Cosplay at the Japanese Art Festival
Cosplay comes from merging the words "costume" and "play". Originating in Japan, it is a hobby where participants make and wear elaborate costumes based on characters from animation, manga comics or video games. Cosplayers can usually be seen at photoshoots, conventions and festivals such as the Japanese Art Festival.
The Japanese Art Festival will be hosting a whole programme of Cosplay activities, including competitions, talks/workshops and a photo session.
JAF's cosplay events are organised in association with the Grand International Cosplay Ball.
The cosplay events at this weekend's Japanese Art Festival will be run in conjunction with games publisher Tecmo-Koei !
Best known for the Samurai Warriors and Dead of Alive series, Tecmo-Koei will be providing some fabulous prizes for the winners cosplay masquerade! There will also be a special prize awarded by the Grand International Cosplay Ball.
Kelly
Batchelor
There will also be two workshops for budding cosplayers over the weekend - the Junior Cosplay Workshop for under-16's (Saturday, 12:00) and an Advanced Cosplay Workshop (Sunday, 11:00).
The workshops will be run by Tecmo-Koei's official cosplayer Kaman Fong and award-winning cosplayer Kelly Batchelor. Both these girls make showstopping costumes on a regular basis and will be here to share their tips and tricks with you!
Kaman Fong
COSPLAY MASQUERADE
The Cosplay Masquerade is a stage competition where prizes are awarded for the best cosplay costumes and performances! The Masquerade takes place on the main stage on Saturday at 3pm. You can register online or on the day at the Cosplay Desk. Online entry opens on Sunday 1st August and closes on Wednesday 18th August. Please do not try to register outside of these times.
Please click here to read the MASQUERADE RULES
JUNIOR COSPLAY WORKSHOP
The Junior Cosplay Workshop is open to everyone aged under 16. It's a great introduction for younger cosplayers to find out more about cosplay and learn how to make their own costumes. Learn about wigs and fabrics, have a go at making your own cat ears, and try on a yukata (girl's summer kimono) or hakama (boy's kimono). Please note that we will be handling scissors and other sharp objects, so participants under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
ADVANCED COSPLAY WORKSHOP
Those with some costume-making experience will want to visit the Advanced Cosplay Workshop, where award-winning cosplayers share their secrets! The theme for the workshop will be announced one month before the festival. Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
PHOTO SESSION
To take advantage of the hot weather, we will be holding a cosplay photo shoot outdoors this time! More details coming soon.
WEAPONS AND PROPS
If you will be carrying a weapon or prop as part of your costume, you will need to read the rules here: Weapons Rules.
OTHER FACILITIES FOR COSPLAYERS
More information, including information about changing rooms, will be posted up soon.
