The zany world of Japanese anime invaded California as hundreds of fans in colorful wigs, elaborate make up and intricate costumes gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center for Anime Expo 2012. It's North America's largest gathering for devotees of manga, anime and all forms of J-pop culture.
Fans queued around the block, all eager to be among the first to enter the largest Japanese comics and animation convention in the US. While the convention offers enthusiasts the opportunity to speak with their idols and learn more about the anime world, it's also a great chance to network with other fans.
While they waited, fans passed the time by taking photos together and role playing their favorite characters.
Daniel Joseph, cosplayer, said, "It's kind of unique and it's 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."
Tina Chang, cosplayer, said, "I think a lot of these people, they're people that are hiding away in little tiny holes and they just need something to just bring them out. This brings them out and allows them to actually socialize and actually feel like they're not alone in this anime world because, this anime world, although it seems big it's still pretty small."
The four day event was organized by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation and is a real annual Mecca for thousands of anime fans and industry professionals.

2012美国动漫博览会在加利福尼亚举行，成百上千的动漫爱好者戴着五颜六色的假发，画着精致的妆容，穿着各种角色服装涌进洛杉矶大会堂参加这场盛会。这是北美最大的一场动漫和流行文化爱好者的盛大集会。
动漫迷们排队等在中心周围，都渴望第一个进入会堂。盛会将提供机会给动漫迷们与他们的偶像进行交谈并从中学习更多有关动漫世界的知识，这场盛会也是一个与其他动漫迷交流的大好机会。
动漫迷们一边在外面等待，一边一起拍照留影并扮演他们最爱的角色以打发时间。
动漫参赛选手Daniel Joseph说:“这是唯一可以认识志同道合朋友的最佳途径。而且，你们知道，今天离开这儿以后，似乎就没有太多人喜欢动漫了。”
动漫参赛选手Tina Chang说:“我想很多的动漫爱好者他们都是将自己隐藏在小洞中的，他们只是希望能有某种东西可以将他们带离那里。这场盛会就将他们带离那里并使他们能否够真实地地进行交际，同时也让他们感觉到他们在动漫世界中并不孤单，因为这个动漫世界虽然看起来很大但其实仍然很小。
这场为期四天由日本动漫促进协会主办的盛会是千万动漫爱好者和专业人士每年都渴望去的地方。