Groups of creatively-dressed cosplayers will take over Waikiki this weekend with the quick approach of the annual anime convention Kawaii Kon.

Held at the Hawaii Convention Center, Kawaii Kon is organized by a group of directors from Hawaii and the mainland for the “local otaku community.” The convention is three days long and includes attractions and workshops for attendees to enjoy.

The popular event has recently gained legislative attention. On Apr. 6, Mayor Kirk Caldwell officially declared April 8 – 10 “Kawaii Kon Days.”

Junior Tiani Quon is a frequent attendee at such conventions and loves the thrill of these events.

“Kawaii Kon is a place where I can freely enjoy the company of eccentric cosplayers, video game fanatics and crazy persuasive merchants who love the same things I do,” said Quon. “It’s a chaotic paradise and I love every minute of it.”

Participants have the opportunity to take part in cosplay competitions, purchase homemade and official anime merchandise, dance the night away at the “Moonlight Magic Ball” and meet influential people in the anime community, including J. Michael Tatum, known for voicing Sebastian Michaelis in “Black Butler” and Kouichirou Natsume, who contributed to the growth of the anime industry.

Teens and adults interested in attending can purchase 3-day membership passes online or pay at the door of the Convention Center. Attendees can choose to wear casual clothing or cosplay costumes; those in costume must follow rules set by the Kon directors.  

According to Kawaii Kon’s official web site, the convention is expecting 12,000 fans this year.

Quon is looking forward to it.

“It’s never a dull moment there,” Quon said. “I hope to meet new people who share the same interests as me.”