Shuto Con, a Japanese animation festival, kicked off Friday in downtown Lansing.

The weekend event includes movies, mingling, panel discussion, and gaming. Many participants dress in costume and behave in character.

"There's lots of Dr. Who people that are cos-plaing this weekend," said Stefanie Shall, Shuto Con Chairwoman. "We celebrate everything so we welcome all kinds of cos-players."

The convention lasts through Sunday.