Tokyo X Festival From Our POV
Written By Lorenzo dela Cruz | June 19, 2025
photos & video by Lorenzo dela Cruz
On Sunday June 15, 2025 anime fans, gamers, cosplayers, car enthusiasts, foodies, families, and dancers all convened at the NRG Center in Houston, TX on Father’s Day to enjoy a day of food, activities, and performances at the Tokyo X Convention. A Japanese culture convention, Tokyo X celebrates food, anime shopping, cosplay, live concerts, and cultural performances, bringing it all to the heart of Houston, TX.
Sunday’s itinerary was highlighted by multiple panels featuring Noriko Hidaka & Toshihiko Seki, as well as, a trio from the Baldurs Gate 3 cast: Devora Wilde, Emma Gregory, and Dave Jones (Lae’zel, Halsin & Minthara respectively). All provided wonderful insights into the world of voice acting and video game creation, even opening up the floor to the crowd to ask questions, some fun, but some serious regarding tips for up and coming voice actors. A highlight from the Baldurs Gate 3 panel the story of the trio’s visit to Buccee’s, a famous Texas highway rest stop, known for its large gas stations, large restrooms, and large selection of beaver themed food and goodies. Each individual was asked on what their in-game character would do if they visited the infamous Texas chain. Jones’ response was, “You’d find me (Halsin) in the restroom!” The panel and audience burst into laughter.
Away from the main stage, guests could find an array of local and “exotic” vendors to shop at. From cute stickers and plushies, to plants and anime themed decorations, to even classic video games, the vendor floor had it all. A personal highlight was seeing people get tattoos at one of the local Houston parlors.
In the food section, guests had a plethora of options to pick from, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and various other cultural food vendors from Houston and beyond filled the stands ready to feed hungry attendees during their stay. Lines were long the whole day as groups of friends and families stayed fueled up for the entire day. For the adults, there was a Sake tasting VIP section for enthusiasts and beginners alike to test out quality drinks straight from the source. (featuring Genji Sake).
Elsewhere Fan Meetups and signings with VA’s kept attendees excitement on high, leading to lines for fans to enjoy a moment with their favorite artists. In addition, sponsored booths ranging from various local organizations and businesses, to Japanese brands like Pocari Sweat and even JR East (Yes that’s right, the train company), offered various activations and goodies at their booths.
There were many culture groups and activities on display highlighted by exhibitions by Emerald Coast Okinawa Taiko, Atsumi Tanaka’s Tea Ceremony, Origami Workshops and Karate Demonstrations. Whether you like arts, crafts, tradition or exercise there was something for you.
Back on the main stage fans gathered for a succession of performances beginning with a show by AISHA, a Japanese-American singer-songwriter from Yokohama, Japan, most known for her songs in the game “Guilty Gear-Strive.” Her electric performance brought fans to their feet, crowding to the front of the stage’s barrier while holding up posters of characters from the game.
Her performance was followed by the announcement of the winner of the Hot Import Nights Car Competition, who’s competitors cars scattered around the convention floor. The winner of the corresponding Car Girl competition was also announced.
The evening was capped off by a dance competition hosted by Houston’s own Soundbox Studios, judged by famous Japanese choreographers KAZtheFIRE & KAITA. Groups and teams from around the state of Texas competed neck and neck in a fierce competition on the stage for the rights to a $1000 check. Each group showcased their individualism, style, and musicality throughout the night, and the competition was tight throughout with each group looking just as good as the rest. By the end, the judges had a difficult decision on their hands, but ultimately crowned Sophie Kip aka “KIPHOP” as the winner of the competition. Her stage presence as a solo dancer was evident, and she was the deserved winner of the prize.
All in all, Tokyo X was an immaculate display of Japanese Culture and Community in Houston, pooling together local and international communities, in a grand celebration of art, media, and culture for all to see, enjoy, and appreciate. It’s scale, and notoriety is a testament to the appreciation and importance of large cultural based events in Houston, and in Texas in general, and is a beacon of light to other organizations as an example of community building and representation.
