DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Animation used to be for kids until Pixar changed that, but fans of anime tend to take it a step further. It wasn't the kids wearing costumes Friday in downtown Los Angeles, but adults.

“It’s my first year at Anime Expo,” said Angel Thomas. “I’m cosplaying as Ichiro Kuwasaki from Bleach, and I have never been to Anime Expo, and I know people love to dress up, so this was the one year where I was like you know what, let’s just do it. Let’s just go big and cosplay.”

Born in Los Angeles, Thomas’ love for anime introduced him to new friends and influenced his career as an instructor working in the maker space where kids can learn to design and bring their ideas to life.

“It has a really good application when it comes to the Anime Expo because you can actually 3D print and design a lot of your weapons, clothing, armor, things like that, using 3D printing,” said Thomas.

“I like your prop!” squeals one cosplayer to another.

Since Robotech first burst onto American television back in the 80s, Japanese pop culture has found a worldwide audience, especially in Los Angeles.

Vailence attends around 30 expos throughout the West Coast every year. Originally from Phoenix, she moved to California four years ago and lives in Highland Park where she works as a professional cosplayer.

She makes a living making costumes and selling photo-sets. She make commissions and teaches people how to cosplay as their favorite anime character.

“So today, I am from the series Fate Grand Order, the mobile game,” said Vailence. “My character is Tomamo, Tomamo Nomai. She’s like a cute fox, fox girl.”

Vailence is here to work, play, and maybe pick up a few collectibles. It is an expo after all.  

“Figurines are so tempting. There are so many adorable figurines and they are hard to stay away,” said Vailence.

Like the figurines, fanboys have a tough time staying away from Vailence. Coming dressed up means she gets stopped and asked for photos—a lot. Like every few steps. 

And she doesn’t mind at all. She’s here to enjoy anime and share her love for Japanese pop culture, so every photo is an opportunity to make a connection. 

“In the past, there have definitely been some incidences in terms of harassment,” said Vailence. “But over the last few years, honestly, conventions have made strides in creating an environment of awareness towards consent.”

Cosplayers work hard on their costumes so ask for permission before taking their photo.

For more information on Anime Expo, click here.