The 14th annual Sakura-Con took Seattle by storm over the weekend, with thousands of anime fans from all over the Pacific Northwest in attendance. Originally started in 1998 at the Tukwila Double Tree Hotel (reportedly with only 313 attendees), this convention rapidly increased in popularity, prompting organizers to find a new location. After moving around the Seattle area, Sakura-Con finally settled on the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in 2008. Last year’s head count? 19,040. Check out a few of the costumes we saw at this weekend’s convention.Photos by Kayley Kirmse.Published on April 9, 2012

Final Fantasy and DJ characters take a moment to vamp while waiting for their crAapes.

An arrangement of characters from Street Fighter, Sailor Moon, andFinal Fantasy take a second to pose before entering Sakura-Con.

Jessie was ready to go home after a long three days at the convention.

Gandalf the Grey.

Even the Easter Bunny had time to stop by Seattle’s sunny Sunday at Sakura-Con!

Dressed up as an ancient Samurai, PJ had no problem chuckin’ up the deuces.

Squall Leonhart, the main protagonist from Final Fantasy VIII.

Popular anime characters depart from the last day of the convention to roam the streets of Seattle.