Is that a Naruto katana in your pocket?

Check your weapons at the door.

Japanese-inspired anime is known for its cartoon characters with crazy-colored hair, outrageous wardrobes and kick-ass weaponry that really does kick ass. So it’s no surprise then that anime lovers attending SacAnime will need to get their prop artillery approved before entering the Scottish Rite Center this weekend. “Cosplay” (a.k.a. “costume play” in the anime world) has become a major part of anime fetes, where enthusiasts design costumes, arsenals, characters and even plotlines. It really will be anime come to life, as thousands are expected to participate in the event, Friday through Sunday at the Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street.

Not sure how to make a cosplay-appropriate weapon? There are rules, yes, but there’ll also be a workshop on how to build low-cost props and weapons. There also will be a cosplay masquerade, a fashion show, video-game tournaments and animated movies featured throughout the weekend. Anime voice actors Liam O’Brien (Wolverine and X-Men), Crispin Freeman, (Hellsing) and Sam Riegel (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) will instruct attendees on how to “dub” anime and other basics of voice acting. Musicians, such as Ghost Towne and Rusika, will perform, as well as the female martial arts group Kung Fu Femmes. Japanese comic books, toys, DVDs, video games and art will be for sale.

Registration is $10 on Friday and Sunday, $20 on Saturday or $25 for all three days. For more information about SacAnime, visit the Web site at www.sacanime.com.