World Cosplay Summit
 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (August 2021) |
| World Cosplay Summit | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Venue | Oasis 21 (2006-2013) Aichi Arts Center (2014-2017) (2019-) Dolphins Arena (2018) Osu Shopping District |
| Location(s) | Sakae, Nagoya, Aichi |
| Country | Japan |
| Inaugurated | 2003 |
| Attendance | 248,000 in 2016 |
| Website | www |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2021) |
The World Cosplay Summit (世界コスプレサミット, Sekai Kosupure Samitto), also known as WCS, is an annual international cosplay event, which promotes global interaction through Japanese pop culture.[1][2]
In 2012, the WCS was incorporated as a company. Until then, the summit was organized by the events division of TV Aichi. It is supported by several city organizations, businesses, and the WCS student volunteer organization Omotenashi. The parade and championship are held in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Other related events are held in the Kanto, Kansai, and Tokai regions. The first cosplay stage performance competition called the 'Cosplay Championship' was held at the Aichi Expo in 2005.[3] This later developed into the World Cosplay summit. The selection of national representatives for the event comes from preliminary and regional rounds of the partnering anime/manga events held at the respective countries of the participants.[citation needed]
As of 2008, with keen interest in Japanese youth culture from abroad, three ministries of the Japanese government have given support to the event; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Japanese embassy representatives often attend preliminaries of events in different countries as well.[citation needed]
Unlike other conventions around the world that depend on ticket sales to run the event, the WCS relies heavily on corporate sponsorship. Brother Corporation has been a sponsor since the events inception and other internationally know companies which have supported the event are Niconico, AirAsia, All Nippon Airways, JOYSOUND, FamilyMart, Bushiroad, LIVE DAM, HIS, Sony, NTT Docomo, and Rakuten among others.
The WCS has grown from a 5 day event in 2003, to almost 2 weeks in length from 2012. Representatives visit different parts of Japan, including Akihabara, Kyoto and Sendai, for promotion of Japanese youth culture and its ability to connect internationally. The parade and championship are held on Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of August.[citation needed]
History[]
 | This section may have too many subsection headers dividing up its content. (January 2016) |
The first World Cosplay Summit was held in 2003 to highlight the international popularity of Japanese anime and manga through cosplay,[4] and to brighten up[clarification needed] Expo 2005 in Nagoya.[5] The event has grown each year and has now includes over 40 countries with over 80 cosplay representatives and encompasses several events including the Osu Cosplay Parade and the Cosplay Championship.[citation needed]
2003-2007[]
In 2003 the first event was held on October 12 at the Rose Court Hotel in Nagoya. 5 cosplayers were invited from Germany, France and Italy; events included a panel discussion, photographs session, and mixer event.
An event review dealing with the contemporary situation of anime and manga in Frankfurt (Germany), Paris (France) and Rome (Italy) was produced called "International Common Language" (MANGAは世界の共通語). The program was broadcast on November 24.
The 2004 summit was held on August 1 at the Ōsu shopping district in Naka-ku, Nagoya. 8 cosplayers were invited from Germany, France, Italy and the United States. This year marked the introduction of the Osu Cosplay Parade, which featured about 100 participants.
In 2005, the WCS transferred from an invitation-based system to a system where preliminary events were held around the world to select cosplay participants. This was also the first year to hold the Cosplay Championship. Single and group teams came to represent each country with 4 cosplayers from each nation. Along with supporting activities, the event took place in 2 main locations: the Cosplay Parade was held in Osu on July 31 and the Cosplay Championship was held at the Expo Dome on August 7 during Expo 2005. 40 people from seven countries participated in the first Cosplay Championship, with France winning the group category, Italy winning the individual category, and with the overall contest winner being Italy.[6] The initial goal of the event was to bring a part of Japanese youth culture to Expo 2005 and the event enjoyed the support of the Expo organizing committee — the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition.
In 2006, the event moved to the venue for the Cosplay Championship the location where it was held until 2013 at Oasis 21 in Sakae, Nagoya. 9 countries competed: Italy, Germany, France, Spain, China, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore and Japan, with a total of 22 cosplayers. Maurisio Somenzari L. Olivas and Monica Somenzari L. Olivas are a brother-and-sister team who represented Brazil, winning the grand prize at the 2006 summit. Dressed respectively as Hughes de Watteau and Augusta Vradica from Trinity Blood, they made their costumes by hand with help from their parents.
This year the WCS gained the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). Over 5,000 people attended the Cosplay Championship stage event and several thousand more attended the Cosplay Parade.
The same year, TV Aichi broadcast another TV documentary special, "World Cosplay Summit 2006: New Challengers".
In 2007, the venue for the Cosplay Championship was Oasis 21 in Higashi-ku, Nagoya. Denmark, Mexico and South Korea joined the event this year to bring the number of participating nations to 12, with a total of 28 participating cosplayers. About 10,000 people attended the Cosplay Championship.
On the evening of the Championship, "World Cosplay Summit 2007: Giza-suge yatsura ga yattekita Z!" (World Cosplay Summit 2007: The Super Cool Have Arrived!) was televised, and became a part of the 2007 "Visit Japan" campaign of the MLIT.
2008 - 2012[]
With growing recognition of the global economic benefits of Japan's Otaku culture, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) began to support the event. About 300 cosplayers participated in the Parade.
13 countries with a total of 28 representative cosplayers performed in the Championship in front of 12,000 visitors. TV Aichi broadcast a TV documentary special, "World Cosplay Summit 2008 - Everyone's Heroes Get Together!"
In April 2009, the "World Cosplay Summit Executive Committee" was created to support the development and expansion of the WCS. The Osu Parade had grown to 500 people, and 30 representative cosplayers from 15 countries competed in the Cosplay Championship in front of 12,000 visitors, with Australia and Finland being the two newest participating nations.
The first international symposium was held at Nagoya University entitled "Outward Minded: Worldwide Impact of Cosplay and Interpretations in Japan".
In 2010, the symposium was moved to the Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers.
In 2011, the Netherlands and Malaysia joined the participating nations to bring the total to 17.[7]
In 2012, the United Kingdom, Indonesia and Russia joined the event. Being the 10th anniversary of the WCS, the event was spread out over 12 days. Official visits were paid to Gifu, Mie, Tottori and Aichi Prefectural offices, and there were 2 parades held, one in Ichinomiya during the Tanabata Festival and the annual Parade in Osu, Nagoya. The order of the Parade and Championship were switched with the Championship held on the Saturday and the Parade on Sunday. This was also the first year that countries and regions could participate under Observer Status, and with Hong Kong and Taiwan taking part in this manner, the total number of participating countries and regions came to 22.
2013 - 2017[]
in 2013 Vietnam and the Philippines joined as Observer Nations,bringing the number of participating countries and regions to 24. The event was held with the help of local and international volunteers since 2009; however, this year saw the beginning of the Omotenashi student volunteer group. This was the first year of the World Cosplay Summit as an independent company after 10 years where it was organized through the Events Department of TV Aichi. This was the first year of the World Cosplay Summit has become available broadcast live via Niconico.
In 2014 was the first year that the Championship was held at the Aichi Arts Center beside Oasis 21. Portugal was selected to join. Also, Kuwait joined the WCS as the first nation from the Middle East, which brought the total number of participating nations/regions to 26.
In 2015, the Championship moved to the largest venue within the Aichi Arts Center called 'The Theater'. With the inclusion of Canada and Sweden as Observer Nations, the number of participating nations/regions now total 28.[8]
In 2016, India (the first nation from South Asia) and Switzerland joined the WCS, bringing the number of participating nations/region to 30. The World Cosplay Championship has now become a two-stage event. 1st Stage, held on Saturday, has the participants split into two groups of 15 teams, judged by two different juries, and 8 teams are selected from each group. Only special prizes (Brother, Niconico etc.) are awarded at the end of this phase. 2nd Stage, held on Sunday (the Osu Parade still regularly takes place earlier the same day), has the 16 selected teams bring their costumes and skits again in front of a third jury. Only 3rd place, 2nd place, and Grand Champion prizes are awarded during these finals.
Minutes after the end of 1st Stage, an error in the vote counting was discovered which had caused the Germany and South Korea teams to not be admitted to 2nd Stage. The organization decided to admit them while not excluding other teams that had passed due to the error, bringing the total number of 2nd Stage participants to 18 teams. This was the first year of the World Cosplay Summit has become available used backscreen for enhance abilities representative's performance.
In 2017, Belgium, Chile, Myanmar, Puerto Rico, United Arab Emirates joined World Cosplay Summit 2017. Kuwait, who previously participated, failed to participate this year due to undisclosed circumstances, bringing the number of participating nations/region to 34. This was the first year of the World Cosplay Summit allowed the use of dialogues and scenario from Japanese live action adaptations for performances. During the final moments of 2nd stage grand championship program, the WCS Representatives from Taiwan and Brazil made unexpected marriage proposals on the stage.
2018 - 2021[]
In 2018, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, and South Africa joined World Cosplay Summit 2018, and Kuwait returned to participate. Puerto Rico and United Arab Emirates were unable to send representatives for this year, bringing the number of participating nations/regions to 36. The Championship has gone back to a single stage, and moved to the Dolphins Arena Gymnasium. The WCS Alumni 2017 from Taiwan who were engaged to marry during last year's championship, came back to the WCS for their wedding ceremony in the Wedding Hall Photo Party event; after the ceremony and the cake cutting, there was another surprise as the male WCS representative from Singapore made an unexpected marriage proposal. This was the first year the Underground cosplay parade or Cosplay night parade event at Central Park underground street.
In 2019, Austria, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago joined World Cosplay Summit 2019, and United Arab Emirates returned as participants. Kuwait and Puerto Rico were unable to send representatives for this year, bringing the number of participating nations/regions to 40. The World Cosplay Championship expanded to a three-stage event, with the first stage being held in the Japanese capital for the first time. In the first-ever Tokyo Round at Tokyo Dome City Hall on 27 August, the teams are divided into 4 groups. The two best-ranked teams from each group in the runway and costume check would qualify directly for the final, and the remaining teams will go onto the Nagoya Round. It was originally announced that Group 3's Mexico and Costa Rica would advance to the Final, but it was later discovered that Russia had scored higher than Costa Rica, replacing them to advance to the final. On 31 August, A bridal cosplay party was held in Wedding Hall Bleu Leman, where the male WCS Alumni 2018 from Chile made an unexpected marriage proposal during the event. The Nagoya Round and Final or Championship moved to the venue within the Aichi Arts Center again. In the Nagoya Round, the remaining 32 teams would perform and 16 advance to the Final, joining the 8 teams from the Tokyo Round to a total of 24 teams in the World Cosplay Championship. This was the first year of the World Cosplay Summit was broadcast live on YouTube, But Tokyo Round And Nagoya Round Only.
In 2020, the cosplay championship stage was cancelled for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In place of the event a 24 hour live stream fund-raising event and a Kickstarter campaign was held to support the event in Japan and its partner organizations around the world. The campaign raised over 11,000,000 yen.
In 2021, Colombia, Latvia, and Ukraine joined World Cosplay Summit 2021 But in the end Colombia and Latvia unable to send representatives, so only Ukraine.Saudi Arabia for this year will be an observer (Exclusion of examination).The following teams will not participate this year.Austria, China, South Korea, Trinidad Tobago, UAE, Portugal, Denmark, Myanmar, bringing the number of participating nations/regions to 30 only.saw the continued influence of the pandemic on national representative selections around the world. As mass gatherings could not be held in most countries around the world and international travel was near impossible the event itself is planned to be held under a hybrid model. Video performances from representative teams will be sent in and judged as well as online and in person events. A tangible result of the Kickstarter campaign from 2020 was a massive mosaic art mural of the Oasis 21 complex made up of cosplay images of many of the campaign backers. This mural was hung at Chubu International Airport.This was the first year of the World Cosplay Championship was broadcast live on multiple channels such as Facebook, Niconico And Youtube by Official and various languages on Bilibili, Discord (software) and Twitch (service) by recognized broadcaster.
In 2022, Being the 20th anniversary of the WCS.
World Cosplay Championship rules and regulations[]
Regulations[]
Regulations of the preliminaries for each country are decided by the event in which the respective preliminaries takes place. The following are participation regulations of the World Cosplay Summit Championship (finals) in Japan.[9][10]
Participant regulations (for WCS 2012)[]
1. Each country will be represented by one team of two cosplayers.
2. The costumes must be from Japanese anime, manga, and tokusatsu.
- Dojinshi and unique characters from live-action movies based on anime or manga are not permitted (i.e. Dragonball Evolution, etc.).
- When doing a costume from a game, the character must be recognizably Japanese (i.e. not a Disney or Star Wars character even though the game may be made in Japan).
3. Cosplay costumes are to be hand-made.
- It is permissible for family and friends to help with costumes, but the contestants should be actively involved in the construction process.
4. Prospective entrants must be able to travel to Japan for about one week from the end of July to early August for the World Cosplay Summit Championship.
5. Participating minors must have consent of a guardian (rules may vary depending on the preliminary rules in different countries).
6. Contestants must participate in a positive manner in order to ensure the success of the World Cosplay Summit.
7. Legal Documents (i.e. passport application, official documentation, etc.) must be prepared and submitted as quickly as possible at the request of the WCS sponsor (TV Aichi).
8. Media such as TV programs, Internet homepages, newspapers, magazines, etc. may use photos and images of the preliminary contests prior to the World Cosplay Summit. On these occasions, compensation will not be furnished.
9. All image rights in all media exposure, such as news from TV programs and other assorted media involved with the World Cosplay Summit, promotional activities in print media as well as events and performances, and announcements of the Cosplay Summit both prior and during the event, will be attributed to TV Aichi.
10. After the World Cosplay Summit, images, photographs, footage, programs broadcast, Internet homepages and DVDs, etc. of the contestants will come under the jurisdiction of TV Aichi. Compensation will not be furnished for such images used by the media.
Preparation: rules and considerations[]
1. A minimum of three costumes must be brought to Japan: one for the Parade, one for the Championship, and one for media appearances.
2. In the Cosplay Championship, the costumes of the characters must be from the same Japanese manga, anime, video game or tokusatsu series.
- It is not necessary to coordinate costumes for the Parade or otherwise.
3. All equipment, costumes and props for the Cosplay Championship performance are limited to a maximum weight of 40 kg (88 lb) combined for both performers.
4. All large props set on stage before the Cosplay Championship performance begins are limited to a maximum weight of 10 kg (22 lb). Prop dimensions are limited to 2,100 mm (83 in) in height, 2,100 mm (83 in) in width and 900 mm (35 in) in depth.
5. All large props set on stage are limited to a maximum of 3 items. Dimensions of hand held props carried onto the stage must be relayed to WCS head office in written form and accompanied by photographs.
6. It is not permitted to directly copy original drawings or logos to your equipment or props.
7. You are required to bear the cost of any overweight luggage charges when shipping costumes and other items. It is not possible to send them to Japan by air or ship beforehand.
8. Please prepare your own music for your performance. A performance sheet stating what you will perform is to be submitted in advance. The use of voice actors voices from original works in your music is prohibited.
9. Please send the documents and sound file at latest one month before the date of the Cosplay Championship.
World Cosplay Championship Performance Rule Description[]
1. Only handmade costume
2. The costumes must be from Japanese anime, manga, and tokusatsu.
3. The Stage Performance team must in group 2 judging time is 2.30 min for performance
4. Backscreen is available (2016–present)
5. The ranking is determined by the total score of the Character Judging and the Stage Performance Judging
World Cosplay Championship Performance 2021 By Video Rule Description[]
1. The 2021 championship a special "online" edition
2. The nationnal team will not be coming to japan
3. Videos under 2 minutes and 30 seconds
4. Pair of 2 people (use of extras allowed)
5. Costumes are handmades, no weight or size restrictions
Judging[]
Judging in Tokyo Round or Character presentation stage (for WCS 2019)[]
The Tokyo judges are a panel of usually organizer from participating nations/region. The organizers of each country are unable to participate in judging in the group that has their own country.
Judging criteria[]
1. Costume stage presence (50 points)
2. Fidelity towards the original (50 points)
Judging in Semi-final (for WCS 2016-2018) / Nagoya Round (for WCS 2019)[]
The Semi-final judges are a panel of usually organizer from participating nations/region. The organizers of each country are unable to participate in judging in the group that has their own country.
Judging in Championship[]
The Championship judges are a panel of usually guest judges from the anime, manga and cosplay community.
Judging criteria Early - 2016[]
Each judge of the Cosplay Championship can award 10 points for costume, 10 points for performance and 5 points for faithfulness to the original work, for a maximum total of 25 points.
1. Performance (10 points): level of performance, inventiveness, entertainment
2. Costume (10 points): design, faithfulness to the original characters costume
3. Fidelity to Original (5 points): level of faithfulness of the performance towards the original story and characters
In 2013 - 2016 has been change to each judge of the Cosplay Championship can award 15 points for costume, for a maximum total of 30 points.Subsequently, this criterion was used in Semi-final and Nagoya Round are also used.
Judging criteria 2016[]
1. Costume Craftsmanship (10 points) By Organizers + The Costume impact on stage (5 points)
2. Performance (10 points)
3. Faithfulness (5 points)
Judging criteria 2017[]
1. Stage Performance (10 points)
2. Respect for the source material (5 points)
3. Costume stage expression (5 points)
4. Costume Craftsmanship (10 points)
Judging criteria 2018[]
1. Stage Performance (100 points)
2. Respect for the source material (50 points)
3. Costume stage expression (50 points)
4. Costume Craftsmanship (100 points)
Judging criteria 2019[]
1. Stage Performance (100 points)
2. Costume stage presence (50 points)
3. Respect for the source material (50 points)
4. Character Judging (100 points)
Judging criteria 2021[]
1. Character Judging (50 points) = Level of precision in the costumes (30 points) + Costume Quality (10 points) + Technique (10 points)
2. Video Judging (100 points) = Conception (45 points) + Acting (45 points) + X factor (10 points)
List of guest judges[]
| Year | Judges |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Leiji Matsumoto Hironobu Kageyama Ippongi Bang Akifumi Takayanagi (TV Aichi) Shin Nagai (Tokyo Mode Gakuin) |
| 2006 | Go Nagai Hiroshi Kitadani Essai Ushijima (Cosplay critic) Yuji Tokita (MOFA) |
| 2007 | Monkey Punch Ichirou Mizuki Essai Ushijima (Cosplay critic) Yuji Tokita (MOFA) Ken Nagata (MLIT) |
| 2008 | Yumiko Igarashi Rica Matsumoto 10 general judge |
| 2009 | Tōru Furuya Go Nagai Ichirou Mizuki Hamada Britney |
| 2010 | Tōru Furuya Hironobu Kageyama Himeka Hiroyuki Kobayashi (Video game nnd anime television series Producer from Capcom) Nobuyuki Takahashi (Inventor of the word cosplay) |
| 2011 | Tōru Furuya JAM Project (Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endo, Hiroshi Kitadani, Masami Okui and Yoshiki Fukuyama) Takaaki Kitani (President, Bushiroad) Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Masaaki Nagase (Editor-in-chief, Tokai Walker) |
| 2012 | Tōru Furuya Go Nagai Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) May'n Rica Matsumoto |
| 2013 | Tōru Furuya Tomokazu Sugita Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Mel Kishida (illustrator) Ikenotani Ken (ACOS Producer) |
| 2014 | Tōru Furuya Mika Kanai Mel Kishida (illustrator) Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Andrea Vesnaver (WCS 2013 Champion Italy Representative) Dr.Oh (Bushiroad Producer) Azuma Fukashi (TV Tokyo Producer) |
| 2015 | Tōru Furuya Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Nek (WCS 2014 Champion Russia Representative) Nichi (WCS 2014 Champion Russia Representative) Nakazato Ikuko (Kodansha Nakayoshi Aria Editorial Department) Nao Hirasawa (Animation Producer of Ultra Super Pictures Ltd.) Ryutaro Ichimura (Dragon Quest Producer of Square Enix) Tomokazu Tashiro (Composer) Åsa Ekström (Swedish Cartoonist) |
| 2016 | Tōru Furuya Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Juan Carlos (WCS 2015 Champion Mexico Representative) Shema Arroyo (Jose Maria) (WCS 2015 Champion Mexico Representative) Keishu Ando (Japanese Cartoonist Creation of Hentai Kamen) Kahoru Yasuda (Representative of Comiket) and more (1st Stage Semi-finals Only) |
| 2017 | Tōru Furuya Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Sumire Uesaka Kazuyuki Okitsu Minami Tsuda Sayaka Sasaki Rian CYD (WCS 2016 Champion Indonesia Representative) Frea Mai (WCS 2016 Champion Indonesia Representative) Nao Hirasawa (ID-0 Animation Producer) Yuiji Yoriko (ACOS Producer) Mizuno Koichi (Event Organizer In Nagoya) Kazuki Foo Ming Wei (President of Eight Ministry "Malaysia" South East Asia) Makoto Shigeno (CosMode Thailand Editor) and more (1st Stage Semi-finals Only) |
| 2018 | Tōru Furuya Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Ichirou Mizuki Daisuke Tsuda (journalist) Arina Tanemura Suguru Sugita (Shueisha Weekly JUMP Media Relations of ONE PIECE) Natsuko Tateishi (Toei Animation) Nao Hirasawa (Anime Producer) Mizuno Koichi (Nippon Domannaka Festival) Yoriko Iuchi (Acts Executive Producer) Xue Yan Xue (WCS 2017 Champion China Representative) Tian Tian (WCS 2017 Champion China Representative) Eliot (WCS Photo Championship 2018 Grand Prix From Mexico) Yuyi (WCS Video Championship 2018 Grand Prix From France) |
| 2019 | Tōru Furuya Inui Tatsumi (Site administrator of Cure) Haruhiko Mikimoto (Illustrator, character designer “Job Tribes”) Hisayoshi Hirasawa (Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki Animation Director) |
| 2020 | A.K. Wirru (2019 Champion Australia Representative) Banana Cospboys (2018 Champion Mexico Team) BOYS AND MEN Chris Glen (Announcer) K (2019 Champion Australia Representative) KANAME☆ KaoruLily (2019 Netherlands Representative) Mahio (2017 2nd Runner-up Japan Representative) Mariko (2006 1st Runner-up, 2017 2nd Runner-up Japan Representative) Matsuri nine. Maurício Somenzari (WCS 2006, 2011 Champion Brazil Representative) Osamu Masuyama Reika Arikawa Tatsumi Inui (Site administrator of Cure) Tōru Furuya Yaya Han Yuriko Tiger YO!YO!YOSUKE (Announcer) and more |
| 2021 | Asaka (musician) Asu BMK (Big Monster Kite) BOYS AND MEN Chirs Glenn (Announcer) Daisuke Nakamoto (Voice Actor) Dakara Eri Sakazaki (Voice Actress) Faras Guren Hana Isogai (Voice Actress) Hideaki Omura (Aichi prefectural governor) Iwori (Voice Actor) Komazawa Isolation (Video Creator) MATSURI nine. Michi Yokoi (Announcer) Miho Mashiro (Voice Actress) Mikeneko Kyouju Miki Yakata (Voice Actress) Monster Nagoya Cosplay Host Town PR Team Natsuki Ochiai (Voice Actress) Nishizuma Reika Arikawa Shingo Yoneyama (Voice Actor) Shoto Mizukami (Voice Actor) Tatsumi Inui (Site administrator of Cure) Tōru Furuya USAKO (Announcer) K (2019 Champion Australia Representative) A.K Wirru (2019 Champion Australia Representative) YO!YO!YOSUKE (Announcer) Yudai Noda (Voice Actor) Yuto Arai (Voice Actor) and more |
Attending countries[]
Attending countries in bold indicate first attendance for that year:
Teams at the most recent edition of the WCS[]
The following representative teams were present at the most recent edition of the World Cosplay Summit.[11]
| Country/region | Cosplayers | Team name |
|---|---|---|
 Australia
|
TallJoke ElvisDitto |
|
 Belgium
|
Muralu Nyapy |
|
 Brazil
|
Jessy Kitsune Raposa |
|
 Bulgaria
|
Aleks Loki Afuro |
|
 Canada
|
Doll Damage Cosplay Harlot Queen Cosplay |
Team DollQueenie/Double Queenie |
 Chile
|
Eriza Daiki |
Pastel Aliens |
 Finland
|
Tor-Leif Design Hapsu Cosplay |
|
 France
|
Beryl Ariel (Hazariel Costumes) |
|
 Germany
|
Calssara Elffi |
C&F Cosplay Factory |
 Hong Kong
|
Kizoku Koshi |
|
 India
|
Hotaru Juno Kitsune Blood |
Team Lapis Lazuli |
 Indonesia
|
Gilbert Gerard |
Genesis Art Semarang |
 Israel
|
Torekun Lenuchka |
|
 Italy
|
Diaboliko Cosplay Nero Cosplay |
|
 Japan
|
Usio Hazama |
Team Hakumai |
 Mexico
|
Lorraine Chris |
Team Power Up! |
 Netherlands
|
Alana Mirai |
Team Metamorphe Sister |
 Philippines
|
Jin (behindinfinity) AC Hernandez |
|
 Russia
|
Zero Khan Kotyan Spirit Mint |
|
 Saudi Arabia
|
Memo cosplay Himocosplay |
|
 South Africa
|
Maoukami Cosplay Creative Chia |
|
 Spain
|
Ladysaphira rhue |
|
 Sweden
|
Shiroiaisu Cospla Grimalkin Cosplay |
|
 Switzerland
|
Chech Tanysa |
|
 Taiwan
|
Takahashi-LNG 陳小刀（CHEN SIAO DAO） |
雞鴉戰隊 Team Jiya |
 Thailand
|
Ryou Reizier |
|
 Ukraine
|
Borf Animal Ririt |
|
 United Kingdom
|
Nomes Minney |
|
 United States
|
ChibiTifa Barracuda Cosplay |
|
 Vietnam
|
Fuu Kiragani Týt 四十雀 |
O.E.K. Team |
Results[]
Yearly results for the top awards:
| Year | Grand Champion | Runner-up 1st | Runner-up 2nd | Special award from "brother" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 1, 2 |
|
Giorgia Vecchini Francesca Dani Emilia Fata Livia |
|
Nakamura-han | ||||
| 2006 3 |
|
Maurício Somenzari L Olivas (Mah Psylocke) Mônica Somenzari L Olivas (Kawaii Aeris) |
|
Mariko Cyoko |
|
Goldi Aoisakuya | ||
| 2007 | 
|
Damien Ratte Isabelle Jeudy |
|
Kikiwan Naoki Shigure |
|
Linaloe Rodriguez Rivera (Linamoon) Alejandra Rodriguez Rivera (Yunnale) | ||
| 2008 |
|
Jéssica Moreira Rocha Campos (Pandy) Gabriel Niemietz Braz (Hyoga) |
|
Zhao Chin Zhang Li |
|
Yui Mino | ||
| 2009 |
|
YuRi RiE |
|
Bereniç Serrano Vidal (Piruletosa) Laura Fernández Ramos (Madoka) |
|
Elizabeth Licata (fatwetdog) India Davis (Dia) | ||
| 2010 |
|
Luca Buzzi Giancarlo Di Pierro |
|
Gabrielle Christine Valerio Gabriel Niemietz Braz (Hyoga) Orawan Aggavinate (Alexis Seiz) |
|
Laura Salviani (Nikita) Cecile Auclair (Sikay) |
|
Orawan Aggavinate (Alexis Seiz) Patawikorn Uttisen (Pat) |
| 2011 |
|
Maurício Somenzari Leite Olivas Mônica Somenzari Leite Olivas |
|
Marika Roncon Daniela Maiorana |
|
Deng Ya Qian Zheng Jia Hong |
|
Tessa Beattie Jessica L. Allie |
| 2012 |
|
Yukari Shimotsuki Kaito |
|
Frank Koh (Raistlin03) Valerie Seng (ayatenshi) |
|
Konnichi (Yesaya) Zhuge (Rizki) |
|
Frank Koh (Raistlin03) Valerie Seng (ayatenshi) |
| 2013 |
|
Andrea Vesnaver Massimo Barbera |
|
Cassandra May (Breathlessaire) Tiffany Tezna (Starlighthoney) |
|
Pongwat Honghiranrattana (Hisa Minuet) Chittaworn Veeraroj (Scarleta Win) |
|
Cassandra May (Breathlessaire) Tiffany Tezna (Starlighthoney) |
| 2014 | 
|
Nek (Neko-tin) Nichi |
|
NadiaSK MOGU |
|
Dharma (Guriinko) Ryan (Ryan no Ryu) |
|
Shinji TinYasuo |
| 2015 |
|
Juan Carlos Tolento (TWIIN Cosplay) Shema Arroyo (TWIIN Cosplay) |
|
Akiba (Manuel Capitani) Luca Buzzi |
|
Alpacosplay (Ashley Rochelle) Yummy Gamorah (Sarah R.) |
|
Alpacosplay (Ashley Rochelle) Yummy Gamorah (Sarah R.) |
| 2016 |
|
Rian CYD Frea Mai |
|
Shinji TinYasuo |
|
LucioleS Lyel |
|
Jesmo Yumi Koyuki |
| 2017 |
|
Xue Yan Xue Tian Tian |
|
Al Squall Doritaa |
|
Mahio Mariko |
|
Milou Aluota |
| 2018 |
|
Banana Ed Banana Luis |
|
Yumaki Machibun |
|
Jasper Z (Zei) Kutto |
|
Aik0hime TinYasuo |
| 2019 |
|
K Ameno Kitarou (A.K. Wirru) |
|
Joshua Hart Design Garnet Runestar (Elrowiel) |
|
Kalimsshar SakuraFlame |
|
Feder Cita |
| 2020 | Championship not held due to Covid-19 | |||||||
| 2021 |
|
Calssara Elffi |
|
Diaboliko Cosplay Nero Cosplay |
|
Nomes (Nomes Cosplay) Minney (Be More Shonen) |
|
Jin (behindinfinity) AC Hernandez |
- ^1 Group Champion:
France (Pauline Mesa, Laurence Guermond Wendy Roeltgen) - ^2 Individual Champion:
Giorgia Vecchini - ^3 3rd: Italy (Alessandro Leuti, Alessia de Magistris)
Results of the most recent Championship[]
Results of the 2021 World Cosplay Championship:[12]
| Award | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place (Grand Champion) |
|
Calssara Elffi |
| 2nd Place (Runner-up 1st) |
|
Diaboliko Cosplay Nero Cosplay |
| 3rd Place (Runner-up 2nd) |
|
Nomes Minney |
| Brother Award (Best Costume) |
|
Jin (behindinfinity) AC Hernandez |
| Best Prop Making Award |
|
Lorraine Chris |
| Tamakoshi Award (Best Visual Directing) | 
|
Kizoku Koshi |
| Best Sound Directing Award | 
|
Eriza Daiki |
| Arda Wigs Award (Best Actor) | 
|
Shiroiaisu Cosplay Grimalkin Cosplay |
| Environmental Consideration In Costume Making Award | 
|
Hotaru Juno Kitsune Blood |
| Best Drama Performance Award |
|
Zero Khan Kotyan Spirit Mint |
| Best Action Performance Award |
|
Usio Hazama |
| Best Comedy Performance Award |
|
Beryl Ariel (Hazariel Costumes) |
| The COTY 2021 Award (Selected By Grand Prix Of Cosplayer Of Year 2021) | 
|
Muralu Nyapy |
| The NFT Sponsorship Award (Super Massive Global) |
|
Gilbert Gerard |
Performance by country[]
This list contains the champions of World Cosplay Summit.
| Club | Wins | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|
| Italy
|
2005, 2010, 2013 | |
| Brazil
|
2006, 2008, 2011 | |
| Japan
|
2009, 2012 | |
| Mexico
|
2015, 2018 | |
| France
|
2007 | |
| Russia
|
2014 | |
| Indonesia
|
2016 | |
 China
|
2017 | |
| Australia
|
2019 | |
| Germany
|
2021 |
Preliminary conventions, organizations and events[]
The following conventions, organizations and events have held or organized the preliminary contests to select the representatives of each country for the Cosplay Championship since 2005:
Australia: SMASH! in Sydney
Austria: AniNite in Ebreichsdorf
Belgium: Made In Asia in Brussels
Bulgaria: AnimeS Expo[13] in Sofia
Brazil: Editora JBC / Festival do Japão in Sao Paulo
Canada: Otakuthon[8] in Montreal
China: Howell International Trade Fair Ltd. in Beijing
Chile: AEX Santiago in Santiago
Costa Rica: Con-X Convention in San José, Costa Rica
Denmark: J-Popcon in Copenhagen
Finland: Cosplay Finland Tour / Tracon in Tampere- France: Japan Expo Sud in Marseille
Germany: Connichi in Kassel
Hong Kong: C3 in Hong Kong
India: Winter Cosplay Wonderland 2 in Dimapur, Nagaland
Indonesia: Indonesia Cosplay Grand Prix[14] in Jakarta- Italy: ROMICS in Rome
Japan: Cossan in Tokyo
Korea: Wonder Cosplay Festival in Seoul
Kuwait: Plamo Con (2014) / Comic Con Kuwait (2017) in Kuwait City
Malaysia: World Cosplay Summit Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur
Mexico: Expo-TNT in Mexico City
Myanmar: WCS Myanmar Preliminary in Mandalay
Netherlands: Animecon in The Hague
Philippines: Anime Alliance Philippines[15] in Manila
Portugal: Iberanime (2014) in Lisbon
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Comic Con (2017) in San Juan
Russia: Hinode in Moscow
Singapore: Anime Festival Asia in Singapore
South Africa: IconCGC in Gauteng
South Korea: Samsung Everland / Wonder Cosplay Festival in Seoul
Spain: FICOMIC / Salón del Manga (es:Ficomic / es:Salón del Manga de Barcelona) in Barcelona
Sweden: Comic Con Stockholm[8] in Stockholm
Switzerland: Polymanga in Montreux
Taiwan: Petit Fancy in Taipei
Thailand: COSCOM / Orinos BKK / Asia Comic Con in Bangkok
Trinidad and Tobago: Alias Entertainment Expo in Tunapuna
UK: MCM Comic Con in London
USA: Anime Expo in Los Angeles
Vietnam: Touch FES in Ho Chi Minh City
Former preliminary conventions, organizations and events[]
- Australia: Animania in Sydney (2009-2013)
- China: Hangzhou True Design Company Ltd. (2005–2007)
- France: Epitanime (2005)
- India: Japan Pavilion in India Gaming Show (2017) in Delhi
- india: Japan Pavilion in India Gaming Show South (2018) in Bengaluru
- Japan: Cosplay Festa in Tokyo Dome City (Tokyo, 2006–2008)
- Japan: Layered XTRM at Osaka Castle Bandshell (Osaka, 2007)
- Japan: Cosplayers JAM Revolution (Osaka, 2008)
- Japan: Nipponbashi Street Festa in Osaka
- Singapore: Cosfest in Singapore (2006-2017)
- Thailand: Negibose Thailand (2006-2016) / Oishi Group (2010-2015 Co-organizations With Negibose Thailand) in Bangkok
- USA: New York Anime Festival (2008, 2009) in New York City
- USA: FanimeCon (2010)[16] in San Jose
- USA: AM2 (2011)[17] in Anaheim
- USA: Katsucon (2012) in Washington, D.C.
- USA: Anime Central in Chicago
Official Characters (mascots)[]
The World Cosplay Summit has 4 Official Characters (mascots): Yuni, Ras, Glora and Barry.[18]
- Name: Yuni
Age: 18
Birthday: June 27
Height: 153 cm (5 ft 0 in)
- Name: Ras
Age: 29
Birthday: August 5
Height: 186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
- Name: Glora
Age: 22
Birthday: April 27
Height: 175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
- Name: Barry
Age: 19
Birthday: August 18
Height: 170 cm (5 ft 7 in)
They were designed by Japanese illustrator Mel Kishida, who worked as character designer on projects such as Atelier, Sound of the Sky and Hanasaku Iroha.
Other international cosplay competitions[]
In addition to the World Cosplay Summit, there are other international cosplay competitions:[19]
- China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF) Grand Cosplay Awards in Hangzhou, China
- Cosplay World Masters (CWM) in Lisbon, Portugal
- Euro Cosplay Championship (EuroCos) in London, U.K.
- European Cosplay Gathering (ECG) in Paris, France
- Yamato Cosplay Cup International (YCCI) in São Paulo, Brazil
See also[]
References[]
- ^ "World Cosplay Championship regulation: Article 8". World Cosplay Summit 2008 official website. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-08-09. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c "Japan hosts government-sponsored costume contest as diplomatic tool to promote culture". Mainichi Daily News. Associated Press. July 7, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
- ^ "World Cosplay Summit". www.centraljapan.jp. Retrieved 2021-04-27.
- ^ "What's WCS?". World Cosplay Summit 2008 official website. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-08-05. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
- ^ "World Cosplay Summit 2003 official website" (in Japanese). World Cosplay Summit 2003 official website. 2003. Archived from the original on 2008-08-02. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
- ^ "World Cosply Summit Ends in Aichi". Anime News Network. August 30, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-03-21. Retrieved 2011-03-14.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ Jump up to: a b c "Anime News Network". Animenewsnetwork.com. 2014-05-22. Retrieved 2014-05-22.
- ^ "FanimeCon - 2010 Regulations". Forums.fanime.com. 2010-03-10. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
- ^ "Australia Animania - 2010 Regulations" (PDF). Animania.net.au. 2010-03-10. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
- ^ "Introduction of each team 2019 - WORLD COSPLAY SUMMIT 2019 - WORLD COSPLAY SUMMIT OFFICIAL SITE". Worldcosplaysummit.jp.
- ^ "World Cosplay Summit". Facebook.com.
- ^ http://animesexpo.com/. Retrieved 2018-08-05. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ^ "Indonesia Cosplay Grand Prix website". Facebook.com. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
- ^ "Philippines @ WCS". Ph.animealliance.asia. Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2013-12-21.
- ^ "FanimeCon 2010 Forums". Forums.fanime.com.com. 2010-03-10. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ "Anime News Network". Animenewsnetwork.com. 2010-03-10. Retrieved 2011-02-19.
- ^ "WCS Official Characters - WORLD COSPLAY SUMMIT OFFICIAL SITE". Worldcosplaysummit.jp.
- ^ "CICAF 2017 preliminaries". Animecon.nl.
External links[]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to World Cosplay Summit. |
- Anime conventions in Japan
- Competitions in Japan
- Recurring events established in 2003
- Cosplay