Otakon Attendance Grows to 42,000

Washington, D.C. (July 30, 2023) – Otakon 2023 exceeded the previous year's record-breaking number, coming in at about 42,000, according to Otakorp.

Last year's number of 40,466 astounded many by being the largest event in Washington, D.C., of the post- pandemic era. That number broke a previous record that had been set in 2013.

Brian Cutler, the president of Otakorp, said, "We were excited to have so many new and returning friends attend this year, and we cannot wait for next year to celebrate our 30th anniversary!"

The attendance number includes total memberships/attendees, both pre-registered and at-door, as well as staff, dealers, artists, industry, contractors, guests, and members of the registered press.

The final number may be adjusted slightly after audits are conducted to ensure accuracy. Updated numbers, when completed, will appear on the Events Statistics page on the official Otakon website.

Otakon 2024 will be held from August 2 to 4 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

ABOUT OTAKON AND OTAKORP, INC.: Now entering its thirtieth year, Otakon is an annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture, and also one of the largest gatherings of fans in the United States. Otakon celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture, and has grown along with the enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and music from the Far East. Historically, Otakon has drawn over 40,000 people for three days each year (for a paid attendance of over 100,000 turnstile attendees). Otakon is a membership-based convention sponsored by Otakorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based, 501(c)3 educational non-profit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an all-volunteer, unpaid staff – we are run by fans, for fans.

For more information about Otakorp, Inc., see https://www.otakorp.org/
For more information and the latest news on Otakon 2023, see https://www.otakon.com/