Costumes get big play at anime, gaming event

KuroNekoCon celebrates anime, gaming and Japanese culture this weekend.

The name of the convention comes from the Japanese for black cat.

“When we first started out as a little tiny event … they created this little mascot that was a little black cat,” said Makayla Miracle, KuroNekoCon marketing director. “That mascot kind of stuck around.”

The convention, now in its seventh year, has grown – last year more than 1,300 people attended, according to the event’s website.

This year, organizers are bringing in a variety of guests, including voice actors Eric Stuart, Carrie Savage and Micah Solusod; the Slants, an Asian American dance rock band from Portland; and Ryan Wells, who will talk about cosplay.

The event has a range of activities for people of all ages. There will be anime to watch and games to play.

“A lot of our events involve getting participation from the attendees,” Miracle said.

Cosplay chess puts costumed people on the board. It’s a scripted game with the two kings calling out the moves. And it doesn’t necessarily follow regular chess rules, Miracle said. The characters battle to determine who wins the turn.

And if you’ve always wanted to wield a sword, this is your opportunity. Attendees can sign up for either foam sword open play from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday or the foam sword tournament 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

At the children’s festival, participants can make paper koinobori flags, learn how to play kendama, make masks and origami, and learn how to use chopsticks.

And, all attendees are invited to wear costumes. “It’s definitely encouraged, but not required,” Miracle said.

Kimberly Lusk

When: 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

Where: Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Admission: $30 for age 13 and older, $15 for ages 6 to 12 for the full weekend; $20 and $10 for single day; children 5 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or at early registration noon to 4 p.m. Friday.

Note: Minors are required to register with an adult. The convention is family-friendly, but some events are for adults only. Organizers check ID for the 18-and-older activities.

Info: http://kuronekocon.com/