Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

General Admission is $65!

Badge upgrades are available to enhance your experience with access to additional events and perks.

What if I need a refund?

All sales are final so please be sure before you purchase a badge. HOWEVER you can transfer your badge to someone else within 3 days of the show.

Do I need a form of photo identification to attend the Sangawa Project?

Yes! A form of photo identification is required to attend the Sangawa Project, because it is an age restricted event. Acceptable forms of identification include a drivers license, state ID, passport, military ID, and a college ID with a birth date. In addition for 21+ events, you will be carded at the door, so keep your ID handy.

Do I need my confirmation email?

While the registration staff will still be able to locate your registration, bringing a printed copy of the confirmation email will ensure a swift and problem free registration process. So please bring a copy if you can!

I purchased a badge but now I cannot attend, what do I do now?

Unfortunately there is a no refund policy for all badge purchases however you can transfer your badge to someone else up to 3 days prior to the show starting.

How old do you need to be to attend?

The Sangawa Project is an 18+ event only! No individuals under the age 18 will be permitted to register or attend.

What happens if I lose my badge?

If you lose your badge, we require you to purchase another badge. However, if your badge is found, we offer a lost badge refund if both badges are brought to the registration area.

Why are there no single day passes?

The Sangawa Project is much too small of an event to financially afford single day passes. Since a majority of individuals do not preregister, single day passes would make predicting our budget extremely difficult. We do, however, offer a Sunday discount if we have not sold out of passes over the weekend.

How do I pick up my badge? Is it mailed?

Currently, we do not mail out badges. With your confirmation email, our registration staff will be able to process your registration and give you your badge.

Should I get a hotel room?

Yes! We strongly encourage you to reserve a room at the DoubleTree! Between the extremely late night programming and the 21+ events reserving a hotel room will make your Sangawa experience fuller and safer!

Attendance Rules

• Age Restrictions

  • Sangawa is an 18+ event with additional 21+ content.

  • A government issued ID is required at Registration and is also required to attend 21+ events

• Badges

  • Badges are required for attendance at all Pittsburgh JCS Inc. events.

  • Any attendees found with a counterfeit badge will be removed from Sangawa and blacklisted from future PittJCS events.

• All Badge Sales Are Final except where otherwise noted.

  • Badge pricing will be posted at the Registration Counter and is subject to change at any time.

  • Badges must be worn in a visible and appropriate location at all times.

  • Badges may be removed while actively performing on stage or temporarily for photographs.

  • Lost badges will not be replaced. If it is lost, you will be required to purchase a new badge at the current price. However, if the original badge is later found, it may be brought back to the registration desk to receive a refund.

  • If an attendee is ejected from the event for any reason, a refund will not be issued for their badge.

  • The production, sale, or use of counterfeit badges is prohibited. This also includes alteration of a purchased badge to gain access and/or knowingly purchasing and/or utilizing a counterfeit badge.

    • Penalties may include:

      • Ejection from the event.

      • Blacklisting from future Pittsburgh JCS Inc. events.

      • Notification sent to other conventions regarding actions taken.

      • Prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

• Standard of Dress

  • Genitalia must be reasonably covered at all times.

    1. Any graphic or vivid outline of genitalia that is visible is not permitted. (i.e. if we can see the details of what's beneath your underwear, you will be asked to pad or cover it.)

    2. Pennsylvania law defines nudity as follows: "Nude." Means showing the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or showing the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple.

    3. Determination of “female breast” is based on gender self-identification

  • Footwear is mandatory at all times.

  • Garments or signs with obscene or profane images and/or text are prohibited.

  • Garments offering “Free Hugs” or similar are prohibited.

  • Those who fail to comply will be asked to remedy the issue or leave the premises until they are properly attired.

• Standard of Conduct

  • A basic standard of decency towards those around you should be adhered to at all times.

  • No running while attending the event.

  • The use of skates, skateboards, heelys, trampoline shoes, and recreational mobility items are prohibited.

  • Engaging in violence or fighting is prohibited.

    • Anyone who does so will be ejected from the event.

  • When in line for events, please wait in a single file line.

    • You may not save a spot in line for a friend, leave the line and come back to the same spot, or “cut” in line.

  • The sale of any item(s) or service(s) is prohibited unless you are an official event Vendor or Artist and you are in the designated area.

  • Visible intoxication is prohibited and violators will be escorted to facility security or to a location designated by the event venue.

  • Consumption of alcohol outside specific events is prohibited unless otherwise stated.

  • There is to be no smoking inside of the event venue.

    • This includes but is not limited to Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, and E-Cigs.

    • Chewing tobacco is also prohibited.

  • All local, state and federal laws apply inside the confines of the event.

Prop Rules

• All props must follow all other rules (i.e.: Nothing vulgar).

  • Any prop may be asked to be stored or removed from the floor at any time by event or facility staff.

  • You may be asked to store large props which impede traffic flow.

• All prop weapons or large props may be checked by event staff.

  • This may be done at designated Prop Check area(s) or throughout the event space.

    • Prop Check will follow these guidelines:

    • If it is illegal in the City of Pittsburgh and/or State of Pennsylvania it is prohibited.

    • NO EXPLOSIVES or CHEMICALS of any kind including, but not limited to: smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks of any kind.

    • No functioning projectile weapons of any kind will be permitted including:

      • Airsoft guns.

      • BB and other pellet guns.

      • Bows, crossbows, dart guns, and blowguns.

      • Water guns and/or pistols.

      • Stun guns and tasers.

      • Nerf guns or similar.

    • Non-functioning weapons will be permitted.

      • Props must have no way to load or fire any type of ammunition. All realistic guns are required to have an orange safety tip and have no ammunition inside.

      • Anyone found carrying a prop with ammunition in it will be ejected.

    • Prop bows may be carried in the convention space.

      • They must not be strung with authentic bowstring, and any alternative material (twine, yarn, any other non-functioning material) used must not be attached to the bow in a taut (tight) fashion.

      • All bows must comply with all other general policies.

      • Prop or toy arrows clearly marked as such are allowed.

      • Authentic arrows (tipped or non-tipped), including crossbow bolts and other projectiles, will NOT be permitted.

    • No exposed live steel or sharp edges of any kind is permitted.

      • Live steel is defined as swords, knives, or any other object, which can take an edge or point.

      • Live Steel IS permitted as long as it is peace bound in its sheath during the convention. (Peace binding is when the prop is made so that it can not be used. I.E. trigger pulled or sword unsheathed)

    • Weapons will be peace bound at the convention’s discretion

    • Staves, bo sticks, boken, shinai, and wooden swords will be permitted as long as they are handled responsibly and meet all other criteria.

    • Fake, prop, or made-up weapons (i.e. made of plastic, cardboard, tissue paper, plaster of Paris, cloth) are permitted.

      • These items must not impede traffic flow or be dangerous to others.

      • Behavior with Weapons/Props:

        • Misuse of a weapon or prop, such as swinging it in a public area or posing a hazard to others, will result in the weapon or prop being deemed unsafe for the convention, and you will be asked to remove the item from the convention center.

        • Any edged or other non-permitted weapons purchased from a designated event vendor must be either peace bound or boxed and removed from the event immediately.

        • Any item that poses a potential safety hazard may need to be removed from the event.

          • This includes any costume, prop, or accessory that obstructs doors or hallways, or otherwise poses any kind of danger to other attendees, staff, or convention center property.

        • When in doubt, check with event staff.

Video/Audio Photography Policy

• Photography and Video/Audio recording must not interfere with traffic flow throughout the event space including in common areas.

• The use of carts, tripods, and other equipment must not interfere with traffic flow throughout the event space including in common areas.

• Video/audio recordings of panels or events require the approval of the presenter(s)

• Soliciting paid photography or videography is prohibited during the event. Prior, advanced-booking photography or videography will be permitted.

• Photography and Video/Audio recordings of individuals (or groups of individuals) require the approval of those individuals. General/overall shots are permitted.

• Photography and Video/Audio recording is not permitted in screening or gaming rooms

Harassment Policy

• Harassment of any kind is not tolerated at any Pittsburgh Japanese Culture Society event. The safety and well-being of our attendees, guests, and staff is of the utmost importance.

  • Harassment is defined by the victim.

  • Harassment can include but is not limited to:

    • Intentionally making another uncomfortable.

    • Physical or verbal assault.

    • This could include offensive jokes or comments that you may believe to be ultimately harmless.

    • Bullying or discrimination of any kind.

    • Intimidation, stalking, and/or unwelcome physical attention.

    • Non-consensual flirtation or sexual advances.

    • Non-consensual photography or recording.

    • Bathroom policing (The act of harassing someone for using the bathroom of the gender they identify with).

  • Reporting

    • We encourage you to make reports as soon as possible so that the situation can be dealt with immediately.

    • If you feel that you are being harassed by anyone (attendee, staff, guest, press, venue personnel, etc.), please report it immediately to a member of our security staff.

    • If you are not comfortable speaking with a member of our security staff, the Harassment Response Officer will be available at any time by calling 412-732-6623 ext. 1.

    • E-mail reporting can be sent to hro@pittjcs.org

  • Consequences of Harassment

    • At the discretion of the Harassment Response Officer (HRO) and in no specific order:

      • Verbal warnings may be issued only once.

      • Immediate ejection from the event with no refund.

      • Placement upon a blacklist for all future PittJCS events.

      • Law enforcement authorities will be notified where appropriate.

Disability Accommodations

• If your disability requires special accommodations, please contact our staff. Staff will review and address these needs on a case by case basis.

  • Onsite please go to Convention Operations

  • Pre-Show please E-mail Ops@PittJCS.org

• The use of motored and non-motored wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and other personal mobility items for those who are permanently or temporarily disabled are permitted at all times.

• Service animals such as guide dogs are permitted at all times.

Enforcement

• A three strikes policy will be enforced.

  • Minor Infractions:

    • Strikes or “Badge Punches” may be issued by members of the event Security, Operations, or Executive staff.

      • Violators with three strikes will have their badge confiscated without refund and will be ejected.

      • Strikes may be appealed to our Convention Operations Staff and Event Planning Committee, however EPC decisions are final.

    • Severe Infractions:

      • Violators shall have their badge confiscated without refund and will be ejected.

      • Ejections may be appealed to our Convention Operations Staff and Event Planning Committee, however EPC decisions are final.

      • Violators shall be turned over to Facility Security Staff when warranted.

      • Public authorities will be contacted when warranted.