Naka-Kon 2026 AMV Contest (All Ages, 18+) [Entry Deadline: 02/26/26 | Contest: 03/13/26]

[Naka-Kon]

Naka-Kon 2026 AMV Contest

Naka-Kon is excited to present a refreshed AMV Contest at our convention, featuring online entries, genre categories, cash prizes, and free badges for all finalists! Plus, audience members at our AMV Showcase events will have the chance to vote for which AMVs will win in each category.

| NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES UNTIL FEBRUARY 26, 2026 AT 11:59 PM CENTRAL |

Naka-Kon Website | AMV Contest Rules | Enter our AMV Contest!

About Naka-Kon

• Dates: March 13 - 15, 2026
• Location: Overland Park, KS
• Website: http://naka-kon.com
• Contact: contests@naka-kon.com
• Naka-Kon is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We were founded in 2005, and this is our 21st year. We average around 8,000 - 9,000 attendees each year. Our theme for 2026 is centered on sports, in celebration of our hometown (Kansas City) being selected to host games for the FIFA World Cup!

AMV Contest Rules - Quick Summary
We use a slightly-modified version of the A-M-V.org CONGRSS ruleset. You may read our full rules on our website.

1. Entries must be 1 - 6 minutes in length; 75%+ of source content must be Japanese origin.
2. Preferred MP4 format for entry; resolution / frame rate quality above 480p / 23.976 fps.
3. No generative AI for video / audio; limited use of AI tools may be acceptable.
4. Up to 3 entries may be submitted per participant; online submission only.
5. Editors do not need to be present at Naka-Kon to enter or win.
6. Entries to be submitted in one of seven categories (six all ages categories and one 18+ category).
7. Entries will be judged to select finalists prior to convention weekend.
8. Finalists will be voted upon by a live audience to determine winners.
9. 18+ finalists will be screened & voted on during an 18+ Showcase on Saturday night.
10. All ages finalists will be screened & voted on during an All Ages Showcase on Sunday morning.
11. Winners are provided with cash prizes, based on the level of award.
12. Winners (all ages) will be screened during Closing Ceremonies.

Awards & Prizes

• AMV Contest Finalist: Naka-Kon 2026 Badge (All entries eligible; 3 per category for all ages; 15 total finalists for 18+ category)
• All Ages Category Winners: $75 (Rated G to PG-13; 1 per category, 6 winners total)
• 18+ Category Winners: $75 (Rated R; 3 winners total)
• AMV Contest Overall Winner: $100 (All entries eligible; 1 winner)
• Inari's Choice (Director's Pick): $100 (All entries eligible; 1 winner)
• Tomo's Choice (Chair's Pick): $100 (All entries eligible; 1 winner)

AMV Categories
Note: Entries rated R will be automatically entered into our 18+ / Mature category, even if the genre overlaps with another category.

• Action / Adventure: A focus on fighting, sports, adventure, intense content, etc.
• Drama / Serious: A focus on heavy, theatrical, or serious content, etc.
• Sentimental / Romance: A focus on relationships, sentimentality, nostalgia, etc.
• Upbeat / Rhythm: A focus on fun, upbeat, or dance-heavy content, etc.
• Comedy / Humor: A focus on funny or silly content, intended for laughter, etc.
• Freeform: Everything else, if your entry does not fit a different category.
• 18+ / Mature: A category for videos rated R for excessive violence, blood / gore, etc.

Coordinator's Comments
Hello, A-M-V.org! I'm Yuzu, and I'm the new coordinator for Naka-Kon's AMV Contest. I'm thrilled to be bringing Naka-Kon into the modern era with a refreshed ruleset and online entry. (No more at-con entries only!) My hope is that this paves the way for Naka-Kon to become a recognized con in the AMV community.

I want to apologize for the short submission window this year; it took some time for me to adjust our ruleset and prepare for this year's contest. Despite the short window, I hope you will consider entering! Our 2027 contest will be opening submissions in summer 2026.

If you notice anything confusing about our rules or have a question, please feel free to reach out via email at contests@naka-kon.com.