Team Japan gets first overall victory in 12 years, but it’s a safe bet that no one will ever forget this Totoro.
World Cosplay Summit
All of the teams were awesome, but Team Mexico’s fantastic costumes and amazing choreography won them the championship!
When you’ve got a meeting with cosplayers from around the world on your schedule, a suit and tie just won’t due.
This is what happens when one of the country’s most adulated cosplayers makes an appearance at a cosplay convention.
It’s not every day you get to see cosplayers fronting an ad campaign for one of the annual convention’s main sponsors.
About one week ago, we at RocketNews24 gave you an inside look at how things happen behind the scenes at the annual World Cosplay Summit (WCS). Now, it’s time for a follow-up!
On Saturday, July 3, in Nagoya, Japan, the WCS held its highly anticipated championship finals, wherein 20 teams of cosplayers from countries around the world competed for prizes and the prestige of being named World Cosplay Champions. This year, for the first time, the championships were streamed live on Niconico Douga, Japan’s YouTube, for the whole globe to see. But, just in case you missed it, here’s a photo album introducing all of the teams and announcing to you the winners of this years WCS.
Warning: The cosplay featured in these photos will take your breath away.
Every year the city of Nagoya plays host to the World Cosplay Summit (WCS), a large-scale competition between cosplay representatives from around the world. Teams of two from 20 different countries are all brought to Japan to take part in this life-changing opportunity. The championship finals will be held on the outdoor stage of Oasis21 on Saturday, August 3, starting at 7 p.m. Japan time. Tickets are available, though they are not required to watch the event. In fact, you don’t even have to be in Japan to watch this year’s world-class cosplay performances. It’s been announced that for the first time Niconico Douga will be stream the entire event on the World Cosplay Summit’s official channel.
But you know, not everything to do with the WCS involves competition. Cosplay itself is about bringing together people of similar interests and building a sense of community between those who like to dress up as Japanese characters. These cosplay teams must prepare not only as performers but as representatives of cosplay culture in each of their respective countries. Before the finals even take place, teams must take part in a week’s worth of parades, photo shoots, and official meetings. it’s a good thing there are some opportunities to relax worked into the schedule as well.








7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Flying witch fantasies come true at Japan’s cosplay zipline event
Survey reveals Japan’s Generation Z dresses for social media, not for self-expression
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Flying witch fantasies come true at Japan’s cosplay zipline event
Survey reveals Japan’s Generation Z dresses for social media, not for self-expression
New smartphone game lets you date real-life J-pop idols, but shockingly gives them 100 Boyfriends
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Attack on Titan and Monster Hunter team up so you can take down colossal-sized monsters
Japanese dairy sells “kiss-flavored” ice cream, makes us wonder if they’ve ever kissed anyone
Full Screen Mario allows you to play Super Mario Bros. on your computer, create new levels!