Calling all Pikachus and Princess Mononkes, Taiyou Con is taking over the East Valley. The three-day event will offer anime panels and vendors, cosplay and masquerade gatherings, Pokemon gym challenges, a Japanese fashion show, a maid cafe, plus live music from Japanese artists including Lotus Juice, Random, Shihoko Hirata and Yumi Kawamura. The anime convention runs from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, January 16; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, January 17; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 18, at the Mesa Convention Center and adjoining Phoenix Marriott Mesa, 200 North Centennial Way, Mesa. Weekend badges are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Single-day badges range between $25 and $30. For details, visit www.taiyoucon.com. Katie Johnson
