This years Tokyo Character Show was held on July 21 and 22 at Makuhari Messe Exhibition Centre. For those of you who have never been here it is an epic trip past Tokyo Disneyland into Chiba, which is enough to strike fear into the hearts of most Tokyo-ites - especially this one.

It was a steaming hot Saturday afternoon when I went there and I confess that this did not put me in the best frame of mind for wandering amongst the crowds. The first thing that struck me was how small the event was - obviously it has no way gained in much popularity from last year.

There were also very few cosplayers present - although the ones that were there had costumes of a high standard.

However the dedicated fans were there to stock up on limited and event only items and most of them looked pretty pleased with their bags of loot - but I guess I wasn't the only one who the weather got to and quite a few people took opportunities to grab a quick nap...