Kawaii Kon returns with cuteness, comics

The three-day anime convention will offer its usual craziness

By Tracy Chan

Metromix

The sixth annual Kawaii Kon opens today at Hawaii Convention Center with a crazy, cute and colorful three-day celebration of all things anime.

Anime is well known as an animation style originating in Japan, with roots in manga (Japanese comics). It's recognizable for its unique style of colorful graphics, vibrant characters and fantasy and sci-fi themes. But over the years, it's evolved into far more than that, influencing comics, TV shows, video games, movies, still art, graphic novels and collectibles.

Here in Hawaii, anime is no less than an obsession. So when Kawaii Kon rolls around every year, a huge number of fans come out for the festivities, often dressed in elaborate costumes and accessories.

You don't have to be an anime fan, however, to enjoy the Kon. Although it helps to know at least a little about anime, it's worth checking out just to see the costumed characters or the manga literature, art, and trinkets on display.

For more hard-core enthusiasts, there's a video game room, karaoke contest, Animega Mix Dance Off, Table Top Gaming, costume contest,  formal ball and Cosplay Theater, where cosplayers bring their favorite anime characters to life and compete for prizes.
This year's special guests include "Final Fantasy X" voice actors Hideo Ishikawa and Masakazu Morita; TV, radio and video game voice actor Daisuke Kishio; and Johnny Yong Bosch, a two-time American Anime Award nominee and the voice of Adam Park in the hit show "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers."

Here are some things to see and do at the Kon this year.

Kawaii Kon highlights

Opening ceremonies, 3 p.m. today (Kalakaua Ballroom).

Karaoke free-sing, 9:30 p.m. today  (Panel Room 312).

Artist's Alley, open from 10 a.m. today to 5 p.m. Sunday.

VAST Video Art Contest, 11 a.m. tomorrow (Panel Room 311).

Lolita Tea Party, 2 p.m. tomorrow (Panel Room 311).

Cosplay Showcase, 10 a.m. tomorrow (Panel room 312), and again at 5 p.m. (Kalakaua Ballroom).

Alt/Air Concert, 8 p.m. tomorrow (Kalakaua Ballroom).

Moonlight Magic: Flights of Fancy Formal Ball, 9 p.m. tomorrow (Panel Room 311). 

Kawaii Kon
Hawaii Convention Center, third floor
Friday, April 16 through Sunday, April 18
Tickets: $25 (one-day adult pass); $35 (two-day adult pass); $50 (three-day adult pass); register on site
Hours: 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. -12 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

WHAT ANIME FANS SAY ABOUT THE KON

Why do you go to the Kon?

"All my life I've wanted to be someone else, and who better than to be a character that is considered an icon? And of course, I LOVE the reaction the kids (parents as well) show when we walk into a room ... It gives me an opportunity to gather among friends and do one of the things I like to do. Some people like to work on cars; I like to work on life-size model kits that I get to wear."
— Christian Colotario, Pacific Outpost, 501st Stormtrooper Legion

What's the most enjoyable part for you?

"At Kawaii Kon I try to do a little of everything, but the most fun for me is setting up shop in Artist's Alley and making new acquaintances. This year will also have some interesting guest speakers, so I hope to catch a few of those."
— Gabriel Yanagihara

"It's fun for us to directly interact with fellow costumers. Some of us have other costumes, and the Kon gives us a chance to get them out of the closet and share them with other like-minded people in a casual environment."
 — Tory Laitila, commanding officer, Pacific Outpost, 501st Stormtrooper Legion

"I love walking around, taking pictures, posing for pictures and attending the events room."
— Sarah Adams

What are some things you shouldn't miss?

"The epic Zombie March (usually fronted by characters from a survival horror-related video game being stalked by fellow cosplayers behaving like zombies)."
— Mark Gamiaos

"I would say don't miss the cosplay contest or parade ... I love seeing all the elaborate costumes. Every year it's different, from comic book characters to Transformers to Hello Kitty and Naruto."
— Jolene Jolos