Cultural Exchange

1. The World Cosplay Summit 2014 was held this year for the 12th time from July 26 to August 3 in Nagoya. The World Cosplay Championship took place on August 2 with participation of the representatives selected in the preliminary rounds held in 22 countries and regions worldwide, including Japan. Each participating country or region was represented by one team of two cosplayers, who engaged in high-level performances while wearing costumes from Japanese anime, manga and video games, etc. Following a fierce competition, the championship was won by Team Russia, which performed as characters from "The Legend of Zelda." Team Russia was bestowed with the Foreign Minister's Prize from Ms. Mari Takada, Director of the Cultural Affairs and Overseas Public Relations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
2. Cosplay has enjoyed strong international popularity in recent years, and as popular culture from Japan it has been creating opportunities for many people, including young people in particular, from all over the world to deepen their interest and understanding in Japan and participate in international exchange. MOFA began cooperating with the World Cosplay Summit, including granting name sponsorship since 2007, because the event develops an interest in Japan through popular culture. Since 2009 MOFA has been a member of the hosting Executive Committee and has been conferring a Foreign Minister's Prize on the champion team.
   Additionally, it has become customary for the World Cosplay Summit to visit MOFA every year. A total of six cosplayers from China, Mexico and Finland visited MOFA on July 30 this year on behalf of the World Cosplay Summit 2014 participants. They paid a courtesy call, in their costumes, on Mr. Seiji Kihara, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.

(Reference) Outline and goals of World Cosplay Summit
The World Cosplay Summit began in 2003 and this is the 12th year. It was launched after the TV Aichi-produced program "Manga is the Common Language of the World" invited five guest cosplayers from Italy, Germany and France. The summit is co-hosted not only by MOFA but also by Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Chunichi Shimbun and other organizations. Its goal is to contribute to the "creation of international exchange through youth culture originating in Japan" via Japanese anime, manga and video games, etc. Various events are held, including a Red Carpet Parade that takes place on a main street in Nagoya City. The World Cosplay Championship started in 2005 and now, it attracts teams from as many as 22 countries and regions, including Japan.