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Forget about the US Open, the World Series, or the Westminster Dog Show — New York is about to get a new competition which will knock the world on its Goth-Lolita clad ass: The World Cosplay Summit’s USa Preliminary round is coming to the NY Anime festival this December!

The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) today announced a major partnership with the World Cosplay Summit, the leading international cosplay event which takes place annually in Japan and attracts an audience of cosplay enthusiasts and professionals from many countries all over the globe. The World Cosplay Summit features the very best cosplayers in the world competing before famed anime and manga creators. Previous notable judges have included Leiji Matsumoto (Galaxy Express 999) and Go Nagai (Cutie Honey). Countries which participated in the 2007 World Cosplay Summit included: Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, and Thailand.

“We are focused on making NYAF a broad cultural event which embraces the many aspects of anime and recognizes its influence around the world,” notes John McGeary, Show Manager for NYAF. “This partnership is perhaps one of our most significant steps on the road to doing that. The World Cosplay Summit is nothing less than the Super Bowl of all cosplay. We’re very proud to offer American cosplayers the chance to have their costumes and talent recognized on both a national and international stage.”

Festival organizers note that the partnership will provide NYAF with the opportunity to stage the World Cosplay Summit’s Official USA Preliminary Round. The winners of the convention’s Masquerade will receive a free trip to Japan to represent the USA in the World Cosplay Summit Finals in Summer 2008. The New York Anime Festival is the only American anime convention approved to be part of the World Cosplay Summit.




The World Cosplay Summit joins existing Masquerade sponsor Anime Insider Magazine, which will feature a photo spread of the Masquerade’s winners in an upcoming issue and also award the winners a complimentary year subscription to the publication.

“This is a major event!” Anna Fischer, a veteran cosplayer and one of NYAF’s Masquerade Judges said. “I look forward to New York being home to the largest cosplay competition in the country.”

The New York Anime Festival will be held December 7th – 9th at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Interested cosplayers can find the full rules and apply for the Anime Insider and World Cosplay Summit Masquerade online at http://www.nyanimefestival.com/en-us/contests.cfm. Applications must be received by November 15.

ABOUT COSPLAY:

Cosplay is short for “costume play” and is one of the most vivid and creative aspects of anime fandom. At its center is the creation and wearing of costumes based on a fan’s favorite anime or manga character. A Masquerade — part talent show and part fashion show — is an event where cosplayers before perform often-elaborate skits in front of an audience.

ABOUT THE WORLD COSPLAY SUMMIT:

The World Cosplay Summit began in the fall of 2003. Born from the concept that cosplayers play a leading role in introducing Japanese manga and animation to people around the world, the event wanted to bring international cosplayers “home” to Japan to showcase their costumes and skill. The event is held annually, with preliminary competitions taking place around the world — and the Championships taking place each summer in Japan. Each year, judges include creators of some of Japan’s most iconic anime and manga, and past judges have included Leiji Matsumoto, Go Nagai, and Monkey Punch. In 2007, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Japan all participated in the World Cosplay Summit. The winners of Anime Insider and World Cosplay Summit Masquerade crowned at the New York Anime Festial will fly to Japan to serve as Team USA in the 2008 Championships. For more, please visit http://www.tv-aichi.co.jp/wcs/e/.

1 COMMENT

  1. NY Anime Festival is not going to let something like that happen. TV Aichi learned a lesson from 2005. People who were part of 2006 and 2007 have said that. As an American cosplaying and anime fan, I think it is an opportunity for NYAF and for World Cosplay Summit. I also am the person who gave the idea (as redneckotaku) on their forums to ask them. I am surprised TV Aichi said yes to it, also.