What are Tokonatsu Panels?

Dive into a vibrant hub of creativity, culture, and fandom. The Tokonatsu Panels stage is where your favorite worlds come alive through high-energy discussions, live performances, and deep dives into Japanese history. Whether you are looking to debate anime lore, witness a unique cultural showcase, or pick up a brand-new skill, every session is an interactive experience designed to spark your curiosity and connect you with fellow fans.

Got a niche passion, a brilliant theory, or a unique craft you are itching to share? Tokonatsu is built by the community, and we want your voice on our schedule. We provide the platform, the tech setup, and an enthusiastic audience—you bring the excitement. From hosting competitive fandom games and anime deep-dives to running hands-on traditional workshops, this is your chance to step up, inspire others, and make your mark on the festival line-up.

Want to host your own panel?

Are you interested in sharing your wealth of knowledge and hosting you very own panel at Tokonatsu? That's wonderful to hear! Head over to our registration page to submit your idea.

Click here to submit your own panel idea for Tokonatsu!

Further Questions & Queries

If you have any questions or would like to enquire about the panels at Tokonatsu please feel free to email The Tabletop Games Team and we will try to answer as many questions as possible.

Event Attractions

A Brief Introduction to Bonsai Panel

Details on this event will be released soon.

Felting Workshop

One of the most popular crafting workshops at Toko, this is a chance to get your hands on every colour of fluff and slowly stab it into something wonderful! We have a theme for each workshop and will be on hand to help you go from “what on earth is this and how does it work?” to “wow look at this adorable creature I made!“. And we also have a large stock of loose felt for making whatever your heart desires. - Organised by Masschan & Catbutter

Kimono Panel

Discover the history and beauty of kimono in this hands-on workshop. Learn the differences between kimono and yukata, the layers involved in dressing, and how to tie an obi yourself. Then, join in as we all dress in kimono together and experience wearing this iconic garment first hand. - Organised by Gadget

Martial Arts in Anime Panel

Get ready to strike it big at this panel as we chop open the world of anime combat from Dragon Ball to Naruto. We will look at how heroes block out the haters, find their inner-ki, and always manage to edge out the competition. Do not sub-mit to boredom—come see why these animated throw-downs really pack a punch!

Martial Arts Panel

Do you want to learn self defence? Do you dream of sweeping the leg? Come along to a demonstration of small weapons skills, fun distractions and useable self defence techniques. - Organised by DragonWolf

Origami Workshop

Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper… So that is what we will do. Let's fold some paper, come along and try to fold some little boxes or maybe even lotus flowers, or just anything you like. Organised by TokoR

Para Para Workshop

Fancy having a go at Japan’s most high energy calisthenics to super hyper dance music? Para Para is the workshop for you! We’ll teach you two dance routines step-by-step (or is that wave-by-wave?) and introduce you to the best club style dancing in Japan! Bring your friends, make them dance with you, make new friends, dance with them! - Organised by Masschan & Catbutter

Sake Panel (18+)

For a small fee (which will be donated to our chosen charity this year - Mermaids), come and sample the wonderful variety of Sake provided by The Sake Events Company! Learn all about how it's made, the history, science and cultural significance of this traditional Japanese alcohol - Organised by Sam (The Sake Events Company)

Science Panel

It’s not brain surgery but it is rocket science! Join for some simple rocket demos and rocket making. Whose will go the furthest? Whose will be the best design? Whose will be the best looking? Come learn the science of how to get back at gravity! - Organised by Draco Infernal

Shamisen Panel

Prepare to be bowled over as we pull back the curtain on Japan’s most striking three-stringed instrument. From traditional geisha tea houses to epic anime soundtracks, we will explore how this legendary lute continues to fret-less and rock hard. Do not string yourself along—come find out why the shamisen is historically incapable of playing second fiddle! - Organised by Alessandra Freeston.

Taiko Workshop

This year we will once again be welcoming back the amazing taiko drummers from Leicester Taiko. Their elite group of Taiko drummers, Yamabiko, will be hosting 2 workshops throughout the weekend. So come along, show your support and even have a go at trying the drums first hand. - Organised by Yamabiko (Leicester Taiko)

Tea Ceremony Panel

Want to experience and learn about the ancient tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony? In this panel you will get to witness a simplified but still authentic tea ceremony and get to learn the basics so you to can perform it for your friends and family. - Organised by TokoR

Welcome Panel

First Timer? Regular that want to meet some new folk? Still confused after 20 years of attending? We got you covered at the Welcome Panel! It's an informal meeting with some staff who are happy to answer any questions you might have! - Organised by TokoR

Panels