Decked out in elaborate costumes and cheerful dispositions, members of the Lancer community flocked the Hawaii Convention Center to attend the 13th Annual Kawaii Kon.

Kawaii Kon is a three-day event celebrating “Japanese anime (cartoons), manga (comics), and all facets of Japanese culture,” as detailed on its official website. It attracts many Japan enthusiasts from around the island, creating a “safe place for otaku,” or people with an affinity for popular culture, “to meet, socialize, and enjoy themselves.”

Sacred Hearts Academy senior and anime enthusiast Adriana Choi enjoyed this year’s Kon. She dressed up in cosplay, or “costume play,” with her friends.

“Kawaii Kon this year was really fun,” Choi said. “I cosplayed as Maki Nishikino from ‘Love Live!’ with my friends, who also cosplayed from the same series.”

Kawaii Kon attendees were able to purchase homemade and official anime merchandise and participate in a plethora of activities, including cosplay and video game competitions, panels and meet-and-greets with the convention’s special guests.

This year, the convention welcomed popular voice actors, such as Dante Basco, the voice behind Prince Zuko from “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” David Vincent, known for voicing Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez from the anime “Bleach,” and Zach Callison, the voice of “Steven Universe’s” titular character were also there.

Musicians, such as Hanafugetsu and Joe Inoue, were in attendance as well.

Choi said that Kawaii Kon is a great place for otakus to visit.

“It’s a great event to socialize with other people (who have) the same interest as you.”

Next year’s Kawaii Kon will be held from March 2 to 4, 2018 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Those interested in purchasing a three-day membership may do so online or at the door during the duration of the convention.