I love these fandom gatherings.

Recently, I joined among the many in colorful costumes for the celebration of an interesting sub-culture. Here, together to celebrate their love for the Japanese anime/manga; including related games, art and lit. The  grand show inside (of which I was unable to attend) was the great Sakura-Con, held annually in Seattle’s downtown convention center. The outside show in the back park area stretching some blocks, is a fan driven compliment to the event.

I spent good time outside the event in the back park area, there to meet up with old visiting friends. While around, I had great fun, cheering on the celebrated icons of Japan’s contributions to pop-culture, and learned much on the new popular trends of today’s “otaku” faire.

I took some pictures with two cameras. The sunny weather was perfect for that, adding vividness to the amazing array of colorful attires. Here below, with notes:

Dressed as characters from an anime/manga TV show, Cardcaptor Sakura.

A giant handmade Pokemon creature, made by the mohawked person in the back. Many cheered on this giant creature.

Link and a fairy (from a later game I think, of which I have yet to play)..from the Legend of Zelda series

WaLuigi, brother to Wario. Not sure who the other us.

Vegeta and Piccolo perform the fusion dance. I am not a big fan of Dragonball Z, yet have been enough of the fandom to pick up on this stuff.

Godzilla!!

From the worlds of the Walter Robot studios, of which I know very little. I know for sure, this make-up job is awesome.

Jokers and Harley Quinns. They are not of the Japanese culture origins, but they fit well as the anime/manga altpop culture welcomes all fantasy, sci-fi, superhero, etc genres of creative storytelling.

Not sure who she is from but that makeup job and costume detail is phenomenal.

Vash the Stampede and Wolfwood, crossplayed from the classic Trigun anime series. This brings love and peace to my heart, to see fans bring life to one of my fav series of years ago.

These players are from the Yu-Gi-Oh game and anime franchise. Well done!

I think she is from a newer show called RWBY. Not sure, but nice detail.

An odd traditional game played every year here during the show. This involves a large circle, where those inside the circle kick around a bottle. The bottle points to someone in the circle, signalling for a walk and a hug to that person. That person replaces and fronts to the middle of the circle, to repeat the circle. There are some various chants and songs that sometimes happen.

Characters from the long-running One Piece anime/manga series. The fandom of this was so huge, that a separate gathering far in the back of the park happened; where fans put on their own cosplay show.

A small portion of a massive League of Legends gathering (based on a very popular video game). The fandom and dedication to this astounds me.

Some fun under a bridge, which I helped with for a friend (in the bunny suit). Here, many enjoyed a hop scotch game for to promote her Android dating/social meet-up app, Cuddli..

Another character from League of Legends, I think. I like this shot.

A wild Pokemon spotted!

From the anime series, RWBY. Note: Monty Oum, the animator and creator of RWBY and many short films I admired, passed away last year at the age of 33. His work lives on with the fans.

Not sure on this series..but I like the craftsmanship.

A lady adorned with many Moogles (from the Final Fantasy video games). I hope they are clingy, and not dead..heheh.

Lara Croft, as portrayed in a recent and very gritty retcon of the Tomb Raider game franchise.

Well, that’s all for now. I had a huge blast for the one day of three  (I only had the time for, and why I didn’t go for a pass to the grander show inside). I give a huge thanks to all those who shared the joys of their fandoms, with the cosplay and cheers. Good times shared, are the best times.

– Orion T