Cosplay event at imposing estate in southwestern Japan

Young people dressed up as anime or game characters have had photographs taken of their cosplay at a historic stately residence in Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture.

More than 30 cosplay enthusiasts from in and outside the southwestern prefecture enjoyed the event in the city of Iizuka on Saturday.

City officials held the event at the former residence of Ito Denemon, who is known as the coalmine king of Chikuho, a region in the prefecture. The estate is an important cultural property designated by the central government.

The officials hoped the event would help familiarize young people with the residence.

The participants were specially let into a drawing room. Photographers took pictures of the cosplayers sitting on chairs prepared for the occasion.

One cosplayer expressed great satisfaction. She said she is rarely allowed to hold photo sessions at such a magnificent place.