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Summary Dedicated anime fans dressed as their favourite cartoons for opening of Anime Expo in Los Angeles.
Hundreds of fans in colorful wigs, elaborate make up and intricate costumes gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center for day one of the 21st annual Anime Expo.Entrance lines stretched beyond the doors of the convention center as fans waited to be among the first to enter the largest Japanese animation and comics - popularly known as anime and manga - convention in the U.S. While they waited, fans took photos together and role played to their favorite anime series or video games.While the convention offers enthusiasts the opportunity to speak with animators and learn more about the anime world, it also allows them to network with new fans.Its kind of unique and its also a great way to meet new people who have the same interest as you. And, you know what, out there today, it seems like not many people are really doing that, said Daniel Joseph, who costume plays - commonly referred to as cos play - frequently.I think, a lot of these people, theyre people that are hiding away in little tiny holes and they just need something to just bring them out, said Tina Chang, who traveled from Walnut, California, to attend the expo. This brings them out and allows them to actually socialize and actually feel like theyre not alone in this anime world because, this anime world, although it seems big its still pretty small.The opening ceremony of the expo included a short introduction by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation is a non-profit organization whose goal it is to raise awareness about anime.
