Policies & FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Retro Matsuri? Why is it called that?

Retro Matsuri is a two-day anime & video game convention held in Concord, New Hampshire, at the Grappone Convention Center. We’re all about what the kids these day call “retro” stuff: anime and games from 20+ years ago. It’s a step back in time and a place to celebrate what used to be.

In Japanese, matsuri means “festival.”

Is is true that video game consoles were invented in New Hampshire?

Yes.

What time does it start and end?

We’re opening the doors around 3pm on Friday, and running as late as we feel comfortable on Saturday.

How old are the people coming to Retro Matsuri? Is this a kids thing? An adults thign?

In its FAQ about the same thing, Anime Boston – a very large convention a little south of us – writes, “Anime fans come in all shapes and sizes, including kids. While most of the people attending anime conventions typically falls in the 16 to 26 age range, expect to see people of all ages, from 8 months to eighty-eight years.”

Retro Matsuri is a little different. We encourage attendees of all ages, but we want to stress that our theme is based on anime and video games that are at least twenty years old. There may not be much of interest for young attendees (under 12).

What kind of stuff happens at anime conventions?

  • Anime screenings
  • Video games you can play
  • Cosplay stuff
  • Live music
  • Art is bought and sold
  • Merchandise is bought and sold
  • People meet each other
  • Hooting
  • Hollering

How can I volunteer to help?

Click here.

Is there a limit on the number of people you’ll allow at the convention?

Technically, there is a limit set by the New Hampshire Fire Marshal. We do not anticipate this will be a problem, but please be aware that we could limit entrance to the convention center during peak times.

Do you have a convention theme?

Yeah, it’s retro. New England anime conventions have a long history of annual themes, but Retro Matsuri – owing to its very specific convention-wide theme – does not.

Who runs Retro Matsuri?

A big group of volunteer staff members! Retro Matsuri Inc. is a nonprofit organization that exists primarily to support the needs of the convention. We have no owner and we are subject to state and federal regulations regarding nonprofit events.

General Convention Rules

  1. Retro Matsuri is a social and cultural event. Attendees are encouraged to act with civility, courtesy, and care for their fellow attendees. Attendees should not hinder or obstruct the flow of foot traffic within the convention area, and must follow the directions of Retro Matsuri staff as well as the staff of the Grappone Convention Center and the Courtyard by Marriott.
  2. Smoking is prohibited at all times in all areas, except when otherwise designated by the Grappone Center or Courtyard by Marriott.
  3. The minimum drinking age in New Hampshire is 21. Possession and/or consumption of alcohol by individuals under 21 is strictly prohibited. Alcohol may only be consumed in individual hotel rooms, bar areas, and any other areas so designated by Retro Matsuri, the Grappone Center, or Courtyard by Marriott staff.
  4. Appropriate attire is required at all times, including shoes, pants/shorts/skirts, and shirts/tops.
  5. Theft, assault, drug use, and other illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
  6. Photography
    a. Ask for permission before photographing other attendees.
    b. Photography umbrellas, backdrops, tripods, and stand-alone lighting units are not permitted in the convention center, except by written permission of Retro Matsuri. Written permission of Retro Matsuri is generally provided in the form of a badge marked PRESS or MEDIA.
    c. Attendees participating in off-site photography sessions are strongly encouraged to utilize public locations such as a park rather than private locations such as hotel rooms.
  7. Wheeled items (excluding mobility assistance devices) are prohibited in the convention center. Wheeled items includes but is not limited to:
    • Rollerblades
    • Skates
    • Skateboards
    • Wheelies
    • Scooters
    • Bicycles
    • Segways/Hoverboards
  8. Weapons. The possession of weapons is strictly prohibited on the property. Retro Matsuri staff shall have the sole discretion to determine if a weapon, prop, or item violates this policy. The following items are not allowed at Retro Matsuri:
    • Weapons prohibited under RSA 159:16
    • Real guns (working, disabled, or otherwise)
    • Projectile weapons (pellet guns, airsoft rifles, pistols, disc guns, paintball markers, water pistols, or other liquid “weapons,” etc)
    • Metal blades (knives, swords, sharp items, etc)
    • Practice swords including bokens and kendo bamboo practice swords.
    • Chains, spikes, whips, leashes.
    • Any other potentially harmful weapon, prop, or item.
  9. Defacing or damaging Retro Matsuri property, or the property of the Grappone Center or Courtyard by Marriott, is prohibited.
  10. Retro Matsuri reserves the right to revoke the badge of any individual who is responsible for damages to hotel property, or endangering his, her, or their own or anyone else’s safety. Hotel guests must comply with the listed occupancy limits for each room; failure to comply with listed occupancy limits shall be deemed an endangerment to safety.
  11. All prop weapons must be inspected and peace-bonded each day of the convention. Retro Matsuri cannot approve a prop prior to the convention.

Harassment Policy

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at Retro Matsuri. This policy applies to all attendees, guests, volunteers, security, and staff.

Harassment

Harassment is generally defined as unwanted behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, and/or hostile environment for the person being targeted. It can be physical or psychological. If someone tells you that your comments or behavior are unwelcome, you need to stop immediately. If that person tells you to leave them alone, you need to cease contact. It doesn’t matter if you don’t think your behavior was harassing; harassment is defined by the victim.

Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to:

  • Making comments about a person’s appearance, sexual and/or vulgar statements, offensive jokes, or anything disparaging a person’s gender, race, religion, sexuality, identity, et cetera.
  • Bulling and discrimination.
  • Whistling, catcalling, and any kind of non-consensual flirting or sexual advances.
  • Following someone or impeding their path.
  • Attending a person’s panels solely to heckle them.
  • Photographing or recording someone without their permission.
  • Exposing oneself or miming sexual acts.
  • Bathroom policing (harassing someone because of the bathroom they feel most comfortable using).
  • Touching someone without their permission.
  • Repeated texting, phone calls, or emails, after being told to stop.
  • Any persistent action that creates a hostile environment for the person or persons being targeted – harassment is when a person is feeling harassed, period.

If a person is in cosplay, that does not give you consent to photograph or touch them without their permission. Remember that underneath the costume and make-up is a real person; they are not the character they are portraying and you do not have the right to treat them as you would the fictional character.

Excessively loud noises/music and disruptive behavior is prohibited unless noted otherwise. Please refrain from screaming, blasting music, or using noisemakers, especially in hallways.

Harassment by telephone, text, or online communication is a crime in New Hampshire. Retro Matsuri may refer harassment that meets the definition per RSA 644:4 to law enforcement.

Explicit Content

Costumes must cover any area usually hidden by a bathing suit (genitalia, buttocks, nipples unless otherwise specified). Flashing/mooning other people is considered harassment and will not be tolerated. Please be aware that businesses and other venues in the area may have stricter dress codes (e.g. shirts required before entry).

Any clothing, signs, props, or other materials containing explicit content must NOT be visible inside our convention space. Anyone in Artist Alley selling work with explicit content must have it out of view and must view a photo ID before showing it to interested customers. Customers must then keep the purchase in a pocket, bag, or case that does not allow it to be seen by other attendees.

Reporting

Please report any incidents of harassment as soon as possible. We take all reports very seriously, regardless of who is involved.

Generally, harassment reports must be made in writing, on a form provided by Retro Matsuri. The reporter does not have to sign the form, and the form is not released to the public.

Harassment by any individual (attendees, guests, volunteers, security, or staff) should be reported to Retro Matsuri Safety. In certain circumstances, such as if you feel uncomfortable reporting harassment to Safety, you may report to Information Services.

Consequences

Any violations of our harassment policy will result in immediate penalties dependent upon the severity of the action. Such penalties include:

  • Verbal warnings.
  • Confiscation of your badge and ejection from the event, with no refunds.
  • Permanent ban from attending Retro Matsuri.
  • Contacting law enforcement when appropriate.