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"Manga" is a cultural art that Japan
should be prouder of.
It enjoys great popularity in Europe, Asia and the Americas. In many
countries around the world having a "Manga" corner in bookstores
is very normal.
It has even come to the point where youth who know about Japanese culture
are saying that "people learn about Japan through Manga". |
The 10's of thousands of people who come out
for Manga related events around the world are a testament to its
popularity. Those attracting the most attention at the events are
often the Manga and Animation fans who actually show up dressed like
the characters: Cosplayers (Costume Players). The "World Cosplay
Summit" was first held in the fall of 2003 to introduce people to
the international popularity of Japanese Manga and Animation through
the visual expression of cosplayers from around the world. At the
same time, it was created to demonstrate something to Japanese people
－ even if only slightly － that is often overlooked: the "coolness"
of Japanese culture.
In the summer of 2004 the event was held for the second time. The "World Cosplay
Summit 2004" welcomed 2 cosplayers from each of 4 countries besides
Japan (Italy, Germany, France, USA) for a total of 8 cosplayers from
abroad. The event attracted the attention of a variety of newspapers,
magazines and other media from around the world. 2005 was the first
year where a "performance contest" took place during the event. The
World Cosplay Summit 2005 was the largest in history with 7 countries
and 40 cosplayers taking part and the grand finale was held at the
Aichi Expo Dome. The Dome's 3000 seats were packed and the number
of national and international news networks covering the event was
over 40.
What new is in store for the World Cosplay Summit in 2006...
What new is in store for the World Cosplay Summit in 2006... |
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