The creator of the Ginga series and master of dog manga, Yoshihiro Takahashi, is Animecon’s Guest of Honour! Come hear about his unique career, creative process, and behind-the-scenes stories — straight from the master himself!

Takahashi will appear in four different stage programs at Animecon:
Two interviews
Two Fans Ask panels, where the audience can ask questions
Plus, a signing session each day!

STAGE PROGRAMS

All programs are interpreted from Japanese into either Finnish or English, so everyone can enjoy them regardless of language skills.

Saturday July 5th:
– 14:00 (2 pm) → Fans Ask (translated into English)
– 16:00 (4 pm) → Interview (translated into Finnish)

Sunday July 6th:
– 11:00 (11 am) → Fans Ask (translated into Finnish)
– 14:00 (2 pm) → Interview (translated into English)

INTERVIEW: Yoshihiro Takahashi – Master of Dog Manga

Takahashi is famous for his emotional, action-packed manga series set in the world of dogs. Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin (Silver Fang) is just one of many. His career began in 1971 and is still going strong. In this inspiring interview, we explore his decades of storytelling, manga creation, and creative techniques.

Fans Ask – You Ask, Takahashi Answers

Do you have a question for the creator of Ginga? Now’s your chance! You can ask questions live at the event or send them in advance using this form. The best questions will be selected for the panel – don’t miss this opportunity!

FREE SEAT TICKETS

All programs are free, but you need a seat ticket to participate. You can pick up a free seat ticket at the info desk when the venue opens.

Special note about English-translated programs:
For 10:00–10:30 am, there is a quota of seat tickets to English-interpreted programs reserved for non-Finnish-speaking attendees.
At 10:30, all remaining tickets will be available to everyone.

AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS

Meet Yoshihiro Takahashi and get his autograph! Signing sessions are held:
Saturday at 11:00 (11 am)
Sunday at 13:00 (1 pm)

150 autograph tickets are handed out at the info desk
Ticket distribution starts shortly after the doors open each day
An extra 30–50 signatures are given to those waiting in line once the main tickets run out

You can also take a quick photo with Takahashi during the signing. Please make sure your camera or phone is ready to go when it’s your turn. If you need help, a staff member can take the photo with your smartphone (no cameras, please).

AUTOGRAPH TICKETS – HOW IT WORKS

• Autograph tickets are available from 10:10 from the info desk (for VIP-ticket holders, from 10:00).
• There will be a clearly marked queue area next to the info desk for picking up these tickets.
• When the signing starts, show your ticket and join the autograph line.
  • Be in line by 11:10 on Saturday or 13:10 on Sunday at latest.
• If tickets run out, the next people in line can queue for extra signatures. This line will be moved to the autograph area — no running!

WHAT ARE “EXTRA SIGNATURES”?

Each autograph session lasts around 45 minutes, and 150 autographs is an estimate of how many Takahashi can sign in that time. If the line moves quickly, more autographs may be given until time runs out.

ARE AUTOGRAPH TICKETS FREE?

Yes! Autograph tickets are free. You can also get a free postcard at the event to be signed if you don’t have your own item.

WHAT ITEMS CAN BE SIGNED?

Any official licensed Ginga product: manga, posters, DVD boxes, VHS tapes, plush tags, etc.

CAN I GET A TICKET ON SATURDAY FOR SUNDAY’S SIGNING?

No. Tickets are only given out per day, so Saturday’s tickets are only for Saturday.

CAN TICKETS FOR INTERVIEWS OR PANELS RUN OUT?

It’s unlikely. If needed, we’ll move the program to the Sinfonia Hall, which holds 1,200 people. But we can’t guarantee tickets won’t run out.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH VS FINNISH?

The interview content is nearly the same in both languages. The Fans Ask panels might vary depending on which questions are chosen – they may cover different topics depending on the language and audience.

VIP PASS HOLDERS

Come to the info desk right when the doors open. There is a separate VIP queue for autograph tickets.
Once you get your ticket, be at the signing by 11:00 on Saturday or 13:00 on Sunday at latest and join the VIP line.