Speaking of events that bring together the best of otaku culture, art, and entertainment, Avilés' Nikapon is a must-see. Held annually in April, it has earned a special place in the hearts of fans, both for its unique charm and its ability to capture the essence of Asian pop culture.
The 2025 edition promises to exceed all expectations and, as always, will be open to all audiences, with no risky activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. It is recommended that no more than four children be in the care of one adult; furthermore, the purchase and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
Origins and history: A little gem in Asturias
Nikapon held its first edition in 2015, as an initiative to create an otaku event in Avilés that would attract both local and regional fans. From the beginning, it stood out for its welcoming atmosphere, combining creative activities with a meeting place for manga, anime, and video game lovers.
Over the years, it has grown exponentially, transforming from a regional event into one of the most important in northern Spain. The addition of international guests, innovative competitions, and a varied program have made this event a must-attend event for the community.
It is a non-profit event, therefore, it tries to remain free or at affordable prices, with free admission (until full capacity), as are most of its activities.
The 2025 edition promises to be unforgettable. With a program that combines tradition and innovation, incorporating new activities and surprises designed for all audiences. Below, we give you a glimpse of what awaits you when you attend.
Featured Guests
Among those confirmed are:
· David Flores , voice of characters such as Roy Mustang (FullMetal Alchemist), Android 17 (DragonBall) and Sukuna (Jujutsu Kaisen), who will be part of the new dubbing area sponsored by @voicesdoblaje. With more than 15 years of experience, he has also participated in series and films such as Fantastic Beasts 2, Card Captor Sakura and Akame Ga Kill.
· Enrique Carmena has been a voice actor since 2011 and will be joining the team in the new dubbing division. He has worked on works such as BLUELOCK, Frieren, Beyblade Burst, Cryptmaster, Call of Duty, and Assassin's Creed. He has also illustrated franchises such as The Binding of Isaac and Teatrónime, and has published in several anthologies.
· Shaun Elay , known as the only artist in the world who can illustrate in negative live, while the audience can interact with his work using any mobile device, will be doing so throughout the event. He will also present a collection of his most recent works and hold photo sessions and autographs at his booth.
· Jaime Aza , Asturian author of "Movies That Will Brainwash You" and "Jo Jo's: Bizarre Adventure." Passionate about geek culture, his work combines accessibility, research, and visual references. He will be at the Dolmen Editorial stand, sharing his creative vision, writing anecdotes, and his passion for stories that challenge reality.
It will also feature the presence of international cosplayers such as: Ittara , an officially titled animator cosplayer who, along with other excellent cosplayers, will be a judge in the Cosplay Contest, and will share her experiences in the world of professional cosplay during an interactive talk.
Unmissable contests and activities
Contests are the soul of Nikapon, so they couldn't be missed.
The Cosplay Competition will feature a special theme dedicated to classic anime, with prizes including trips to international events. Additionally, the Cover Dance and Karaoke competitions will return so attendees can showcase their talents.
There will also be lectures for all tastes, with organized schedules so you don't miss any:
· Haikus: The Beauty of a Moment
· Introduction to Cosplay
· Tools to Start Roleplaying
· Playing as a Family: Strategies for Gamifying Your Daily Life (There will be a 1-hour practical session after the conference)
· The World of Dubbing
· The Legend of Dragon Ball
· Beyond One Piece
· Technological applications of Origami
· Asturian with geeky guys (Taught in Asturian)
· Lolita World: History, Evolution, and Present Day
· Dad! Mom! When I grow up, I want to work in the manga industry.
· Manga creation and narrative
· Kahoot "Old Geek"
· Japan and the West: Relations through Time
And workshops such as: Gastro by The Japanese Tea Hub, with limited seating. And areas for Ancient Fencing, Bujinkan, Roman Fencing, Celtic-Viking, Multipurpose Area, Tea Hub, and K-Pop, among others.
A large space dedicated to board games, wargames, and role-playing games, mostly on the second floor of the pavilion. This time, the role-playing game offering has been expanded, including children's role-playing games, and there will be a GT40K tournament.
Video game tournaments were also on offer. More than 20 consoles, both modern (including PS5) and retro (including arcade machines), and a mini-pixel games zone. These included Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Squad Strike, and Squad Strike, with prizes ranging from €40 to €200.
Shopping and gastronomic area
A large shopping area with around 100 stalls on a variety of themes, where you can find exclusive merchandise from your favorite series.
And this is where Espadas y Más couldn't be missed, with a wide variety of katanas, swords, weapons, figures and various products from your favorite anime, comics and manga.
The food court is another highlight, with Asian food stalls ranging from ramen and takoyaki to Korean sweets and bubble tea. A variety of traditional food you'll want to try, including vegan specialties. Perfect for refueling while enjoying one of the most anticipated events of the year.
An event that unites the community
More than an event, it's a meeting point for fans, where they can share their passion and create unforgettable memories. With a rich and varied program and a passionate community, this promises to be an edition that will be etched in the memory.
If you're a fan of manga, anime, or video games, or are looking for a unique experience, Nikapon Avilés 2025 is an event you won't want to miss.
