Convention History

Our History

Abunai! grew from Konnichiwa, a Japan-related student club housed at the University of Twente. Eventually a small group of club members decided to set up a larger event, aiming to give more exposure to the Japanese culture. And thus, the Abunai! festival was held for the very first time in 2003, attracting a modest 180 visitors.

From 2003 until 2008 Abunai! was held at the University of Twente. In 2008 the convention moved to the Nieuwe Buitensociëteit Meeting Center in Zwolle. In 2010 Abunai! was held in NH Koningshof, Veldhoven, for the first time.

Please note, the visitor amounts listed on this page are unique paying visitors only and do not include our many volunteers, dealers, artists and event holders. Numbers at NH Koningshof have been rounded to the nearest 50.

2003 – 2007: Universiteit Twente, Enschede

The original roots of Abunai! are found at Konnichiwa, a student club located at the Universiteit Twente’s library Belletrie. It was for this reason the first editions of Abunai! were held at the Universiteit Twente. Konnichiwa still exists to this day and organises “mini cons” on campus, as well as anime marathons and DDR evenings.

2008 – 2009: Nieuwe Buitensociëteit, Zwolle

Having outgrown the campus, the Abunai! crew decided to spread their wings. For two years the Nieuwe Buitensociëteit Zwolle hosted Abunai!, with the roundabout in front of the location being claimed by visitors as a photoshoot spot.

2010 – Present: NH Koningshofs, Veldhoven

Against all odds, Abunai! outgrew the Buitensociëteit Zwolle after only 2 editions. Trading Overijssel for the province of Brabant, it was here were Abunai! managed to settle and grow into the convention it is today.