From August 2 to 4, 2024, Nagoya will be the center of the cosplay universe as it hosts the annual World Cosplay Summit (WCS). This world-famous event draws cosplayers, fans, and photographers from around the globe to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of cosplay. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or new to the scene, here's what you need to know to navigate the summit's highlights, main venues, schedule, and essential information for making the most of your visit.
World Cosplay Summit 2024 | Official Trailer (Japanese 2min)
What is the World Cosplay Summit?
The World Cosplay Summit is an international event where cosplayers from various countries compete to be crowned the world's best. Participants, known as WCS Alumni, showcase their talents in a grand competition held in Nagoya after winning qualifiers in their home countries. The summit is a celebration of cosplay culture, featuring parades, skit performances, and photography sessions across several iconic venues in Nagoya.
Event Venues
Oasis 21
Located in the heart of Nagoya, Oasis 21 is a captivating public and commercial complex known for its unique "Spaceship Aqua" design. During the summit, it transforms into a bustling hub of cosplay activities, including events on the special stage and plenty of opportunities for cosplay photography.
Aichi Arts Center (Grand Hall)
The Grand Hall of the Aichi Arts Center hosts the prestigious World Cosplay Championship. Here, cosplayers compete with elaborate performances and detailed costumes. Photography of stage events and representative cosplayers is allowed, but visitor cosplay photography is prohibited within the venue.
Hisaya-odori Park
This urban park is a prime location for cosplay photography, thanks to its blend of greenery and modern architecture. It spans the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER area and is a popular spot, especially at night when the area is beautifully lit.
Osu Shopping Street (Osu Kannon)
A lively parade through Osu Shopping Street, the birthplace of the World Cosplay Summit, is one of the event's highlights. Over a thousand cosplayers participate, making it a vibrant spectacle for both participants and spectators.
Schedule of Events
Friday, August 2, 2024
- Opening Ceremony at Oasis 21: 16:00 - 18:00
- Cosplay Parade at Osu Shopping Street: 19:00 - 21:00
Saturday, August 3, 2024
- Cosplay Events and Exhibitions at Oasis 21: 10:00 - 16:00
- World Cosplay Championship Preliminaries at Aichi Arts Center: 17:00 - 20:30
Sunday, August 4, 2024
- Cosplay Photography Sessions at Hisaya-odori Park: 10:00 - 14:00
- World Cosplay Championship Finals at Aichi Arts Center: 16:00 - 20:30
- Closing Ceremony and Awards Presentation: 21:00 - 22:00
Tickets and Admission
To watch the World Cosplay Championship at the Aichi Arts Center, you'll need to purchase a reserved seat ticket:
- Seat V (V Seat): 10,000 JPY
- Seat S (S Seat): 5,000 JPY
- Seat A (A Seat): 3,000 JPY
Tickets can be purchased through Peatix or KKday.
Getting to the Venues
Guide to the Nagoya Subway System
From Centrair (Chubu Centrair International Airport) to Nagoya:
- Take the Meitetsu Airport Line to Meitetsu Nagoya Station (approx. 28 minutes).
To Oasis 21:
- From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Sakae Station. Oasis 21 is directly connected to the station.
To Aichi Arts Center:
- The Aichi Arts Center is located adjacent to Oasis 21. From Sakae Station, it's a short walk through the underground passage.
To Hisaya-odori Park:
- From Nagoya Station, take the Sakuradori Subway Line to Hisaya-odori Station.
To Osu Shopping Street:
- From Nagoya Station, take the Tsurumai Subway Line to Osu Kannon Station.
Tips for Photographers and International Visitors
For those participating in cosplay or photography, please adhere to the participation guidelines. Remember, this event is held in public spaces, so be considerate of other visitors and facilities.
Photographers should respect the privacy and boundaries of cosplayers, always asking for permission before taking photos. The event is a fantastic opportunity to capture creative and vibrant costumes, but it's essential to maintain a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
International visitors can find additional information and support on the WCS website to help with planning their trip and navigating the event.
Cosplay Slang
- Gijinka: Humanized versions of non-human characters.
- Crossplay: Cosplaying as a character of a different gender.
- Closet Cosplay: Using items from one's own wardrobe to create a cosplay.
- Armor Build: Cosplay involving complex armor construction.
- Con Crunch: The last-minute rush to complete a cosplay before a convention.
- Fursuiter: A cosplayer who wears a full-body animal costume.
- OC (Original Character): A character created by the cosplayer themselves.
- Ship: Short for "relationship," referring to pairing characters together.
- Mashup Cosplay: Combining elements from different characters or genres into one cosplay.
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