JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Colorful costumes, excited fans and anime enthusiasts crowded the Mississippi Trade Mart for the 2024 Mississippi Anime Fest.

The event hosts a plethora of shows, vendors to shop from, and meet and greets. The festival also provides a chance for enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the Japanese animation style. 

“I’m a 90s-era kid, meaning when Pokémon very first came to America. I was there from the cards to the movies to the Pokémon League, and I was also raised on 90s Toonami and that’s where all of the anime came from,” said Jessica Crockett, who attended the event.

Anime is something many people grew up watching. Being able to make their own costumes and enjoy the atmosphere of the Mississippi Anime Fest is something they look forward to every year. More than anything, it’s just about having fun.

“Frankly, it’s just a whole lot of fun. It’s a lot of common people that share our interests. And obviously, I get to dress up a little bit as characters I like, so it’s just a whole lot of fun for me,” said Cade Braswell, an attendee.

The Mississippi Anime Fest will run through Sunday, March 10.