Convention FAQ
- What is Otakuthon?
- Who are Otakuthon's mascots?
- Where is the convention located and how do you get there?
- What is there to do at Otakuthon?
- Who is allowed to come to Otakuthon?
- Is this an all-age convention?
- I have questions regarding registration. Where can I find more information?
- Do I have to buy separate tickets for events like the Masquerade or concerts?
- Do I have to wear a costume? Am I allowed to wear a costume?
- Who can I dress up as?
- What am I allowed to use for my costume?
- Is there a bag or coat check at Otakuthon?
- Are there any places to eat at Otakuthon?
- Can I use a remote device such as a drone in the Palais des congrès?
- Do you accept companion cards (CAL, Access 2, etc.)?
1. What is Otakuthon?
Otakuthon is Quebec’s largest fan-run festival promoting Japanese animation (anime), Japanese graphic novels (manga), related gaming and Japanese pop culture. We are a non-profit organization that is a part of the Otakuthon Cultural Society.
2. Who are Otakuthon’s mascots?
Otakuthon’s first mascot was Yurika. She was later joined by her brother Yatsumi, her cousin Yuki, and her friend Yumi.
Learn more about them here!
3. Where is the convention located and how do you get there?
The convention will be held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in downtown Montréal. It is located at the Métro Place-d’Armes on the Orange Line. Street parking is $4/hour (payable 2–3 hours at a time, renewable only at the end of the period, more information can be found on the Stationnement de Montréal’s website). The Palais des congrès de Montréal and our official partnered hotels also offer parking services.
This year, performances by orchestras and Japanese artists will take place at Place des Arts in Montréal, in the Wilfrid-Pelletier Hall. Place des Arts is accessible by public transportation from the Place-des-Arts metro station on the green line. It is also accessible on foot from the Palais des congrès via an underground passage.
4. What is there to do at Otakuthon?
There’s so much to do that it’s hard to list everything! Some of the things you can do include seeing live shows such as concerts, the Masquerade or World Cosplay summit, playing video and board games, attending panels, participating in workshops or contests, watching anime or shopping in the Exhibition Hall. However, the most important thing of all is that Otakuthon brings together a large number of people who are passionate about Japan’s culture, anime, manga, and gaming. You might find someone who loves the same anime series you do!
5. Who is allowed to come to Otakuthon?
Anyone is welcome to attend, including friends and family, as long as they are registered!
6. Is this an all-age convention?
Yes, it is. Various activities are available for new and veteran otakus alike, including programming for the younger fans! However, there will be some panels, screenings and events that are intended for a mature audience and will require proof of age before they can be accessed.
7. I have questions regarding registration. Where can I find more information?
For all questions regarding registration, please refer to our Registration Policy and our Registration FAQ. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, you may also contact the Registration team at registration@otakuthon.com.
8. Do I have to buy separate tickets for events like the Masquerade or concerts?
Paid activities such as concerts are indicated under the sale of extras at the time of registration. Unless otherwise stated, all other events are accessible with your badge but may be limited due to seating capacity constraints (seating is on a first-come, first-served basis).
The programming at Place des Arts will be paid events. Details will follow after their confirmation.
9. Do I have to wear a costume? Am I allowed to wear a costume?
Cosplaying (short for “costume play”), or dressing up and/or acting as a character is a very popular event at most anime conventions. Many people prefer going to anime conventions without dressing up and wearing a costume is NOT mandatory, but it can be really fun to strike poses as your favourite anime character. For those who want to cosplay, come and show off your costume!
10. Who can I dress up as?
You can dress up as anyone you want to! Most people dress up as characters from anime or manga series, but there are also creative original cosplays as well.
11. What am I allowed to use for my costume?
All costumes must conform to Otakuthon’s Props Policy. If you are unsure if your costume follows the policy, contact our Weapons Master at weapons@otakuthon.com.
12. Is there a bag or coat check at Otakuthon?
The Palais des congrès de Montréal offers a coat check service. Otakuthon’s official partnered hotels will have a coat and bag check as well for their guests.
13. Are there any places to eat at Otakuthon?
The Cosplay Cafe, located on the 7th floor, will be selling Japanese dishes and drinks during the convention. The Chibi Cafe, a snack bar located on the second floor, will also allow you to get a snack or a meal in the Exhibition Hall. There are also over 300 restaurants and cafés less than a kilometre away from the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
14. Can I use a remote device such as a drone in the Palais des congrès de Montréal?
Drones, like any remote-controlled object that could hurt someone, are prohibited inside the Palais des congrès de Montréal! For security reasons, always be aware of the crowd around you, even with your selfie stick!
15. Do you accept companion cards (CAL, Access 2, etc.)?
Yes! In order to obtain a free badge for the accompanying party, the accompanied person needs to have their own badge (bought online beforehand or directly at the convention) and come to the accessibility line with their support person and their companion card.