In the heart of Chiba Prefecture’s Makuhari Messe convention center, the highly anticipated annual event Nico Nico Chokaigi returns for 2024, once again captivating attendees with its unique blend of Japanese internet culture, pop culture, anime, and entertainment! Organized by the popular Japanese video-sharing platform Nico Nico Douga and its partners, this two-day celebration has become a hallmark of the spring season, showcasing the bizarre, inventive, and thoroughly entertaining aspects of Japanese online and pop culture. From cosplay to cooking, the event saw the return of fan favorites as well as a whole slew of new booths to take part in!
Nico Nico Chokaigi is famed for its anything-goes ethos, offering a dizzying array of booths, shows, panels, and programs that challenge conventional expectations and engage audiences with hands-on exhibits and live shows. This year’s event featured everything from live-streamed cooking shows, where a team of chefs prepared a massive pot of Japanese curry with viewers at home contributing ingredients in addition to a hotpot-making stream spearheaded by famous Japanese sumo wrestlers, to a whimsical robot-horse riding booth where you could test your equestrian skills.
A central highlight of Nico Nico Chokaigi 2024 was its dynamic live stages, booked nearly constantly with performances, competitions, concerts, and more. Popular musicians, content creators, V-Tubers, and cosplayers took to the stage, offering a thrilling array of entertainment that captivated both in-person attendees and online viewers. The stages were a testament to Japan’s diverse talent and passions, bringing online personalities to life and allowing fans to see their favorite creators up close. Cosplayers also dazzled the audience, showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship in elaborate costumes, all while being streamed to viewers around the globe.
The 2024 event drew a diverse crowd, from die-hard fans of Nico Nico Douga content to casual observers and tourists enticed by the promise of quirky entertainment. Cosplayers flocked to the convention, eager to display their talents and pay tribute to beloved characters from anime, manga, and video games. Makuhari Messe transformed into a colorful canvas of self-expression, where attendees celebrated their shared love for Japanese pop culture.
As always, Nico Nico Chokaigi featured a plethora of exclusive merchandise, giving fans the chance to take home unique memorabilia and show their support for their favorite creators. Each booth and performance area offered ways for attendees to express themselves, whether creatively or performatively, contributing to the event’s rich tapestry of experiences.
Every year, Nico Nico Chokaigi evolves, introducing new, wacky booths and events that reflect the ever-changing landscape of internet memes and pop culture. This year’s convention was no exception, delighting attendees with a blend of returning favorites and novel attractions. As the event concluded, fans were already buzzing with speculation about what next year’s Nico Nico Chokaigi might bring, eagerly anticipating another round of fun and surprises.
