Cosplayers Gather As New York Comic Con Opens

NEW YORK, Oct 13 (News On Japan) - A wave of anime and pop culture enthusiasts gathered in New York as the city hosted one of the largest pop culture events on the U.S. East Coast, the New York Comic Con, drawing crowds of cosplayers and fans from across the country.

The event, which opened on October 9th, celebrates anime, manga, video games, and other facets of pop culture, and has quickly become a major annual fixture in the U.S. entertainment calendar. Japanese works such as "One Piece" are especially popular among visitors, with a wide array of merchandise on sale and fan meetups taking place where attendees showcase their costumes and connect with others.

"Anime is part of Japanese culture, and by gathering here we’re showing our appreciation," one participant said, describing the sense of community among fans.

Organizers estimate that around 250,000 people will attend over the four-day event, underscoring the growing influence of Japanese pop culture in the United States.

Source: FNN

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