Otakon has announced that veteran background artist and art director Kazuki Higashiji will be attending this year’s convention. Higashiji is a staple of the industry, having left a distinct visual mark on projects such as Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Angel Beats!, and the poignant Maquia - When the Promised Flower Blooms. His contributions to P.A. Works titles like Hanasaku Iroha - Blossoms for Tomorrow and Charlotte have earned him a reputation for crafting immersive, atmospheric settings.
His appearance is part of a sprawling guest list for the 2026 event, which features a wide array of talent from across the anime and production landscape. Attendees can expect to see industry figures such as BONES president Masahiko Minami, voice actors Ryōtarō Okiayu and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and key staff from Production I.G. The convention has curated a diverse schedule highlighting both creative visionaries and the business minds behind major series.
Otakon 2026 is set to take place from July 31 to August 2 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This year’s event also sees a shift in policy, as the convention moves to restrict fan art sales from the dealers room, directing those vendors to the artist alley instead. With a packed roster of guests and significant operational changes, the convention continues to solidify its status as a major hub for industry engagement.
