The Crazy World of the World Cosplay Summit

Aichi is the home of the Japanese Cosplay boom sweeping the world. Every year the World Cosplay Summit is staged in Aichi’s capital, Nagoya, every August, drawing thousands from overseas, and many, many more from across Japan to take part in dressing up as your favorite anime, manga, or game hero or character. The amount of time and effort put into the costumes is incredible! The atmosphere in the city center is electric!

It’s colorful, it’s entertaining, it’s fun, it’s creative, it’s crazy, it’s amazing! It’s the World Cosplay Summit!

(Japanese Anime, Manga and Game Culture spreads across the world!)

Teams from 30 countries around the world compete for the title of World Cosplay Champion!

You’ll be amazed as the Red Carpet Parade takes place along Nagoya City Central’s Nishiki Dori main street in front of capacity crowds. Many thousands more gather in full costume around the futuristic looking shopping and event space at Oasis 21 and the ancient Osu Kannon Temple precincts. There are events in Aichi’s seaside Gamagori, and at the historic Museum Meiji Mura too. Then comes the big event itself,…the World Cosplay Championships.

(Even if you don’t know what’s going on, it’s still great fun to watch!)

( Over 30 countries from around the world are represented. )

(Animation and Game Characters come to life in creative and entertaining ways)

Some amazing people, in fantastic costumes put on some incredible shows! Even the Governor of Aichi gets into costume and joins the festivities!

(Governor Omura as animation character, Detective Conan)

(The costumes are stunning! )

When the World Cosplay Summit starts, not just Japan, but the world takes notice! The show can be watched live across the globe on the Niconico streaming service website. Many Cosplay fans around the world hold home parties to enjoy the event with their friends, naturally, they’re all in costume too!

I’m lucky in that I get one of the best seats in the house,…being the annual events’ MC and all! See you at the World Cosplay Summit!

Writer
Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn is a bilingual radio DJ, TV presenter, producer, narrator, MC, copywriter, author and columnist, and Japanese historian, specializing in samurai castles, battles, armor and weapons. He is an inbound tourism advisor, and is often called upon as a lecturer and speaker on Japanese history and topics. He was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1968, and has spent over half his life in Japan, most of that time in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Chris is dedicated to promoting and preserving Japans’ long history, deep culture, traditions, arts and crafts.