On the 11th of February it’s finally time for the eight edition of YaYCon, their theme this year: Let’s Get Physical. As always YaYCon can only be attended by people age 16 and up. It takes place at Icoontheater in Amersfoort.
YaYCon stands for Yaoi and Yuri Convention, which means there is a focus on yaoi, yuri and LGTBQIA+. Although their organisation is solely responsible for me getting a certain song stuck in my head, I think the theme ‘Let’s Get Physical’ is very fitting. They’ve integrated the theme into the activities and it fits well with the general interest a lot of people seem to have in sports anime and shipping the (mostly male) characters from these anime together.
The last edition took place in February as well, around Valentine’s Day. With YaYCon only a few weeks away it’s time for a list of 10 things you shouldn’t allow yourself to miss at YaYCon 2018!
1. Guest of Honor: Wendigo
This edition of YaYCon has a special guest in store for all of its visitors, Wendigo. He’s a digital artist from Italy who works as a comic artist for Yaoi Revolution and has experience as both a cover artist and a costume designer. He is currently drawing ‘Outwards’ third issue.
Wendigo will do a Q&A and will be present in the dealer room at YaYCon. Aside from Wendigo there are several other guests you might be interested in as well.
2. Workshop: Make-up Workshop
Linah Wijngaarde of Eleguent will provide the visitors of YaYCon 2018 with a make-up demo and workshop full of useful tips and tricks for crossplay transformations. She’ll also be answering questions concerning makeup, products and more. To fit in with the sports theme and the colourfulness of YaYCon her workshop will be colourful and focussed on the 80’s.
Are you a cosplayer or just generally interested in make-up? Be sure to take part in this workshop!
3. Workshop: Burlesque Workshop
A workshop that jumped out at me, the Burlesque workshop by Madame Risquée. This is definitely not a workshop you find at any anime convention. It’s being presented as a fun-filled burlesque workshop for anyone who’d like to learn to move like a diva or pin-up girl. You’ll learn to create your burlesque alter-ego, all through humour and theatrical games.
These will be no nudity during this workshop, the workshop is about celebrating your inner femininity and having a great time.
4. Panel: Feeling Nostalgic: A Retro Yaoi and Yuri Panel
This panel dives deep into the roots of yaoi and yuri, into the classics like Banana Fish, Rose of Versailles and Prince of Tennis. What was innovative? were anime and manga better in the 1980s and 1990s?
Are these subjects that interest you? Don’t miss this panel!
5. Soramimi Karaoke
No convention is complete without some Karaoke! Soramimi Karaoke will be present at YaYCon, just like last year. Break a sweat singing and performing your favourite anime songs! Take a look on their website to find a list of available songs.
6. Cheeky Auction
Are you great at selling? And do you have anything good to offer? Merchandise, exclusive art or something a little more personal, like a hug or a home cooked dinner. You’ll be able to offer or buy just about anything.
As always the proceeds of this annual auction will go to charity, this year’s charity is a sports and LGBT related, namely the John Blankenstein Foundation. The foundation works on the acceptance of LGBTIQ athletes in organized sports. More information can be found on the website of YaYCon.
7. Yaoi & Yuri Pub Quiz
Do you want to put your otaku knowledge to the test? Are you an expert on everything yaoi and yuri? Then this quiz is definitely one you should take part in. Who knows, you and your team might win!
8. Genital Jousting Competition
An activity that definitely stands out from the rest, because of its name. Don’t worry though; although it is definitely NSFW this game is played with controllers. The game itself is meant to be funny and the gaming competition is hosted by Mangakissa. Prove you have what it takes to win this unconventional game and you might even go home with a prize!
9. Taiyaki
YaYCon provides you with plenty of food options this year, but one I’d love to get my hands on is the Taiyaki. Specialisaties Handmade in Amsterdam will be making these classic Japanese treats at this year’s edition. There will be traditional fillings, like Anko, but also some less conventional fillings like Belgium chocolate cream and cheese filling.
10. Rainbow Twister
A special and fun edition of twister, based on this year’s theme: Let’s Get Physical. Sign up and have fun placing your hands and feet on nyancats, unicorns or fluffy bunnies, but also on other participants. Play, have fun and try to score some prizes!
As always this is only a selection of the many activities, guests and dealers that YaYCon 2018 offers you as a visitor. Take a look on YaYCon’s website or social media for more sneak peaks of what this edition will have to offer. You can purchase your tickets here. The venue, Icoontheater, can be found in Amersfoort at Leeghwater 1-3.
Source: YaYCon
