July 31st, Sunday. As in 2004, World Cosplay Summit 2005 collaborated with the Osu Festival by making the opening event - the Cosplay Parade - an integral part of the festivities. Before things got started… Before the event everyone got together at the TV Aichi head office. The cosplayers from each country who participated were Anja from Germany, Deandra from the United States, Dounia from France, Carla from Spain, Giorgia and the 3 group members (Emilia, Elena and Francesca) from Italy. Saira, the representative of the Central Japan region also took part. 3:00pm ~ The TV Aichi head office meeting room is converted into a changing room and cosplayers from all over begin to arrive. BUT…. Big drops of rain started falling from the sky! Some of the staff had an emergency meeting inside the Osu Kannon temple compound. The stage in front of the Osu Kannon temple was preserved by a large tent cover permitting it to be used for the event. The parade would mostly be taking part under the arcaded walkways of the Osu shopping district. It looked like the show would go on, but with the rain, getting a little wet would be unavoidable… At around this time the cosplayers who had assembled at TV Aichi’s head office were posed this question: Staff: “Everyone, unfortunately it has begun to rain. It looks like we will be able to put the show on but we may get a little wet. Under these circumstances are there people who still want to take part?” Cosplayers: “Of course…we all want to participate!” That was the response from everyone, the staff was very thankful for that. It was a touching moment that made some present almost want to cry. As if the heavens heard the voices of everyone that day, the rain all but stopped…. and off to Osu we went! 4:00pm ~ Stage event within the Osu Kannon temple compound The rain had eased off and many spectators had gathered in front of the stage. As the cosplayers from each country got up on stage, a great cheer rose from the crowd. Each cosplayer introduced themselves and all on stage sang an anime related karaoke song. What better way to compliment the international language of “Manga” with another internationally renowned cultural phenomenon “Karaoke”. Everyone sang amazingly!!! The stage event ended with a reminder to everyone about the World Cosplay Championship at the Aichi Expo site on August 7th. From there…on to the parade! 4:30pm ~ Cosplay Parade and the Osu Summer Festival Last year the cosplay parade was a hit. This year too the cosplayers paraded through the bustling Osu shopping district for about an hour, attracting a lot of attention.The parade began at the Osu Kannon temple and with the 8 cosplayers from different countries at the head of the parade over 100 cosplayers from around Japan filled out the ranks. These cosplayers were not only from Japan but abroad as well and one participant of note was Cindy, one of the German representatives from WCS2003. 5:30pm~ Parade returns to the Osu Kannon temple compound. Good effort every one, take a break! 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm Mixer Event The mixer this year was held at the Cosplay Cafe “Comok”. With the international cosplayers in the middle of it all, cosplayers from near and far got together, got to know each other and had a great time.

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