Last night at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Sanrio opened the doors to a tremendous 50th Anniversary celebration featuring carnival games, costumed characters, special food booths, limited edition event products from the company, and of course – a themed art group show (curated by JAPAN LA). Taking a cue from their Hello Kitty 35th birthday celebration last year (covered), the Japanese company chose a venue that could better accommodate the fanaticism that some have come associate with the brand’s ubiquitous kawaii characters.

Although we were surrounded by the festivities, our focus was different than most people there. Take a look at openings pics after the jump…

Joe Ledbetter

Joe Ledbetter

Lola

Lola

Luke Chueh

Luke Chueh

Natalia Fabia

Natalia Fabia

Mari Inukai

Mari Inukai

Shark Toof

Shark Toof

Eric Joyner

Eric Joyner

Travis Louie

Travis Louie

Audrey Kawasaki

Audrey Kawasaki

Kozyndan

Kozyndan

APAK

APAK

Some of the many cosplay fans there.

Some of the many cosplay fans there.

Discuss this show here.