Akumakon 2026
2026/2/13
"Akumakon 2026" at University of Galway (photo taken in February 2026)
A view from the venue of "Akumakon 2026" at University of Galway (photo taken in February 2026)
From 13 to 15 February, Akumakon 2026 was held in Galway. The event was hosted by the Manga and Anime Society of the University of Galway. The three-day programme successfully concluded with various events, featuring anime, cosplay, V-tubers and more.
From the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu, his wife Mrs MIYAGAWA Noriko, and Ms NAKATA Keiko, First Secretary, attended the Opening Ceremony. Kudos to all the participants and organisers.
【Ambassador MIYAGAWA's Greeting at the Opening Ceremony of Akumakon 2026】
Good evening, everyone. It is my honour and privilege to be invited to “Akumakon 2026”, the most exciting event for lovers of anime, manga and cosplay as well as V-tubers. Congratulations to all the participants and organisers.
I was just amazed by the breadth and depth of the three-day programme, your interests and power to innovate by culturally mixing Irish and Japanese elements with each other. The naming of the contest, "Akumakon" which could mean in Japanese “Contest among the devils” indeed reflects your avant-garde spirit, to which I pay my tribute.
This is my very first trip to Galway, the most beautiful city on the western coast of Ireland and the place where your Uachtarán Catherine Connolly was born and raised. Just a month ago, I had the honour of promising to your Uachtarán in person, on the occasion of the presentation of my credentials as a new Ambassador, that I would visit Galway in the future. Thank you for tonight’s opportunity, which has realised my pledge so soon.
University of Galway, located in Ireland’s cultural heart, has contributed more and more to cultural exchange between Japan and Ireland. Since 2016, almost 30 graduates have taken part in the JET Programme, which allows bachelor’s degree holders to work in Japan as assistant teachers of English.
Last but not least, my apology for not wearing a proper costume this year. If you would allow me to come here again next year, the Embassy of Japan will try its best to put me or someone else in a proper cosplay costume to reiterate our respect to “Akumakon 2027”, which will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland.
I wish you all the best. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
From the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu, his wife Mrs MIYAGAWA Noriko, and Ms NAKATA Keiko, First Secretary, attended the Opening Ceremony. Kudos to all the participants and organisers.
【Ambassador MIYAGAWA's Greeting at the Opening Ceremony of Akumakon 2026】
Good evening, everyone. It is my honour and privilege to be invited to “Akumakon 2026”, the most exciting event for lovers of anime, manga and cosplay as well as V-tubers. Congratulations to all the participants and organisers.
I was just amazed by the breadth and depth of the three-day programme, your interests and power to innovate by culturally mixing Irish and Japanese elements with each other. The naming of the contest, "Akumakon" which could mean in Japanese “Contest among the devils” indeed reflects your avant-garde spirit, to which I pay my tribute.
This is my very first trip to Galway, the most beautiful city on the western coast of Ireland and the place where your Uachtarán Catherine Connolly was born and raised. Just a month ago, I had the honour of promising to your Uachtarán in person, on the occasion of the presentation of my credentials as a new Ambassador, that I would visit Galway in the future. Thank you for tonight’s opportunity, which has realised my pledge so soon.
University of Galway, located in Ireland’s cultural heart, has contributed more and more to cultural exchange between Japan and Ireland. Since 2016, almost 30 graduates have taken part in the JET Programme, which allows bachelor’s degree holders to work in Japan as assistant teachers of English.
Last but not least, my apology for not wearing a proper costume this year. If you would allow me to come here again next year, the Embassy of Japan will try its best to put me or someone else in a proper cosplay costume to reiterate our respect to “Akumakon 2027”, which will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland.
I wish you all the best. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
With Ms. HAYAKAWA, a staunch supporter of "Akumakon", who lives in Galway at the venue for "Kimono (Japanese traditional cloths)" wearing in University of Galway (photo taken in February 2026)
Ambassador MIYAGAWA addressing students at Akumakon 2026 (photo taken in February 2026)