mocktails, rice bowls, and anime-inspired energy, Tsukicon is what happens when that community goes big: a full anime convention bringing together cosplay, vendors, panels, guests, and fans from across the region. Same people, same love of the culture, scaled up to convention size.
While Tsukicon is the full anime convention, KYOSAI is the part of the weekend focused on music, performance, outdoor energy, and festival-style programming. Brought to you by the ISEKAIYA team.
The relationship between IZAKAYA, ISEKAIYA, and Tsukicon
IZAKAYA is our anime-themed restaurant and bar in Beavercreek, Ohio, located at The Mall at Fairfield Commons near Dayton. It is where many people first find our community through food, drinks, trivia, karaoke, cosplay nights, anime events, and themed gatherings. ISEKAIYA grew from that same community as the after-dark side of the world: anime-themed raves, DJ nights, cosplay-friendly nightlife, and immersive events for the 18+ and 21+ crowd.
Tsukicon is the next step.
Instead of one night inside a restaurant or bar, Tsukicon expands that same community into a full convention weekend with vendors, artists, panels, performers, cosplay, music, fan programming, and large-scale experiences across downtown Dayton.
In simple terms:
IZAKAYA is the anchor.
ISEKAIYA is the nightlife and culture layer.
Tsukicon is the convention.
KYOSAI is the music and festival expression inside the Tsukicon world.
They are connected, but they are not all the same thing.
Tsukicon takes over downtown Dayton October 16–18, 2026. Three days of cosplay, artists, vendors, panels, and KYOSAI music. Passes are live now.
What kind of convention is Tsukicon?
Tsukicon is an anime convention built around anime, cosplay, music, artists, vendors, performances, and fan culture.
Guests can expect a mix of traditional anime convention programming and experiences that reflect the world Tsukicon grew from: cosplay-friendly spaces, creative community events, music, nightlife, themed programming, and a strong sense of place in Dayton.
Tsukicon is being built for anime fans, cosplayers, artists, collectors, gamers, performers, music fans, and people who want a convention that feels expressive, welcoming, and alive.
Depending on the schedule, Tsukicon may include:
- Artist Alley
- Vendor Hall
- Cosplay programming
- Panels and workshops
- Performances
- Music events
- Theater events
- Community meetups
- Itasha and car displays
- Fan experiences
- Photo opportunities
- Special guests
- Outdoor programming
- After-dark events
- KYOSAI music and festival programming
Tsukicon is not just a single event on the IZAKAYA calendar. It is a full convention experience.
Good to Know
- When is Tsukicon?
Tsukicon takes place October 16–18, 2026. The convention is planned as a full weekend experience in downtown Dayton, with programming across multiple connected venues.
- Where does Tsukicon happen?
Tsukicon takes place in downtown Dayton, Ohio. The main convention experience is centered around the Dayton Convention Center, with additional programming connected to nearby venues including Dayton Vitality Hotel and Levitt Pavilion.
- Why are Tsukicon tickets on the IZAKAYA website?
You may be seeing Tsukicon tickets or Tsukicon-related events on the IZAKAYA website because Tsukicon comes from the same team and community behind IZAKAYA and ISEKAIYA.
- What is KYOSAI?
KYOSAI is the music and festival side of Tsukicon. While Tsukicon is the full anime convention, KYOSAI is the part of the weekend focused on music, performance, outdoor energy, and festival-style programming.
- Is KYOSAI the same as ISEKAIYA?
No. ISEKAIYA is the anime nightlife and culture brand that grew from IZAKAYA. They share some creative DNA: music, atmosphere, cosplay, nightlife, and immersive event design. But KYOSAI is part of Tsukicon, while ISEKAIYA is its own event and nightlife brand.
- Is Tsukicon only for anime fans?
Tsukicon is built around anime and fan culture, but you do not need to know every reference to enjoy it.
- Do you have to cosplay at Tsukicon?
No. Cosplay is encouraged, but never required. Many guests will come in cosplay, character-inspired outfits, J-fashion, anime merch, streetwear, or themed looks. Others will come in normal clothes and simply enjoy the convention.
- Will Tsukicon have vendors and artists?
Yes. Tsukicon includes space for vendors, artists, exhibitors, and creators. The convention is designed to support both fan culture and creative small businesses through vendor halls, artist spaces, and community-driven marketplace experiences.
- Will Tsukicon have panels and programming?
Yes. Programming may include fan panels, workshops, cultural presentations, cosplay discussions, industry-style talks, performances, screenings, community events, and interactive sessions.
- Will Tsukicon have cosplay events?
Yes. The convention is designed to welcome cosplayers of different experience levels, from first-time cosplayers to experienced builders, performers, photographers, and character artists.
- Is Tsukicon family-friendly?
Tsukicon is an anime convention with programming for a broad range of guests, but individual events may have their own age policies. Guests should always check the specific event listing, schedule, and ticket details before attending.
- What makes Tsukicon different?
Tsukicon is being built from a real local community, not dropped into Dayton from the outside. It grows out of the same world that created IZAKAYA and ISEKAIYA: anime, cosplay, music, food, nightlife, creativity, and community. That gives Tsukicon a different kind of identity.
- How do I buy Tsukicon tickets?
Tsukicon tickets are listed on the IZAKAYA website, you can use the event or ticket link provided there. You can also grab them on the official Tsukicon website. You should always check the official ticket listing for the most current information, including ticket types, dates, age policies, venue details, refund policies, and schedule updates.
- How do I apply as an artist, vendor, panelist, performer, or staff?
Application details, deadlines, rules, and requirements will be posted through official Tsukicon channels and event pages.