World Cosplay Summit
The World Cosplay Summit (世界コスプレサミット, Sekai Kosupure Samitto WCS) is an annual international cosplay event, which promotes global interaction through Japanese pop culture.[1][2] It developed from a cosplay exhibition held at the Aichi Expo in 2005.[3]
| World Cosplay Summit | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Venue |
|
| Location(s) | Sakae, Nagoya, Aichi |
| Country | Japan |
| Inaugurated | 2003 |
| Attendance | 248,000 (2016) |
| Website | www |
The WCS incorporated in 2012, by which time it had grown to include two weeks of activities, chief of which are a parade and championship held in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, on Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of August. Other related events are held in the Kanto, Kansai, and Tokai regions. Competitors are drawn from partnering anime/manga events held in the respective countries and regions.
The summit was organized by broadcaster TV Aichi until 2012. It is supported by several city organizations, businesses, the WCS student volunteer organization Omotenashi, and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Japanese embassy representatives often attend preliminaries of events in foreign countries. The WCS relies heavily on corporate sponsorship rather than ticket sales to fund its activities.
History
The first World Cosplay Summit was held in 2003 to highlight the international popularity of Japanese anime and manga through cosplay (costume play).[4] It was subsequently held as part of Expo 2005 in Nagoya, where it gathered considerable media attention.[5] The event grew to include participants from 40 countries and encompasses multiple activities including the Osu Cosplay Parade and the Cosplay Championship.
| Year | Dates | No.countries | Venue | Champion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Oct 12 | 4 | Not Held | |
| 2004 | Aug 1 | 5 | Not Held | |
| 2005 | Jul 31 – Aug 7 | 7 | Expo Dome | Italy |
| 2006 | Aug 5 – 6 | 9 | Oasis 21 | Brazil |
| 2007 | Aug 4 – 5 | 12 | France | |
| 2008 | Aug 2 – 3 | 13 | Brazil | |
| 2009 | Aug 1 – 2 | 15 | Japan | |
| 2010 | Jul 31 – Aug 1 | 15 | Italy | |
| 2011 | Aug 6 – 7 | 17 | Brazil | |
| 2012 | 12 days | 22 | Japan | |
| 2013 | Aug 2 – 3 | 24 | Italy | |
| 2014 | Jul 26 – Aug 3 | 26 | Aichi Arts Center | Russia |
| 2015 | Aug 1 – 2 | 28 | Mexico | |
| 2016 | Aug 6 – 7 | 30 | Indonesia | |
| 2017 | Aug 5 – 6 | 34 | China | |
| 2018 | Aug 3 – 5 | 36 | Dolphins Arena | Mexico |
| 2019 | Aug 27 – Aug 31 | 40 | Tokyo Dome, Aichi Arts Center | Australia |
| 2021 | Aug 8 | 30 | Oasis 21 | Germany |
| 2022 | Aug 6 - 7 | 28 (Later 27) | Aichi Arts Center, Oasis 21 | France (Stage Division) And Sweden (Video Division) |
| 2022 EX | Sep 3 - 4 | 39 | Boulevard Riyadh City | Indonesia |
2003–2007
On October 12, 2003, the first event was held at the Rose Court Hotel in Nagoya. Activities included a panel discussion and photography session. Five cosplayers were invited from Germany, France and Italy; "International Common Language" (MANGAは世界の共通語), a television programme dealing with the contemporary situation of anime and manga in Frankfurt, Paris and Rome, was produced and broadcast on November 24.
The 2004 event was held on August 1 at the Ōsu shopping district in Naka-ku, Nagoya. Eight international cosplayers were invited, and about 100 cosplayers participated in the inaugural Osu Cosplay Parade.
In 2005, the WCS was reorganized from an invitation-based system to a qualifying system with preliminary events held around the world, leading to the first WCS Cosplay Championship. Four cosplayers in single and group teams represented participating countries. Along with supporting activities, the event took place in two 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.
In 2006, the venue for the Cosplay Championship was moved to Oasis 21 in Sakae, Nagoya. Nine countries competed: Italy, Germany, France, Spain, China, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore and Japan, with a total of 22 cosplayers. The grand prize was won by brother-and-sister team Maurisio and Monica Somenzari L. Olivas, representing Brazil. (Dressed respectively as Hughes de Watteau and Augusta Vradica from Trinity Blood, they made their costumes by hand with help from their parents.) The event was supported by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and 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. TV Aichi produced and broadcast, "World Cosplay Summit 2006: New Challengers".
In 2007, Denmark, Mexico and South Korea joined the event to bring the number of participating countries to 12, with a total of 28 participating cosplayers. About 10,000 people attended the Cosplay Championship. "World Cosplay Summit 2007: Giza-suge yatsura ga yattekita Z!" (The Super Cool Have Arrived!) was televised, and became a part of MLIT's 2007 "Visit Japan" campaign.
2008–2012
In 2008, with growing recognition of Japan's otaku culture, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) became the third national ministry to join in official support of the event. About 300 cosplayers participated in the Parade. Thirteen countries with a total of 28 representative cosplayers performed in the Championship in front of 12,000 visitors. TV Aichi produced and broadcast the WCS special "Everyone's Heroes Get Together!".It's a last time Japan had more national team representative than one team.
In April 2009, the WCS Executive Committee was created to administrate the development and expansion of the event. The parade had grown to 500 cosplayers, and 30 participants from 15 countries competed in the Cosplay Championship before 12,000 spectators, 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, bringing the total participating countries to 17.[7]
In 2012, the United Kingdom, Indonesia and Russia entered competitively at WCS, with Hong Kong and Taiwan participating under observer status, bringing the total number of represented countries to 22. WCS expanded to 12 days for its 10th anniversary, with official visits paid to Gifu, Mie, Tottori and Aichi Prefectural offices, and a second parade was held in Ichinomiya during the Tanabata Festival. The sequence of activities were altered, with the Championship held on the Saturday and the Parade on Sunday.
2013–2017
In 2013, Vietnam and the Philippines joined as observer nations, bringing the overall total 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 (Hospitality) student volunteer group. This was the first year of the WCS 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, This 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
In 2016, India (the first nation from South Asia) and Switzerland joined the WCS, bringing the number of participating nations/region to 30. With this large field, the Championship was held in two stages over consecutive days. The First Stage, held on Saturday, will be divided into 2 groups and only 8 teams will be selected per group to qualify for the next round by an organized committee from each country who has no stake in their own country in each group and special prizes (Brother, Niconico etc.) will be distributed immediately after the selection.It was later found that the votes were miscounted, with Germany and South Korea having the same score as some of the nations with the fewest points to qualify. The jury has decided that both nations will advance to the next round for justice. which resulted in a total of 18 teams qualified for the next round.In The Second Stage held on Sunday All teams qualified in the afternoon before the start of the main event in the Championship round. They had to meet with the committee to explain the costumes.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, and United Arab Emirates joined, while Kuwait withdrew, bringing the number of participating nations/region to 34. This was the first year the WCS allowed the use of dialog and scenarios from Japanese live action adaptations for performances. During the final stage of the Championships, participants from Taiwan and Brazil made unexpected marriage proposals on the stage.
2018–2022
In 2018, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, and South Africa joined WCS. Kuwait returned to participate while Puerto Rico and United Arab Emirates were unable to send representatives, bringing the number of participating nations/regions to 36. The Championship was held in a single stage at the Dolphins Arena Gymnasium. The Taiwanese cosplayers who became engaged during the 2017 championship held their wedding ceremony in the Wedding Hall Photo Party event;after the cake cutting ceremony, there was another surprise as the male WCS representative from Singapore made an unexpected marriage proposal. A night parade event was held for the first time at Central Park underground street.
In 2019, Austria, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Trinidad and Tobago joined WCS. United Arab Emirates returned to participate after being absent in 2018 while Kuwait and Puerto Rico were unable to send representatives for this year, bringing the number of participating nations/regions to 40. The WCS Championship expanded to a three-stage event: the Tokyo Round at Tokyo Dome City Hall on 27 August, only the two teams with the most points in each group from the costume show will be qualified for the finals immediately and the remaining 32 teams will compete in the next round.It was originally announced that Group 3's Mexico and Costa Rica would advance to the Final, With the mistake of counting the votes and it was discovered later that Russia had more points than Costa Rica. So Russia has the right to compete in the final instead of Costa Rica.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 (Semi) and Final (Championship) moved to the venue within the Aichi Arts Center. In the Nagoya Round, there will be a method of selection through the Stage Performance Contest. Only 16 teams can advance to the final and compete against the 8 previous teams who have previously qualified for the final, a total of 24 teams in the World Cosplay Championship.This was the first year of the WCS was broadcast live on YouTube, But Tokyo Round And Nagoya Round Only.
In 2020, the cosplay championship stage was cancelled 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 WCS and Saudi Arabia participated as an observer. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings and travel, a number of countries/regions were unable to send teams, including Colombia, Latvia, Austria, China, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE, Portugal, Denmark, and Myanmar. This brought the number of participating nations to 30. WCS 2021 was planned to utilize a combination of recorded, online and in-person events. A large mosaic mural of the Oasis 21 complex depicting cosplay images of many of the campaign backers was hung at Chubu International Airport. The WCS Championship was broadcast live on multiple channels: officially on Facebook, Niconico, and YouTube and by recognized broadcasters in various languages on Bilibili, Discord, and Twitch.
In 2022 will the 20th anniversary of the WCS but COVID-19 pandemic are continues including 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a number of countries/regions were unable to send teams.The WCS organizing committee stipulates that there will be competitions in two categories by WCS representatives are coming to japan with 11 nations for participate in Stage division (6 August) and 17 nations who cannot send representatives come to japan will send video for participate in Video Division (7 August). But at the same time, 11 nations who have participated in Stage division will also participate in this event too, a total of 28 nations.On August 1, the WCS Organizing Committee announced that Finland unable send representatives to the stage division but still participating in the video division. And Saudi Arabia's participation in only video divisions has been canceled,total of countries participating to only 27 nations.The WCS Championship broadcast live was addition a new on Twitter And Locipo (Video Division Only).The first year WCS have grand champion two categories by Stage Division,Video Division And for the first time that the same nation has been got runner-up 2nd from both categories.Later 3 - 4 September A WCS Exhibition Event will be hosted for the first time in outside of Japan in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia called "World Cosplay Summit Exhibition Gamers8!!".Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Egypt, Lebanon and Poland joined WCS.It is the first time that Colombia, Latvia has sent a joint representative after being unable to do so in 2021.the representatives are all alumni over the years, including the most recent representative and some representatives has been direct invite by WCS
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 (Individual,Over All Grand Champion) Francesca Dani (Over All Grand Champion) Emilia Fata Livia (Over All Grand Champion) Elena Fata Livia (Over All Grand Champion) |
 |
Nakamura-han/Nakamura Family | ||||
| 2006 3 |
 |
Maurício Somenzari L Olivas (Mah Psylocke) Mônica Somenzari L Olivas (Kawaii Aeris) |
|
Mariko Cyoko |
|
Alessandro Leuti Alessia de Magistris |
|
Goldy Marg 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) |
|
Myungseon Lee Suengyong Kong Laura Salviani (Nikita) |
 |
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 |
.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
Tessa Beattie Jessica L. Allie |
| 2012 | |
Yukari Shimotsuki Kaito |
 |
Frank Koh (Raistlin03) Valerie Seng (ayatenshi) |
 |
Yesaya (Konnichi) Rizki (Zhuge) |
|
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 |
|
Ashley Rochelle (AlpacaAsh) Sarah R. (Yummy Gamorah) |
|
Ashley Rochelle (AlpacaAsh ) Sarah R. (Yummy Gamorah) |
| 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 |
| 2022 |
|
Beryl Hazariel (Stage Division) Yumidun |
|
Taigakunn Natalie (Artemis) (Stage Division) Rizel cosplay |
|
Thames Malerose Jasper Z (Zei) (Stage Division & Video Division) |
|
Beryl Hazariel |
| 2022 EX | |
Rian CYD Yumaki Monster |
 |
Eriza Javier Gaete |
|
Yuko Exion |
|
Eriza Javier Gaete (Don't have Brother award at the event, but have similar awards.) |
- ^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 2021-2022 World Cosplay Championship:[8]
| Stage Division 2022 Award | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place (Grand Champion) | |
Beryl Hazariel |
| 2nd Place (Runner-up 1st) | |
Taigakunn Natalie (Artemis) |
| 3rd Place (Runner-up 2nd) | |
Thames Malerose Jasper Z (Zei) |
| Tamakoshi Award (Alumni Award) | |
Beryl Hazariel |
| Nagoya University Of The Arts Award (Stage Direction Award) | |
Taigakunn Natalie (Artemis) |
| Arda Wigs Award (Costume Award) | |
Thames Malerose Jasper Z (Zei) |
| Video Division 2022 Award | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place (Grand Champion) |  |
Yumidun Birthbysleep (Birthbysleeping) |
| 2nd Place (Runner-up 1st) | |
Rizel cosplay Sorato (Sora to cosplay) |
| 3rd Place (Runner-up 2nd) | |
Thames Malerose Jasper Z (Zei) |
| Alumni Award | |
大中華 Da zhonghua 貝貝 Beibei |
| Tamakoshi Award (Best Visual Direction Award) | |
Yumidun Birthbysleep (Birthbysleeping) |
| Nagoya University Of The Arts Award (Best Sound Direction Award) | |
Yuko Exion |
| Best Drama Performance Award | |
REEF Cosplay Crash Shadow |
| Best Action Performance Award | |
Hoho Cosplayer -ホホ (Anggoro Dwi) MOMO Dolanan GAME (Momo Rangga) |
| Best Comedy Performance Award | |
Thames Malerose Jasper Z (Zei) |
| Brother Award (Best Costume Making Award) | |
Beryl Hazariel |
| Best Prop Making Award |  |
Katana Vanna Redemption Props (Rohit Kailashiya) |
| Arda Wigs Award (Best Wig Award) | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
Nafuri-chan Nienna Surion |
| Holiday Matsuri Award (Best Creative Process Award) | |
Aldarion Susana Cosplay |
| Super Massive Global Award (The NFT Sponsorship Award /Best Of Using Technology In The Create Costume And Imaging) | |
Valkyriel Kong Seung Yong |
| World Cosplay Summit Exhibition Event at Gamers 8 Award | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place (Grand Champion) | |
Rian CYD Yumaki Monster |
| 2nd Place (Runner-up 1st) | |
Eriza Javier Gaete |
| 3rd Place (Runner-up 2nd) | |
Yuko Exion |
| 4th Place (Runner-up 3rd) | |
Lorraine Trouble Chris |
| 5th Place (Runner-up 4th) |  |
SayoChuu Sabcosplay |
| Best Stage Performance | |
|
| Best Crafted Costume | |
Eriza Javier Gaete |
Performance by country
This list contains the champions of World Cosplay Summit.
| Club | Wins | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|
| Italy |
3 |
2005, 2010, 2013 |
| Brazil |
3 |
2006, 2008, 2011 |
| Indonesia |
2 |
2016, 2022 Exhibition Event |
| Japan |
2 |
2009, 2012 |
| Mexico |
2 |
2015, 2018 |
| France |
2 |
2007, 2022 (Stage Division) |
| Russia |
1 |
2014 |
| China |
1 |
2017 |
| Australia |
1 |
2019 |
| Germany |
1 |
2021 |
| Sweden |
1 |
2022 (Video Division) |
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.
- "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.
- "Malaysia Makes it 17 Countries for WCS 2011! (WCS Communications)". Archived from the original on 2011-03-21. Retrieved 2011-03-14.
- "World Cosplay Summit". Facebook.com.
External links
