Judges evaluate teams during the “Masquerade” competition at the Ikasucon Japanese Animation Convention held at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne. Scores are based on costume originality, dialogue content, and audience reaction.

Many participants in the “Masquerade” competition spend months creating unique costumes such as this elaborate headdress.

Even some of the Ikasucon event staff join in the fun of creating unique costumes.

The halls of the Grand Wayne Center, downtown Fort Wayne, are swarming with intriguing characters during the Ikasucon Japanese Animation Convention

Long after the awards have been presented and the competition is over many participants remain “in character” during the Ikasucon Japanese Animation Convention.

Vivid costumes adorn the hallways of the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne during the Ikasucon Japanese Animation Convention.

Moderators Kevin McKeever (left) and Toshifumi Yoshida (right) make a comedic pair during the “Masquerade” competition at the Ikasucon Japanese Animation Convention. The convention was hosted for the first time at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne after many years in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Participants in the “Masquerade” competition utilize costume and drama in an attempt to grab the attention of the judges and the audience.

With a pose resembling the Statue of Liberty this participant celebrates first prize for costume originality in the “Masquerade” competition during the Ikasucon Japanese Animation Convention.