World Cosplay Summit 2026

• August 1, 2026 at 10:34 am
  Event date:
• August 3, 2026 at 10:34 am
  Event end:

Unite in Costume — Celebrate Creativity at the World Cosplay Summit 2026!

Overview

Join one of the world’s largest and most vibrant cosplay festivals as fans of anime, manga, and games gather in Nagoya, Japan for an unforgettable celebration of global pop culture. The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) features everything from elite cosplay competitions and parades to live entertainment, photo spots, and community engagement across the city.

Event Dates

• Event Dates: Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3, 2026
• Event Hours: To be announced

Main Venues

• Main Venues: Oasis 21 (Main Venue), Hisaya Odori Park, Central Park Underground, Aichi Arts and Culture Center, Osu Shopping District
• Address (Main Venue): Oasis 21, 1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

Event Highlights

WCS Eve Festival – August 1

The opening ceremony kicks off with a red carpet event featuring pop culture celebrities. Admission is free. Celebrate the start of WCS with fans and cosplayers from around the globe.

Osu Cosplay Parade – August 2

Walk through Nagoya’s historic Osu Shopping District, the birthplace of WCS. Cosplayers, photographers, and spectators fill the streets in a dynamic and colorful showcase of international cosplay talent.

World Cosplay Championship – August 3

Top cosplayers from official WCS regional qualifiers across the globe will compete in Japan to determine the World’s No.1 Cosplayer. This final is the highlight of the summit and showcases incredible performances, craftsmanship, and creativity.

Event Stage Program

Throughout the weekend, enjoy stage performances, cosplay runway shows, special guest appearances, and talk shows featuring creators, performers, and influencers from the world of anime and games.

Booths & Photo Spots

Discover special exhibits, themed booths, and photo zones across all venues. Capture unforgettable moments at giant cosplay backdrops available only during the event.

Cosplay Street Walk

Nagoya transforms into a cosplay-friendly city. Enjoy walking in costume through areas such as Oasis 21, Hisaya Odori Park, Osu Shopping District, and more. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the city while fully immersed in cosplay culture.

Ticket Prices

The World Cosplay Summit 2026 is a ticketed event. Tickets are date-specific, with detailed purchase information available on the official World Cosplay Summit website.

• Participation Tickets (Cosplayers/Photographers):Range from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per day, depending on date and venue.
• Changing Room Tickets (includes participation):Range from 1,500 yen to 6,000 yen per day, depending on date and venue.

We Recommend These Must-Try Moments

1. Nagoya: Grand Sumo Tournament Tour
Experience Japan’s national sport up close with reserved seats at a grand sumo tournament in Nagoya.
Learn about sumo traditions and rituals while watching the wrestlers compete.
Perfect for cultural enthusiasts seeking a unique, powerful live event.

2. Between Tokyo and Kyoto: Sumo Tournament with Chair A Seats
Enjoy premium Chair A seats at a sumo tournament while traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Immerse yourself in the excitement of sumo and Japanese sports culture.
An ideal cultural stopover on a long-distance journey.

3. From Nagoya: Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour
Visit the traditional towns of Gujo and Takayama, then explore the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village.
This full-day bus tour offers historical architecture, local crafts, and stunning mountain scenery.
Perfect for those wanting to see Japan’s countryside in a single day.

4. Nagoya: Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go 1-Day Bus Tour w/ Meal
A guided day trip from Nagoya to the historic towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
Enjoy a local lunch and soak in the rustic charm of Japan’s Edo-era streets and thatched-roof houses.
Great for cultural immersion with scenic countryside views.

5. Nagoya to Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go Village Day Tour
Journey from Nagoya to explore Takayama’s preserved old town and the unique Shirakawa-go village.
A scenic and cultural adventure through Japan’s mountainous heartland.
Ideal for first-timers looking to escape the city and see traditional Japan.

Important Visitor Information

• Transportation and Accommodation:Costs are the responsibility of attendees. Public transportation is highly recommended, as no dedicated parking is available.
• Accessibility:Visitors requiring wheelchairs or assistance must attend with a guardian or caretaker.
• Entry Restrictions:Gathering or lining up at venues the night before the event is prohibited. Violators may be subject to police intervention.
• Security & Safety:Bag inspections may be conducted. Entry may take time due to crowd control. During peak times, attendees may be asked to wait outdoors. Please monitor your health and prepare accordingly.
• Venue Conduct:Participants must follow all event rules and staff instructions. Disruptive behavior may result in removal. If you notice suspicious activity or require assistance, notify staff immediately.
• Communication:There are no public announcements or paging services. Plan ahead with your group for meeting points and communication methods.
• Internet Access:Wi-Fi is not provided. Attendees should arrange their own mobile internet connection. Any usage fees incurred are the responsibility of the attendee.

Event Guidelines

The World Cosplay Summit takes place in active public venues. Please respect other visitors and abide by venue-specific regulations. Cooperation from attendees is essential to ensure the safe and successful operation of this event.

Organizers

• Organizers: World Cosplay Summit Executive Committee (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau, Central Japan International Airport Co., Ltd., Osu Shopping District Federation, The Japan Times, TV Aichi, WCS Inc.)

Cooperators

• Cooperators: Tribute, WCS Hospitality Student Committee, WCS Academic Committee, Oasis 21

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