[Culture] Colorado’s Largest Anime Convention “Nan Desu Kan 2025” Returns This Labor Day Weekend with a Retro Twist

July 14, 2025 Won Jeong

(Won Jeong = Denver, CO) Gamers and anime fans alike are in for a nostalgic treat as Nan Desu Kan (NDK) returns to Colorado this Labor Day Weekend with a full-blown retro gaming theme. Taking place from August 29 to 31 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, the 28th annual event promises pixelated joy and 8-bit vibes inspired by classic 1980s video games.

Founded in 1997 by the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Anime Association, NDK has grown from humble beginnings at the Tivoli Student Union into Colorado’s largest Japanese pop culture celebration, drawing over 9,000 attendees per day. True to its community-first roots, NDK donates all event proceeds to local charities. This year’s featured charity is Spark by Project Helping, an outreach group that connects volunteers with individuals and families in need throughout the Denver metro area.

The festivities begin a day early on Thursday, August 28, with a Pre-Convention Charity Ball and Night Market, a separately ticketed event supporting Denver Cat Rescue.

Once the main convention begins on Friday, fans can immerse themselves in a wide range of experiences:

A stunning Art Gallery, Kimono Exhibit, and Model Show
Industry panels and community-led discussions
A massive Exhibitors Hall filled with artists and vendors
Over 20,000 square feet of gaming across arcade, console, and tabletop setups
A whimsical Cosplay Café and Itasha Car Show
An interactive Cherry Blossom Common Area
And headlining events at the NDK Mainstage, including the famous Cosplay Contest, the world-class AMV Contest, and the high-energy Masquerave dance party

In celebration of this year’s retro theme, Friday night will feature a special 80s-themed concert by the 6 Million Dollar Band, kicking off the weekend with synths and nostalgia.

NDK 2025 also boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors and industry guests, including:

Lisette Monique Diaz – O-SOME in One Piece, Eternity Devil in Chainsaw Man
Cole Feuchter – Tada Tomonari in Bluelock, Lenga Valentine in FULL SERVICE
Amanda Gish – Kinoko Komori in My Hero Academia, Witch in Goblin Slayer
Barbara Goodson – Rita Repulsa in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Granny Chiyo in Naruto
Brian Mathis – Elias Ainsworth in The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Macao in Fairy Tail
Marcus M. Mauldin – Brick in Borderlands, Bonham in One Piece
Wendy Powell – Mukuro in Yu Yu Hakusho, Kametaro Suriyama in Zenshu
Kiba Walker – Multiple roles in Genshin Impact, Valentine in Sugar Apple Fairy Tale

“NDK is more than just a convention—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community,” said an event spokesperson. “This year’s retro theme will bridge generations of fandom, bringing classic gaming and anime together in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.”

For tickets, guest updates, and the full program schedule, visit www.nandesukan.org.