Anime — pronounced "ah-nih-meh" — are animated films created in Japan that are for all age groups and tastes, with comedic, romantic, action or dramatic plot lines. In Hawai'i, many are familiar with the shows "Astro Boy," "Princess Knight," "Speed Racer" and "Star Blazers," which are broadcast regularly.

"The stories are different than other shows," said Stan Dahlin, one of three organizers of the Kawaii Kon 2005 convention. "It's different and more mature than typical American shows. The biggest attraction is the art."

But anime comes in all shapes and sizes and genre, said Kawaii Kon 2005 co-founder Marlon Stodghill. The granddaddy of all anime conventions is held in Anaheim, Calif. and draws 25,000 people, he said.

"We exceeded our expectation on the first day (here) with about 800 people," Stodghill said. "We were expecting about 500."

The trio organize an anime convention in Atlanta that draws 7,000 people yearly. They hadn't thought of establishing one here until one of the guest speakers there spoke with Dahlin, who was raised in Hawai'i, about starting one locally. That was a year ago, and now the Honolulu organizers are looking toward 2006 for the next convention.

Six months ago, McKinley High School junior Loraine Ho saw a flier on a wall at a bookstore and knew right away that she'd be going to Kawaii Kon 2005. Dressed in a turquoise suit yesterday, she was emulating the anime character Hellsing. She was eager to attend the "cosplay" the costume contest later in the day.

"This is my first convention," Ho said. "I've been watching anime shows since I got hooked on 'Sailor Moon.' ... It's so great. Everyone has a common interest."

Gypsy Madden, a 27-year-old benefit claims worker, made quite the entrance with her two friends. They were all in costumes, two of which she made herself. "I'm really into anime," Madden said. "It can be for adults. It gives me a great outlet to be creative."