Otaku invasion

Colorful costumes and vast amounts of candy.

Sounds like Halloween, but it’s actually Nan Desu Kan.

For the past three years, I’ve covered the local, annual Japanese animation convention that takes place down south at the DTC Marriott Hotel.

It’s best described as an absolute overload for the senses. Even though I consider myself a casual anime fan, I’m still weirded out by the vast number of anime otaku — someone with an obsessive interest — who make the yearly pilgrimmage down south.

The overwhelming majority of attendees are dressed up as their favorite anime character — though, there is a smattering of pirates, zombies and Ghostbusters.

Scattered are vendors who sell a variety of art, Japanese paraphernalia and candy.

(I do have to note that $3 for a box of Pocky is outrageously expensive. I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than 75 cents unless it was the giant-sized ones.)

Something new at the convention this year was the addition of The Slants to the lineup. The Portland-based synthpop band was the first-ever non-anime musical act to perform at NDK. They last came out to Colorado in July to perform at the Lions Lair.

Having observed the convention for some time now, I believe that there are a number of rules every patron should follow:

• Be aware of your body type
It’s much more effective if you dress like someone you match physically. Not everyone should be dressed like the slender, and quite short-skirted, Sailor Moon.
Or if you want to dress up like someone buff, such as “Bleach” character Tessai Tsukabishi, I have three words for you: hit the gym.

• Be original
It’s dull when you look like everyone else. I know L from “Death Note” is cool, but not when there’s a dozen of you wandering around. Want to stand out? Pick an obscure character, such as Tessai, and wander around with a group of folks from the same anime.

• Don’t pester people
This specifically goes out to the zombies. I don’t mind the full-out acting and zombie walk. It’s somewhat amusing seeing them attack those who want to be attacked. But the key word is “want.” Don’t grab me when I’m trying to get somewhere.

But like all conventions, it's tiring staying in the hotel all day. I like wandering across the street to the local restaurants and doing some people watching.

It's fun sitting at Garcia’s and watching the usual patrons gawk at these colorful kids eat.