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REGISTRATIONS OPEN
The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) is an international festival celebrating Japanese pop culture. Held annually in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, WCS brings together cosplayers from around the world to promote friendship, cultural exchange, and creative expression.Supported by local governments, administrative bodies, and embassies, WCS is regarded as one of the most prestigious cosplay competitions worldwide.
A Constantly Evolving Pop Culture Festival
♦ WCS is a dynamic platform showcasing the world’s largest cosplay competition, continuously evolving alongside global pop-culture trends.
A Bridge to World Peace
♦ WCS fosters cross-cultural understanding beyond race, language, and nationality, using pop culture as a universal language.
Respect for Creators and Cultural Development
♦ Cosplay is an expression of admiration for original creators. WCS protects creative expression while honoring original works.
♦ Each team must consist of two (2) participants only
♦ Participation is open only to Indian citizens, unless otherwise approved by the Organizer
♦ Once selected as a representative, a participant/team cannot represent another country for five (5) years
♦ Both participants must be 18 years or older
♦ Selected teams must be able and willing to travel to Nagoya, Japan for WCS
♦ The organizer reserves the right to decide and modify selection methods
Team Composition
♦ One team of two cosplayers represents each country or region
Eligibility – Nationality / Residency
♦ Participants must submit proof of nationality, citizenship, or permanent residency of the country/region hosting the qualifier♦ Applicants in the process of obtaining permanent residency may be allowed only with organizer approval♦ If neither participant holds nationality of the country/region, prior approval from the WCS Executive Office is required♦ In cases where regional identity is stronger than nationality, representation may be allowed at organizer discretion
Re-Participation & Change of Nationality
♦ Past representatives cannot represent the same country/region again for two (2) years♦ If residency or nationality changes after representation, the participant cannot represent the new country/region for five (5) years, including the year of participation♦ Former principal organizers must wait one (1) year after stepping down before competing
Age Requirement
♦ Participants must be 18+♦ Under 18: Guardian consent required and Must be able to travel independently
♦ Age rules may vary by country/region
Travel Requirement
♦ Representatives must be able to travel to and participate in Japan during the WCS period
♦ Both participants must portray characters from the same Japanese-origin work, including:
- Manga
- Anime
- Games
- Tokusatsu
♦ Non-Japanese works are not permitted, unless officially adapted into Japanese media with Japanese character designs
♦ Characters from doujinshi or anthology works are prohibited
♦ Costumes must be primarily handmade
♦ Side-event costumes may differ; Championship costumes must follow WCS rules
♦ Costumes for parades or non-Championship events may be from non-Japanese works
Costume Judging (100 points):
♦ Costume Precision - 40 Points
- Accuracy to original design
- If original details are unclear (e.g., black & white manga), creative interpretation is allowed if faithful to the character and world
♦ Costume Quality - 40 Points
- Construction Quality
- Fit
- Sewing, Painting, Finishing and Detailing
♦ Technique - 20 Points
- Craftsmanship skill level
- Quality over quantity
- Gimmicks and transformations evaluated here
Stage Performance Judging (100 points):
♦ Performance (50 pts): Storytelling, entertainment value, respect for source material.♦ Acting/Stage Proficiency (20 pts): Expressiveness, movement, timing, and dialogue delivery.♦ Costume Stage Presence (20 pts): Visual impact and any in-performance transformations.♦ X Factor (10 pts): Originality, creativity, or special moments that leave an impression.
Total Score & Tie-Breaks:
♦ Maximum: 200 points (Costume 100 + Stage 100).♦ Highest and lowest scores are removed; average of remaining determines final ranking.♦ Ties are resolved by stage judges.
Costume Judging:
♦ Judged on all worn elements (costumes, wigs, props). Non-worn stage items are excluded.♦ Teams present a Costume Report (English), give a 5-min presentation, followed by Q&A (2 min) and hands-on inspection (3 min).♦ Delayed submissions incur penalties:
Every 24 hours late: –10%
Over 120 hours: 0 points
Correction delays over 72 hours: 0 points
Penalties are cumulative.
Stage Performance:
♦ Maximum 2:30 min performance; exceeding this results in:
- <10 sec over: -10%
- ≥10 sec: -25%♦ Performance order decided by lottery♦ Only the two representatives may perform ♦ No off-stage or audience-area performances
Props, Size & Weight Regulations:
♦ Stage Props Maximum 3 props Each prop:
≤ 10 kg≤ 2100 mm (H) × 2100 mm (W) × 900 mm (D)♦ Penalties apply for excess weight or size.
≥15 kg per prop or ≥10 cm size excess → Costume score = 0♦ Total Weight Costumes + wigs + props: ≤40 kg per team
≥10 kg excess → Costume score = 0♦ Costume Construction Rules Minimum 75% handmade by representatives
Assistance must be declared Items with >25% non-handmade content are excluded♦ Purchased Items
Shop-bought items are not judged
Must be ≥50% modified to qualify♦ 3D Printing
Allowed (including fabric printers)
Purchased 3D files allowed only with creator credit
Misrepresentation → item disqualified♦ Weapons & Safety
Shop-bought imitation weapons → ❌ Prohibited
Dangerous items → ❌ Prohibited
External power sources → ❌ Not allowed
Built-in batteries only
♦ Music, Video & Dialogue Rules
Music must be self-made or copyright-free
Original anime/game audio → ❌ Prohibited
Background videos allowed (MP4/MOV, 1080p, 16:9)
No copyrighted footage
Native language allowed
Subtitles (JP/EN) handled by WCS
♦ Prohibited Materials
❌ Powder, glitter, smoke, fire, liquids
❌ Confetti <2 cm
❌ Gunpowder crackers✔ Confetti ≥2 cm (max 100 pieces)
✔ Non-gunpowder crackers (with restrictions)
♦ Representatives must cooperate for event success♦ WCS / Organizer retains all media and image rights♦ No compensation for media usage♦ Representatives become WCS Alumni♦ Prizes include trophies, certificates, commemorative items, and sponsor award
♦ Filming requires proper permissions♦ Dangerous or unethical content is prohibited♦ All submission deadlines must be followed♦ WCS may freely use all submitted materials for commercial and non-commercial purposes
♦ Effective DateUpdated: January 2026
♦ Issued by: World Cosplay Summit Executive Office
