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Tokyo, OK

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Coordinates: 36°3′35″N 95°57′42″W / 36.05972°N 95.96167°W / 36.05972; -95.96167
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Tokyo, OK
Tokyo, OK Logo
Tokyo, OK Logo
StatusActive
GenreAnime, Gaming, Japanese popular culture[1][2]
VenueMarriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills
Location(s)Tulsa, Oklahoma
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2008
Attendance2,640 in 2010
Organized byOklahoma Society for Culture Appreciation[3]
Websitehttps://www.oklahomaculture.org/

Tokyo, OK (Formerly Tokyo In Tulsa) is an annual three-day anime convention held during July at the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The convention is family friendly, and along with being an anime convention is Oklahoma's largest game event.[4][5][6]

Programming

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The convention typically offers anime video rooms, artists’ alley, collectible cards games, concerts, cosplay ball, costume competitions, LARP, panel discussions, rave, tabletop gaming, vendors, and video gaming (console, PC, arcade).[2][4][7][8] In 2015, the convention had 50,000 sq ft of gaming space.[9] In 2017 and 2021, the convention had more than 300 hours of programming.[3][10]

History

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Tokyo In Tulsa began as a Halloween block party held in October 2005 for the Darkstone Anime Store in Tulsa. Attendance was estimated at 500 people. After the store closed in 2006 the event continued.[4][7][11] Cassandra Hodges was scheduled to appear as a friend of the convention prior to her death in 2011.[12]

In 2019, Tokyo In Tulsa moved to the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. This move was due to construction at the Cox Business Center, and the facilities costs.[13] The convention was spread out across five total venues, including a Hilton Garden Inn, XTreme Racing & Entertainment, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, and a former Hobby Lobby.[14] Shuttles were run by the convention between the venues. The vendor room was moved two weeks before the convention, and had serious issues including a lack of lighting.[15] Tokyo in Tulsa 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16][17]

Tokyo in Tulsa was renamed Tokyo, OK in January 2021.[18] Tokyo, OK 2021 was moved from July to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the convention moved to the Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[19][20][21][22] Space from the Aloft Tulsa Downtown and Holiday Inn City Center was also utilized.[3][23] The convention in 2022 continued to be at the Hyatt Regency, but also used space at 17West, Aloft, Courtyard, and Hyatt Place.[24] Locations in 2023 included the Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown, 17West, and Cox Business Convention Center.[25] Tokyo, OK moved to the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills and also used the Ruffin Event Center in 2024.[26][27]

Event History

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Dates Location Attendance Guests
August 1–3, 2008 Crowne Plaza Hotel Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma		1,804Amelie Belcher, Crispin Freeman, Gary Friedrich, DJ Infam0us, Sara E. Mayhew, Wendy Powell, The Slants, Spike Spencer, and Team Royal Sabi.[28]
July 10–12, 2009 Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown
Tulsa Convention Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma		2,118Laura Bailey, Amelie Belcher, Rei Davidson, David Doub, Todd Haberkorn, Cassandra Hodges, DJ Infam0us, Samantha Inoue-Harte, The Last Dance, Nena Martinez, Vic Mignogna, Wendy Powell, Sephiroth, Sky Pirate, Spike Spencer, Dominic Vitucci, Aurelio Voltaire, Kent Williams, Travis Willingham, and Stephanie Young.[29]
June 18–20, 2010 Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown
Tulsa Convention Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma		2,640Amelie Belcher, Chris Cason, Samurai Dan Coglan, Rei Davidson, Clarine Harp, Cassandra Hodges, DJ Infam0us, Jeremy Inman, Scott McNeil, Randy Milholland, Jenny Pennington, Peter Pixie, Wendy Powell, Beauty Thibodeau, Eric Vale, Kent Williams.[30]
July 15–17, 2011 Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown
Tulsa Convention Center[4]
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Troy Baker, Leah Clark, Kaylee Fast, Freezepop, Todd Haberkorn, Yaya Han, Kyle Hebert, DJ Infam0us, K-Sides, Kevin McKeever, Peter Pixie, Monica Rial, Christopher Corey Smith, and Spike Spencer.[31]
July 20–22, 2012 Tulsa Convention Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Joshua Adams, Steve Argyle, Chris Cason, Jillian Coglan, Samurai Dan Coglan, Kaylee Fast, Caitlin Glass, DJ HeavyGrinder, DJ Infam0us, Wendee Lee, Uke Li, Peter Pixie, Wendy Powell, Sephiroth, The Slants, Spike Spencer, Brooke Stephenson, J. Michael Tatum, Eric Wile, and Stephanie Young.[32]
August 2–4, 2013 Tulsa Convention Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma		6,000
(est)[33]		Terri Doty, DJ Infam0us, Jeremy Inman, DJ Jeffito, DJ Jimni Cricket, Kevin McKeever, Brina Palencia, Peter Pixie, Raj Ramayya, Ian Sinclair, J. Michael Tatum, Eric Wile,[34] and Destrose.[35]
July 11–13, 2014 Cox Business Center[1]
Tulsa, Oklahoma		6,700
(est)[36]		Jerry Bennett, Chalk Twins, Jillian Coglan, Samurai Dan Coglan, Cynthia Cranz, Terri Doty, FEMM, Imza, Jerry Jewell, Cherami Leigh, DJ MaRia, Peter Pixie, Wendy Powell, and J. Michael Tatum.[37]
July 17–19, 2015 Cox Business Center[36]
Tulsa, Oklahoma		8,000+[11]Amelie Belcher, Chris Bevins, Kira Buckland, Chris Cason, Jessica Cavanagh, Chalk Twins, Jillian Coglan, Samurai Dan Coglan, Kaylee Fast, Kyle Hebert, DJ Infam0us, Michele Knotz, Mika Kobayashi, Ryuu Lavitz, Kristen McGuire, Kevin McKeever, Peter Pixie, Wendy Powell, Rachel Robinson, Brooke Stephenson, and David Vincent.[38]
July 15–17, 2016 Cox Business Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Nadia Baiardi, Amelie Belcher, Jessica Cavanagh, Chalk Twins, Eric Cherry, Leah Clark, Terri Doty, Kaylee Fast, Joel McDonald, Rachael Messer, MeteoroiD, Chris Patton, Peter Pixie, Wendy Powell, Brooke Stephenson, and J. Michael Tatum.[39]
July 14–16, 2017 Cox Business Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Avanchick, Jessica Cavanagh, Chalk Twins, Eric Cherry, Kaylee Fast, Jessie James Grelle, Kristen McGuire, Rachael Messer, Keith Silverstein, The Slants, Saki Tachibana, Alexis Tipton, and Michael "Knightmage" Wilson.[40]
July 13-15, 2018 Cox Business Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Chuck Huber, Jeremy Inman, Erica Lindbeck, Phil Mizuno, Cassandra Lee Morris, Peter Pixie, Ian Sinclair, and Jessica von Braun.[41]
July 12-14, 2019 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center
Four others venues
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma		Dawn M. Bennett, Billy Kametz, Phil Mizuno, Xander Mobus, Peter Pixie, Wendy Powell, Jad Saxton, and Christopher Wehkamp.[42]
October 15-17, 2021 Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown
Two others venues[3]
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Ogawa Burukku, Dani Chambers, Jim Foronda, Johnny N' Junkers, Madeleine Morris, and Oh My Sophii.[22]
July 29-31, 2022 Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown
Three others venues[24]
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Around 4,500[25]Amber Lee Connors, Cole Feuchter, Wendy Powell, Pros and Cons Cosplay, John Swasey, Kiba Walker, Kent Williams, and Barry Yandell.[43]
July 14-16, 2023 Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown
Two others venues[25]
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Bryn Apprill, Dani Chambers, Cole Feuchter, Emi Lo, Wendy Powell, Pros and Cons Cosplay, Kiba Walker,[44] and Spencer Liles.[45]
July 12-14, 2024 Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills
Tulsa, Oklahoma		Amelie Belcher, Cynthia Cranz, R. Bruce Elliott, Cole Feuchter, Tiffany Gordon, Chuck Huber, Marcus M. Mauldin, Brianna Roberts, Oscar Seung, Kiba Walker,[46] Divine Creations, Cheeky Cheetah, Forged in Foam, and Tiffany Gordon.[26]

Community support

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Tokyo, OK was recognized by the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association in 2009 for its efforts in attracting tourism to the city of Tulsa.[47] Fundraisers ranging from challenges, a photo suite, and a silent auction were held plus a portion of the conventions 2013 revenue went to the charity Bikers Against Child Abuse.[2][5] In 2014, the Charity Ball, held pre-convention, along with other at convention donations benefited the Greenwood Cultural Center's Kids Korner.[48] The 2021 ball benefited the Youth Services of Tulsa.[3] Toyko, OK's charities in 2023 included the Oklahoma Life Skills Association and Tulsa Special Kids Care.[25][49]

References

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  1. ^ a b Harlow, Brittany (July 11, 2014). "Tokyo in Tulsa kicks off in Downtown Tulsa". KRMG. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Smith, Michael. "Tokyo in Tulsa event this weekend lets anime fans get their cosplay on". Tulsa World. Retrieved 2013-08-31.
  3. ^ a b c d e Tramel, Jimmie (October 11, 2021). "Tokyo, OK returns 'home' to downtown Tulsa". Tulsa World.
  4. ^ a b c d Ashley Wright, Jason (2011-07-12). "Anime will be in spotlight during 'Tokyo in Tulsa'". Tulsa World. Retrieved 2013-08-31.
  5. ^ a b "Convention celebrates Japanese culture, games at 2013 Tokyo in Tulsa at the Cox Business Center". KJRH. 2013-08-03. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
  6. ^ Hoppa, Jen. "Tokyo comes to Tulsa". Tulsa People. Retrieved 2013-08-31.
  7. ^ a b Greenwood, Britt. "Character building". Tulsa People. Retrieved 2013-08-31.
  8. ^ Hicks, Chris (July 16, 2014). "Tokyo in Tulsa calls out to Sapulpa Sci-fi Anime fans". Sapulpa Daily Herald. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  9. ^ Dupree, Will (July 17, 2015). "Tokyo in Tulsa event brings around 9K gamers, anime fans to downtown". KJRH. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  10. ^ Partain, Lauren (July 14, 2017). "Tokyo in Tulsa convention kicks off this weekend". KTUL. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
  11. ^ a b Harkins, Paighten (July 17, 2016). "Tokyo in Tulsa brings thousands of costume-clad anime lovers to downtown". Tulsa Word. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  12. ^ "Memorial Fund, Service for Voice Actress Cassandra Hodges". Anime News Network. 2011-07-04. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
  13. ^ Tramel, Jimmie (March 14, 2019). "Broken Arrow to be new home for Tokyo in Tulsa convention". Tulsa World. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  14. ^ Tramel, Jimmie (July 10, 2019). "Tokyo in Tulsa -- Oklahoma's largest anime, Japanese and pop culture event -- is all over Broken Arrow this weekend". Tulsa World. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  15. ^ Jenson, Amy (14 July 2019). "Tokyo in Tulsa vendor says she was kicked out for Twitter post". KTUL. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  16. ^ "IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING TOKYO, OK 2020". Facebook. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  17. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2020 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-05-31.
  18. ^ "Tokyo, OK name change". Facebook. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  19. ^ "IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING TOKYO, OK 2021". Facebook. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  20. ^ "Primary location for the October 2021". Facebook. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  21. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa July 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-09-13.
  22. ^ a b "Tokyo, OK October 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2021-12-12.
  23. ^ Owen, Kristi Roe (21 October 2021). "Everything You Need to Know About Tokyo, OK for Next Year". TulsaKids Magazine. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  24. ^ a b Tramel, Jimmie (July 26, 2022). "All dressed up, somewhere to go: Cosplayers return downtown for Tokyo, OK convention". Tulsa World. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  25. ^ a b c d "Tokyo, OK brings anime and pop culture fans to downtown Tulsa". FOX23. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  26. ^ a b Tramel, Jimmie (10 July 2024). "Tokyo, OK returns to single-location roots with move to south Tulsa". Tulsa World. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  27. ^ Martin, Scott (9 January 2024). "New event space opens in south Tulsa". Fox23. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  28. ^ "Tokyo In Tulsa 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
  29. ^ "Tokyo In Tulsa 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
  30. ^ "Tokyo In Tulsa 2010 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
  31. ^ "Tokyo In Tulsa 2011 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
  32. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2012 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
  33. ^ Graham, Ginnie (2013-08-07). "Nerds come together, find community at Tokyo in Tulsa". Tulsa World. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
  34. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2013 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
  35. ^ "Female Metal Band DESTROSE Makes US Debut". jame-world.com. 2013-06-23. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  36. ^ a b Tramel, Jimmie (July 15, 2015). "Tokyo in Tulsa draws cosplayers, anime fans and more to convention". Tulsa World. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  37. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2014 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  38. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2015 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  39. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2016 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
  40. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2017 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  41. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2018 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
  42. ^ "Tokyo in Tulsa 2019 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2019-06-18.
  43. ^ "Tokyo, OK October 2022 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2022-08-09.
  44. ^ "Tokyo, OK October 2023 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  45. ^ Tramel, Jimmie Tramel (12 July 2023). "Voice actors rise to prominence at Tokyo, OK and other conventions". Tulsa World. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  46. ^ "Tokyo, OK October 2024 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  47. ^ Hollingshead, Nancy (2009-05-24). "Groups honor city's 2009 'Heroes' at luncheon". Tulsa World. Retrieved 2013-08-31.
  48. ^ Sherrow, Rita (July 9, 2014). "Tokyo in Tulsa has something for everyone this weekend". Tulsa World. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  49. ^ Gray, Ethan (10 August 2023). "Part II: Review: Tokyo, OK panels, events, and contests". The TCC Connection. Tulsa Community College Student Newspaper. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
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36°3′35″N 95°57′42″W / 36.05972°N 95.96167°W / 36.05972; -95.96167

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