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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Danielle Braun dressed as Gamora and husband Nick Braun as Star-Lord at Kawaii Kon.
The 11th-annual Kawaii Kon animation convention wrapped up its three-day run on Sunday night at the Hawaii Convention Center.
The convention, which celebrates the love of Japanese animation and culture, drew in an announced crowd of 10,450 from Friday through Sunday, as well as hundreds of artists who displayed their work in Artist Alley.
Fans were treated to various anime-related activities during the event, including special guest panels with famous voice-over artist Rob Paulson of Pinky and the Brain fame, and a concert put on by Japanese recording artist Eir Aoi.
Since its inception in 2005, Kawaii Kon has grown steadily more popular, moving from the Ala Moana Hotel to its new home at the Hawaii Convention Center.
For artists and fans alike, it’s an opportunity to share their talents.
“We’re all in this together,” local artist Leah Rose said. “We’re all a big bunch of nerds. Let’s get excited together about silly things.”
Organizers announced the 2016 Kawaii Kon has been scheduled for April 8-10.
