Mayor Sylvester Turner dressed up as the character Luffy from the popular anime series One Piece on Friday for the Anime Matsuri comvention.
Office of Mayor Sylvester Turner
Mayor Sylvester Turner has joined the quest for the legendary One Piece and become the “King of the Pirates,” or so the costume he donned for his final Anime Matsuri as Houston mayor on Friday would have you believe. The outgoing mayor dressed up as Monkey D. Luffy, the iconic straw hat-wearing protagonist of the popular One Piece manga series. Celebrating its 17th anniversary this year, the four-day anime convention held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, kicked off on Thursday and runs through Sunday.
This weekend, more than 60,000 people are expected to attend the event, Turner said. During its opening ceremony on Friday, Turner declared Aug. 11, 2023 as Anime Matsuri Day. He was also bestowed with an honorary plaque by Anime Matsuri staff, recognizing his six years of “unwavering support” of the convention. Turner has attended the event every year as mayor.
Mayor Sylvester Turner received a special plaque on Friday for his support of Anime Matsuri over the years.
Office of Mayor Sylvester Turner
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“I want to say you are the coolest mayor in the world,” said Deneice Leigh, founder and chairman of Anime Matsuri. “He embraces, respects everyone. Why you’re so cool, is he makes you proud to be a Houstonian. He is cool because he takes care of the people and this city. He’s not afraid to cosplay.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner said the character Luffy embodies the spirit of Houston.
Office of Mayor Sylvester Turner
It’s not the first time Turner has gone all out for the event, though this year may arguably be his best cosplay. Last year, Turner dressed up as Ichigo Kurosaki from the anime series Bleach. His previous cosplays included Kyōjurō Rengoku from the anime series Demon Slayer, Goku from Dragon Ball Z, and the Akatsuki from Naruto. His other candidates for this year’s event included the characters Naruto, Deku from My Hero Academia, and Totoro from Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro.
Mayor Sylvester Turner attended his last Anime Matsuri as mayor of Houston on Friday. He was honored with a special plaque for his support of the event over the years.
Office of Mayor Sylvester Turner
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It is rumored that the One Piece anime will finally end in 2024 or 2025. Turner’s team, who chooses his costume each year, thought the cosplay was fitting as he approaches his last few months as mayor. “As my term as mayor draws to a close, they thought the costume was a perfect fit because Luffy embodies unwavering strength and unyielding courage,” Turner said. “His spirit reminds us that true strength arises from working together and standing resolute in the face of adversity.”
