World Cosplay Summit 2009

By Ed Hoff

Usually when you bring up the topic of cosplay in any conversation in Japan you can expect a laugh, snicker or gasp. This is understandable as its place in society is on the fringe and most people's contact with it is through maids handing out flyers in Akihabara, an ad in front of a seedy establishment or an idol dressed up by staff on a late-night TV program. For the true otaku these may or may not be worthy of being called "Cosplay".
   
Cosplay has existed in Japan since the early 1980s and is inextricably linked with the worlds of anime and Manga. Due to the tendency of some to think that cosplay is more about the filthy than anything else, events in Japan maintain a private manner in low-key gatherings. And even at these events, participants barely socialize outside their close circles of friends. For the cosplayer visiting from abroad this sullen culture can be a bit of a shock.
 
Manga and anime began to appear in other parts of the world some time ago. People in their 30s or 40s from North America will probably remember TV shows such as Star Blazers, Robotech or Astro Boy. From the late '90s until now, the trickle of Japanese anime/Manga in foreign climes has turned into a flood, with Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, One Piece and countless other titles finding popularity abroad. Spreading the word are conventions where Manga-, anime- and game-related products are sold. The movement of otaku culture has morphed into a truly worldwide phenomenon, with conventions now held in approximately 60 countries, in places as far apart as Bolivia and Thailand.

There is a big difference between cosplay within Japan and abroad. Where the hobby is pretty underground in Japan, it doesn't share the same stigma in other parts of the world. This costume-wearing subculture is influenced by each society that it penetrates, which explains why you'll see Halloween characters and comic book heroes in the US, pro-wrestlers of the Lucha Libre in Mexico and traditional, historical characters in China.

The World Cosplay Summit was created with these different communities around the world as its theme. The event started in 2003, with an eye on the upcoming Aichi Expo 2005, though the organizers failed to foresee the intense interest it would generate from abroad. Through partnership with organizations in 15 countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, USA) the WCS has become the largest event of its kind in the world. 

For many foreigners, the Japan experience is something we get into for various reasons but along the journey the enthusiasm dries up with the dullness of daily routine. The new travelers and residents in Japan who grew up on a diet of Manga and anime arrive here with a passion that may shock or surprise the long-term resident. Harnessing this international otaku energy and reintroducing it to Japan is a part of what the World Cosplay Summit has now become. The WCS is basically trying to bring a bit of the festival flavor back to Japan.

If you're still trying to pick out which summer festivals to put on your "must visit" checklist, you may be wondering if the WCS parade and championship are likely to satisfy your hunger for something "cultural". Let's face it, though: there are enough temples, shrines and castles in Japan to make your nose bleed. But you will never get a chance to see so many cosplayers parading in one place, unless you make the trip out next year. So come on down check out the show - it'll make your summer.

If you can't make the parade in Osu, Nagoya on August 1st, check out the stage performance at Oasis 21 in Sakae on August 2nd. It's a spectacular show with some of the best free amateur performances you will ever see. Oh and if you have a costume, throw it on and join the parade. Wanna crash the party in that great prisoner costume you wore for Halloween last year? C'mon down, Sailor Moon will be waiting for you with open arms.

The TV Aichi homepage will be updated regularly with specific times and dates for the WCS event. You're OK to take pictures, and you do not have to be in costume to attend an event. Some events do charge at the door, however, or request a fee for registering a camera.

There are hundreds of other cosplay events happening around the country throughout the year. To find one near you check the events listing on the Cure website (Japanese only).
 

To download a PDF of this story as it appears in the magazine, click here

Latest Forum Threads