Youmacon 2019 Recap

Even though I lived in Michigan for 12 years, I’ve never been to Youmacon. I already had plans to visit Michigan this year since I haven’t visited in about three years and the convention was around the time I was planning to visit. So I decided that I’d finally check it out.

What is Youmacon?

Youmacon is an anime convention in Detroit, Michigan. It’s similar to “comic-cons” but, instead of focusing on comics, Youmacon focuses on celebrating Japanese popular culture. Throughout the event, they showcase anime, video games, and Japanese styled artwork, and manga. Youmacon offers a mix of events for all ages. Such as celebrity guest panels, live music, gaming tournaments, and of course cosplay. If you want to know more about Youmacon then click here to check out their website.

Friday Highlights

The first day of the convention was filled with amazing cosplays, gaming, music, and panels. But the highlight of Friday for me was the Cosplaying While Black Panel. It was hosted by 5 experienced women of color cosplayers. They covered topics such as fears of aspiring cosplayers, racism within the community, and cosplaying people of color vs. cosplaying non-people of color. During the panel, they offered advice to cosplayers as well as resources. They touched on some valid points like there is enough racism outside of the cosplay community so there is no need for it inside of it. As well as being yourself and making whatever cosplay you decide to do just make it your own.

Moderator: Strawberry Cosplay Panelist: Queen of the SuccubiChubbyxBunniTJ

Guest: Shockolate Energy Love

Saturday Highlights

Saturday at a convention is always the busiest, and Youmacon was no exception. It was hard to narrow down what I wanted to do that day, so I winged it. The day started with me watching Aqours Rainbow a Love Live group based in Mid-Michigan. Now you may be asking yourself whats a Love Live? It’s a multimedia franchise that has released anime series, music, video games, and manga. Since its debut, it’s gained popularity and inspired others to form there own Love Live groups. Members of these groups dress up as Love Live characters, learn the choreography, and perform at conventions.

This was Aqours Rainbow’s second performance and there last under the name Aqours Rainbow. As of January first, they will be changing their name to Rainbow Shark Idol (RSI). They will also be changing their direction to focus more on producing videos. But, don’t worry they still will be performing at conventions and, they’re scouting for new members. After watching their performance, I ate lunch before checking out more of the convention.

I ended my Saturday experience by watching the cosplay contest. The contest started with skits then moved on to the cosplay showcase. All the contestants who entered had amazing builds, and the skits were fun and creative. I’m glad I wasn’t a judge because everyone did such a great that I would have picked everyone.

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Sunday Highlights

The last day of a convention is always bittersweet to me. I’m sad it’s over, but also happy I get to catch on some sleep. Conventions for me are usually late nights and early mornings and by Sunday the tired hits me. So Sunday was a laid back day. I went to the Borderlands panel and saw Ciaran Strange, Dameon Clarke, and Jim Foronda. They talked about working on the games as well as answered some fan questions. After that, I relaxed and people watched and admired all of the amazing cosplays.

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Overall I enjoyed my experience at Youmacon, and wouldn’t mind going next year. I feel like there are some things I might have missed since it was my first time going. So next time I’m looking forward to discovering more of what they have to offer.

Related post: Dragon Con Recap

Angela Louise
Written by Angela Louise
Angela is the owner and chief content creator for Weird Louise and is working towards becoming a full-time blogger. In addition to blogging here on Weird Louise, she is an artist and owner of the Social Awkward Club. She also has a passion for helping others discover ways to live their best lives.