Embarking on a journey of intense dedication, countless hours of preparation, and extensive sewing, individuals showcase their passion for dressing up as Japanese characters at the peak of their abilities.
Competing teams from 36 countries and regions gathered in central Japan to display their faithful recreations of the intricate outfits, vibrant hairstyles, and essential attitude of their beloved anime, manga, and video game characters.
The ultimate showcase took place as part of the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, a three-day event that draws thousands of fans eager to exhibit their own costumes.
Lettie Shiels from Britain, part of the victorious team from last year’s championship alongside her teammate Claudia Maw, expressed, “People truly commit to cosplay competitions.”
The pair, known by their stage names Tsupo and Clood, met in the cosplay community over a decade ago and have witnessed the transformation of their hobby from a crafty subculture into a global sensation.
The art of cosplay involves mastering self-taught skills from makeup artistry to prosthetics, dressmaking, and prop design, blending costume and play into a unique art form.
In Nagoya, participants are meticulously evaluated on the accuracy and quality of their costumes.
“The standards are high. Every detail should match the reference picture. Any deviation will result in point deductions,” explained Shiels.
The competitors then perform a two-and-a-half-minute skit in character, a segment judged by esteemed former champions Tsupo and Clood.
Cosplayers must immerse themselves fully, showcasing their love for the source material through choreography, acting, and visual effects.
– ‘Smiling inside’ –
Despite the sweltering mid-summer conditions, Japanese and international cosplay enthusiasts flock to the city center for the annual event, featuring characters from popular manga series such as “Naruto” and “Slam Dunk” alongside fantastical creatures from “Gundam”.
Strict guidelines prohibit gore, revealing costumes, real-life uniforms, or excessive skin exposure.
Behind the scenes, national teams, each comprised of two competitors, undergo final preparations after transporting their homemade gear across international borders.
This year’s participants have traveled from various countries, including France, South Africa, India, Mongolia, and Thailand.
Bulgarian contestant Irina Tsapreva, embodying a character from “Mononoke”, discusses her admiration for cosplay, viewing it as a holiday and a creative outlet.
While holding a master’s degree in theatre costume design, Tsapreva crafts intricate costumes using traditional methods, such as handcrafting Japanese wooden shoes.
For many contestants, cosplay began as a hobby and has evolved into a serious pursuit. Swedish competitor Henrik Pilerud showcases a massive, grinning “Totoro” creature with moving eyes from the iconic Studio Ghibli movie “My Neighbour Totoro”.
Despite the discomfort of the costume, Pilerud notes that the joy and happiness it brings to others make the experience worthwhile, creating an inner sense of joy and fulfillment.
kaf/rsc
