Toronto is getting a massive festival of Japanese culture this spring

Toronto's convention for everything related to Japanese film, television, style, art and music is returning for its 26th year. 

Anime North returns on Friday to Sunday, May 26-28 at the Toronto Congress Centre. It's the city's most popular annual event dedicated to serving all your otaku needs. 

The gathering itself is a sight to behold, with thousands of people in cosplay. During the day surrounding the convention hall you see groups modelling and capturing photos of their elaborate, often homemade outfits while embodying their favourite fictional characters. 

Inside, you can meet the creators, voice actors, artists, and more special guests. Anime North hosts over 200 panels on topics such as the Final Fantasy series or debates on the best Sailor Guardian.

You can attend workshops for beginner origami, leathermaking and Japanese tea. The complete programming is to be announced. 

The artists' alley is a massive hall vending memorabilia, manga, figurines, rare games, hentai prints, clothing, furry apparel, swords and other novelties. 

Don't miss the evening rave Otakubaloo, presented with the help of CrunchyRoll. This year features some of the favourite DJs with new exciting additions to the lineup.

You'll hear video game and anime soundtracks, future funk, happy hardcore, Eurobeat, J-core and all kinds of kawaii dance music. Entry comes with your weekend badge. 

Performances and shows also include a Pop Idol Dance Showcase, a J-fashion show and a masquerade. There are prizes and most of all, a community of people with whom you can share your obsessions. 

For single day tickets, all-weekend passes and updated information visit the Anime North website.