The Partners Behind
the Wave
Knox Pop Con is powered by local businesses and organizations who believe in Asian pop culture, youth development, and community. Our 2026 festival drew 750+ fans to Bridgewater Place — now we're building toward 2027, and every sponsor helps us keep it accessible, inclusive, and unforgettable.
Every movement starts with
someone who believes first.
Nama Sushi Bar
Voted Best Sushi in Knoxville · 20+ Years · 3 Locations
Est. 2004 · Knoxville, TN"Nama" means "raw" in Japanese — and for over 20 years, Nama Sushi Bar has been Knoxville's most authentic connection to Japanese food culture. Three locations across the city serve blue fin tuna, specialty rolls, and Asian fusion. Part of the Nama Collective, which also includes Harvest and the newly opened Nama Izakaya — a Tokyo-inspired tapas lounge on Gay Street.
“In K-pop, debut is the moment everything begins — the first stage, the first fans, the first spark. Nama Sushi Bar is Knox Pop Con's debut partner — the one who believed first.”
Knoxville's Longest-Running Japanese Cultural Ambassador
Since 2004, Nama has been the place where Knoxville falls in love with Japanese culture — one roll at a time. Their newest concept, Nama Izakaya, brings the spirit of Tokyo's late-night taverns to Gay Street. Knox Pop Con celebrates the creative output of Japanese and Korean culture — from anime to K-Pop to cosplay. This partnership isn't just a sponsorship. It's a cultural handshake between Knoxville's most established Japanese dining institution and its first Asian pop culture festival.
Some partners return because
the mission never left them.
Peony Giving Circle
Sisterhood Philanthropies · Supporting Childhood Trauma Survivors
Peony Giving Circle — Sisterhood Philanthropies — raises awareness and funds for nonprofits that support survivors of childhood trauma, while empowering each other through activities that promote leadership, fitness, and caring. Founded by Ann Shih, Peony embodies the spirit of collective giving rooted in Asian cultural traditions. The peony flower holds deep significance across Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures — symbolizing prosperity, honor, and compassion.
“The peony blooms boldly and without apology — a symbol of honor, compassion, and strength across Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditions. Peony Giving Circle carries that same energy into everything they do. This is what it looks like when sisterhood sponsors the future.”
Sisterhood, Compassion, and the Spirit of Collective Giving
In Asian cultures, the peony (牡丹 / 모란) represents prosperity, honor, and the courage to bloom. Ann Shih founded Peony Giving Circle on that same principle — that a circle of women lifting each other up can transform a community. Through Sisterhood Philanthropies, the organization raises awareness and funds for nonprofits supporting survivors of childhood trauma, while fostering leadership, fitness, and caring among its members. This is Peony's second year sponsoring Knox Pop Con — a returning commitment that reflects the deep alignment between their mission and ours: empowering youth, celebrating Asian heritage, and building community in East Tennessee.
Join the wave.
Spots are limited.
Every tier is named for a milestone in Asian pop culture — from your debut to headlining the wave. All contributions are tax-deductible under our 501(c)(3) status.
Be the Next Name
on This Page
Knox Pop Con is building something unprecedented in East Tennessee. Nama Sushi Bar and Peony Giving Circle already stepped up for 2026, and Knox Pop Con 2027 recruitment is open now. Your brand could be next — whether you're a local restaurant, a regional business, or a national brand looking to connect with Gen Z's most culturally engaged community.