Firstly, thanks to the cosplay fans for letting me photograph you. I hope you like the photos. ありがとうございました[Japanese text: "arigatougozaimashita"]
It gets bigger every year. According to Aichi TV (the host of the international event) this year drew a crowd of 17,000 fans in plain clothes and elaborate costumes, plus 17 nations competing for the prize. Not only that, cosplay and the industry around it grew to USD$500 million annually in 2009 (The Economist). No wonder why Brother, the sewing machine company, is happy to sponsor this event.
This year’s winners were the Brazilian Team with their third win, making people ask why has Japan only won the WCS once. The rules strictly stipulate that the costumes must be from a Japanese comic or game (no Jedis allowed).
If you see a photo of yourself here I’ll give you a discount (please provide proof). ここで自分の写真が表示された場合、私は(証拠を提供してください)あなたの割引を差し上げます[Jpn text; Google Translation / グーグル翻訳]
World Cosplay Summit – Images by Andrew Blyth
