• Thanks for Attending Ichibancon!

    Another year of Ichibancon has come and gone, and it wouldn’t have been the same without every single one of you. From the incredible cosplays and packed panels to the energy you brought to every corner of the convention, you’re what makes this event truly special. Thank you to our attendees, vendors, guests, and staff for helping bring Ichibancon to life.

    We’re already looking ahead, and we can’t wait to do it all again with you at Ichibancon 2027!

    In the meantime, we’d love to hear about your experience. What were your favorite moments? What would you like to see in the future? Your feedback helps us grow and make each year even better than the last.

    Please take a few minutes to fill out the feedback form for Ichibancon 2026 at the link below.

  • Lost & Found

    Our Lost & Found collects everything from small personal items to full cosplay pieces, and we’re happy to help reunite you with anything left behind. If you think you lost something at the event, reach out as soon as possible so we can check for you.

    Please fill out the form linked below with a description of your item. The more details you can provide, the easier it is for us to track it down.

    Please note that the venue maintains its own separate Lost & Found, so we also recommend checking with them directly in case your item was turned in there.

    We know how important your belongings are, and we’ll do everything we can to help get them back where they belong.

  • Free Overflow Parking

    This years free overflow parking will be at the Charlotte Motor Speedway VIP Silver Parking. A free shuttle will be provided by the con to make traveling back and forth easier.

    Pickup Locations:
    At the Speedway VIP Silver Parking: Look for the Shuttle Pickup sign
    At the Convention Center: Convention center main entrance (next to Con Ops)

    Hours:
    Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM

  • Guest Panelists Announcement: David Gerstein & Erik Rosengarten

    David Gerstein is an animation and comics researcher, writer, and editor working extensively with Walt Disney Company licensees. His work as writer most recently includes Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History (with J.B. Kaufman; Taschen, 2018). His work as editor includes The Floyd Gottfredson Library of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse (Fantagraphics, 2011-2017), Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: The Don Rosa Library (Fantagraphics, 2014-2018), and the Disney Masters monthly album line (Fantagraphics, 2018-present). Gerstein has also worked with Disney in efforts to locate lost Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons and to preserve the Mickey Mouse newspaper strip.

    Erik Rosengarten is an illustrator and comic artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Erik’s color, restoration, and additional design work has been featured in Disney licensed comic books and albums including Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: The Don Rosa Library (volumes 4-10), The Floyd Gottfredson Library of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse (volumes 9-12), Mickey Mouse: The Greatest Adventures, and various Disney Masters, Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories, Uncle Scrooge, Donald Duck, and Mickey Mouse titles, as well as the Norwegian Disney magazine Walt Disney’s Julehefte. In addition to 2-D creations Erik is also a costume designer and mascot performer.  

  • Guest Panelist Announcement: Borderline Panels

    Borderline Panels is a North Carolina-based panelist that’s been bringing high-energy content to anime conventions since 2014. With a passion for fandom, creativity, and community, they specialize in a wide variety of programming like chaotic game shows, interactive workshops, thoughtful discussions, and fan-driven panels. Whether you’re a seasoned congoer or it’s your first con, Borderline brings something for everyone to enjoy.

    Over the years, Borderline has presented at conventions across the country, earning a reputation for events that keep audiences laughing, thinking, and coming back for more. They’re thrilled to share more fun, fandom, and borderline chaos with you this year!

  • Event Announcement: Ichiban Karaoke

    Get ready to showcase your singing talents! This year, we’re excited to bring Karaoke to the Rocky River Grille. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just want to have fun with friends, our Karaoke sessions promise a welcoming atmosphere. Come belt out your favorite songs, discover new music, and make unforgettable memories!

    Hours:
    Friday:
    All Ages 8 PM – 10 PM
    18+: 10 PM – 2 AM
    Saturday: All Ages 8 PM – 10 PM
    18+: 10 PM – 2 AM

         
  • Event Announcement: Speed Friending

    It’s the season of love and we love making friends! Come join Paradox Panelse to find your platonic soulmate at Speed Friending.Break the ice in a fun and fast-paced environment, where you’ll have the chance to meet fellow anime enthusiasts and potential new friends. Whether you’re a seasoned convention-goer or a first-timer, this event is designed to connect like-minded individuals through shared interests and passions. Engage in quick, light-hearted conversations, discover common interests, and forge connections that extend beyond the convention walls. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your social circle and make lasting friendships – because at our convention, the journey is just as exciting as the destination!

         
  • Guest Panelist Announcement: Paradox Panels

    Paradox Panels is a group of weirdos from North Carolina who host panels up and down the East Coast. Paradox has been presenting quality panels on anime, kpop, adult content, and more since 2018.

  • Guest Panelist Announcement: The Chalk Twins

    Devon and Lexi are the Chalk Twins. The Chalk Twins are masters of murals as these twin sisters work together to create chalk artwork of epic proportions. Throughout the event you can watch the Chalk Twins as they complete their masterpiece. We encourage you to get down low and talk to them about art, geeky stuff, twin stuff – whatever you like.

    They don’t bite. We promise.

         
  • Event Announcement: Galaxy Dreams Maid Cafe

    Welcome to Galaxy Dreams Maid Cafe!

    We are a travelling pop up Maid Cafe that provides a cosplay-based tea party service! While we do not have a physical home location, our staff are located in the Carolinas and as such we can provide event services in the Carolinas region.

    We typically offer to serve drinks and snacks or small plates dishes, entertainment from our in-character Maid Cafe staff via tabletop games, socializing, and jpop/kpop type dances, and add-on services, games, or merchandise! We do adapt to specific event collabs and weather demands, so our menu and offerings do change depending on the event type, but our typical services remain consistent!