VENUE GUIDE

Introduction

The World Cosplay Summit is an event held in public spaces. This year’s venues include the complex facility Oasis 21, the Aichi Arts Center where the championship takes place, Hisaya-odori Park as a cosplay photography area, and Osu Shopping Street as a cosplay walking area. General public who may not be familiar with cosplay or the World Cosplay Summit will also be using these spaces (for passing through, using facilities, etc.). The surrounding areas and the facilities themselves will be operating as usual, so please refrain from any actions that could inconvenience other visitors or pedestrians. When using the facilities outside of the event stage and event area, please follow the rules of each facility. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation to continue providing an enjoyable event for everyone.

For those participating in cosplay and photography

For those participating in cosplay or photography, please also check the participation guidelines for cosplay and photography.
By participating in the event, it is deemed that you have agreed to the participation guidelines of the World Cosplay Summit. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Introduction of Main Event Venues

Oasis 21

Located in the heart of Sakae, Nagoya, Oasis 21 is the main venue for the World Cosplay Summit. Known as the “Spaceship Aqua,” this facility offers a variety of activities throughout the day, from stage programs to cosplay-related booth exhibits. The “Green Plaza” is a popular spot where cosplayers gather and enjoy photo sessions every year.

Aichi Arts Center (Main Hall)

On Saturday, August 3rd, the World Cosplay Championship, a contest to determine the world’s top cosplayers, will be held. This prestigious competition, which started in 2005, attracts attention from around the globe. This year, high-quality cosplayers from 36 countries and regions who have won their local preliminaries will compete with performances based on Japanese anime, manga, and games.

The rules are simple: teams of two perform a cosplay skit within 2 minutes and 30 seconds. All costumes, props, and background effects are handmade by the contestants, often taking years to prepare. The quality is so high that it rivals professional standards, and the number of fans continues to grow each year. This year, original design flags will be distributed as viewing perks, allowing the audience to cheer on the contestants in a unified atmosphere. Find your favorite team and cheer them on!

This year, special flags will be given to all seats. Loud cheering is welcome! Wave your flags to support the contestants! Light sticks are also allowed (please do not raise them above your head).

*Please note that while stage photography and cosplaying in the hall and Aichi Arts Center are welcome, cosplay photo sessions by visitors inside the hall and the Aichi Arts Center are prohibited.

Hisaya-odori Park

This newly developed area, which opened in 2020, integrates commercial facilities and a park. Centered around the lush Hisaya-odori Park, it offers a unique setting for cosplay photography along with dining and strolling opportunities. This year, a special photo session will be held at the 80-meter-long water basin in Hisaya-odori Park. Enjoy light-up photography from day to night with Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER in the background. (Advance application required)

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

Located in Hisaya-odori Park, Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER is a landmark in Nagoya, known for its beautiful night views and unique design. Every year, it becomes a prime spot for cosplayers to take photos. The World Cosplay Summit offers a great opportunity to showcase your cosplay against the backdrop of the tower. Enjoy the spectacular silhouette of the tower under the bright blue sky during the day and the enchanting atmosphere of the night lighting. You can also enter the tower and enjoy the breathtaking view from the observation deck, providing a different photo opportunity from above. (Admission fee required)

Osu Shopping District (Osu Kannon)

The Osu Shopping District, where the World Cosplay Summit originated, will be paraded by representative cosplayers from various countries and regions, as well as general participants. It is one of the representative events of the WCS, attracting over 1,000 cosplayers each year.

*Cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19.
*Every year, some stores in the Osu Shopping District are open to cosplayers, allowing them to enter in costume.

Nagoya PARCO

As an iconic shopping tower in Sakae, Nagoya PARCO fully supports the World Cosplay Summit as a sponsor! You can enter the store in cosplay, and some stores within the facility will offer visitor benefits and special services. Enjoy cosplay and otaku activities along with fashion and gourmet!

Hisaya-odori Park Flarie

Hisaya-odori Park Flarie is a conveniently located park in the center of Nagoya, just a 3-minute walk from Yabacho Station on the Meijo Subway Line. With six garden areas, you can enjoy cosplay photography amidst lush greenery. The gardens feature various themed photo spots, such as a Japanese garden and a fountain plaza. Take photogenic pictures with the beautiful garden backdrops!

Important Notes

For Participants in Cosplay and Photography

If you are participating in cosplay or photography, please also check the participation terms and conditions for cosplay and photography.
Your participation in the event is considered as an agreement to the World Cosplay Summit’s terms and conditions. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Notes for Attendees

※Travel expenses and accommodation costs to the event venue are the responsibility of the attendees.
※We recommend using public transportation when coming to the venue. There is no dedicated parking available for this event.
※Visitors who use wheelchairs or require assistance should be accompanied by someone.
※Waiting from the day before or early arrival is strictly prohibited. If overnight waiting is discovered, there may be guidance from the police. Please refrain from such actions for the continuation of the event.
※The organizers and venue will not be responsible for any accidents or troubles between visitors.
※Depending on the crowd at the venue, there may be a wait time to enter.
※You may be asked to wait outside before and immediately after the event starts, especially during peak times. Please manage your health accordingly.
※For the safety of all attendees, bag inspections may be conducted upon entry.
※Please note that participation may be denied based on the behavior of attendees or at the discretion of the staff.

Notes Inside the Venue

※Please check the participation terms in advance and follow the venue’s guidance and staff instructions on the day of the event for participating in and viewing various programs.
※If you see any suspicious items or individuals, please inform a nearby staff member.
※If you feel unwell or get injured, please notify a staff member nearby.
※There will be no announcements inside the venue. Please decide on a meeting place and communication method in case you get separated from your child or companion before entering.
※Internet service usage fees inside the venue are the responsibility of the attendees.
※There is no Wi-Fi available for attendees inside the venue. If you need Wi-Fi or similar services, please arrange for them yourself.

Please check the FAQ page for answers to common questions. Cosplayers and photographers, please review the cosplay participation and photography terms and conditions before participating.