Panel Applications are Open

That’s right, panel applications for Retro Matsuri 2025 are now open here!

What’s a panel?
Conventions (like Retro Matsuri) are full of panels! Panels are usually one hour blocks where one or more people stand up and talk about a thing.

Does the thing have to be retro themed?
Yes.

So if I submit this, I’m hosting a panel?
If you submit the application, you’re applying to host a panel. Panels are ultimately added to the schedule at the sole discretion of Retro Matsuri. We will send you an email if your application is approved!

Do I get into Retro Matsuri for free if I host a panel?
Yes, if you are hosting a panel you will get a free badge for the convention for the day you are hosting the panel.

How old do I have to be?
At least one member of the presentation group must be at least 18 years old, this person is the one who should be submitting the form.

When do panel applications close?
All panel submissions must be in by May 1, 2025.

One last time, how do I fill out this application?
You click this link.

Photo by Abderrahmane Meftah on Unsplash

Announcing LAME GENIE for Retro Matsuri 2025

We promised music and we’re delivering music with LAME GENIE. Lame Genie is not just your ordinary band and YouTubers; they breathe new life into classic and modern video game soundtracks, with their high production and a live show with a fun factor of 5!

Founded in 2012, Lame Genie quickly rose to prominence with their heavy renditions of both retro and modern game soundtracks. Drawing inspiration from the classic era and modern gaming, Lame Genie breathes new life into each song, while still retaining the spirit of the original, creating a unique sonic experience that resonates with gamers and music enthusiasts alike. 

What makes a Lame Genie concert truly special is the audience interaction. At their shows, they introduce an interactive game called “Video Game Armageddon,” where the audience becomes part of the action. With the use of their custom developed technology, fans get to choose the next song in the setlist by yelling the loudest, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to each performance. 

Retro Matsuri is thrilled to welcome Lame Genie to the Grappone Conference Center on July 25 for this special concert event. No additional ticket is necessary if you have a valid pass for the weekend.

Our treasurer went to Japan and all he brought back were… these retro consoles.

After wandering around the streets of Nagoya, our treasurer made it into one-too-many Book Off stores (and one Super Potato) and wound up with a few retro consoles and some games:

These will be featured in our Arcade (along with many others), but some highlights from this haul are:

Nintendo Super Famicom (SFC) – Japanese version of the SNES, along with some games including:

  • Two Ranma 1/2 Fighting Games
  • Super Mario Kart
  • RockmanX (Mega Man X in the US)
  • And More!

PC Engine Core Grafx II – A variant of a console that was released in the US as the TurboGrafx-16 with:

  • Neotopia – A top-down adventure game that is often compared to the original Legend of Zelda
  • Final Lap Twin –  Ever wanted to play an 8-bit RPG but instead of battle, you race? Yeah, this is kinda like that. 

Does anyone know how to do social media?

Retro Matsuri is happening in July 2025. You can register for it right now. We just signed a contract for our first musical guest and we will be announcing them eventually. We are talking to vendors and getting things ready. We are having such a good time doing all the preparations for starting a convention but none of us have time to care about social media right now.

Here’s where you come in. If you go to the staff page, you can sign up to volunteer and indicate that you are interested in helping with social media. Then, we will talk to you about it. And, uh, then maybe you will do it. Wouldn’t that be fun?

Please?

Please wouldn’t that be fun?