Here's a guide to Kawaii Kon costume events, most with dates and times to be announced. For updates and complete rules, visit www.kawaii-kon.org.

Cosplay Showcase

» April 11: Public presentation from 6 to 8 p.m. Contest limited to first 60 entries, with pre-judging from 9 to 11 a.m. in Room 312. Contestants should bring reference materials to the pre-judging, such as art books and color printouts. Categories are Youth (12 and under); Novice (for those who have never won) and Master (those who have won one to four awards). Costumes entered in previous Kawaii Kon contests or showcases may not be entered and costumes must be from one of the following sources: » Japanese Anime (”;Shaolin Showdown”; or “;Teen Titans”; does not qualify) » Japanese Manga (manga versions of American creations such as “;Star Wars”; does not count) » Japanese-made video games (”;Final Fantasy”; counts, but “;Lord of the Rings”; does not)

» J-Music (Cosplaying as Gackt or Morning Musume counts, but Tommy Lee does not)

» Generally most any related Japanese television source is allowed, such as “;Live Action Sailor Moon,”; as are other Asian sources that have a Japanese connection. For example, “;Magna Carta”; is a Korean video game that was released in Japan before the U.S.

Cosplay Theater

See favorite anime characters brought to life with a maximum of 20 individuals or groups performing in skits up to 3 minutes. Day and time to be announced. Cosplayers who want to appear must attend a mandatory review and rehearsal at 4 p.m. April 9 at the convention center, Room 312. Costumes not required at the review. Bring entry form and waiver/release form available at the Kawaii Kon Web site and see complete details.

Hallway Costume Contest

Those too shy to appear on stage but who want to show off their costume can sign in April 10 and 11 at the Hallway Costume Contest table and have a photo taken for public voting. The contestant that receives the most votes by 9 p.m. on the 10th, and starting over, the contestant that receives the most votes by 7 p.m. on the 11th will win. Must be present to win. See the complete rules. Note that costumes entered in previous Kawaii Kon contests or showcases may not be entered and that your costume must be created by you and include three different sources of pre-made pieces.

Lolita Fashion Show

Experience Harajuku fashion during this showcase featuring clothes, shoes and accessories from more than 40 Japanese brands. Pick up tips on Lolita style on a budget.