The Torrance Cultural Arts Center celebrated all things J-Pop on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The Torrance center hosted LA Idol Matsuri 2024 -- described on its website as "the ultimate idol fest" -- which featured more than 20 musical performances across eight hours. The performers were all idols, a term for those who sing and/or dance in the style of J-Pop, a type of popular music originating in Japan.

"Idol culture is a general term to refer to activities, norms and various aspects that surround idols and idol performers and their fans," according to the LA Idol Matsuri 2024 website. "In general, the culture and activities are derived from norms and rules from Japan as opposed to western based idols."

After an opening ceremony, the performances began shortly before 12:30 p.m. and continued until the the finale around 9 p.m. The performers, boasting "kawaii" names such as Melly Mimi and Melanin Star Time, took to both indoor and outdoor stages donning colorful, eclectic outfits. ("Kawaii" is a Japanese term that means "cute.") Those in the audience, meanwhile, waved penlights while cheering on their favorite idols -- and many in the crowd donned cosplay outfits.

The event was produced by AniMarketplace, an organizing committee that puts on multiple conventions in the Los Angeles area, the LA Idol Matsuri 2024 website says.

"Our mission is to create and foster a robust idol community in Southern California," the website says, "and create a platform for idols performers to showcase their talents for fans to enjoy."