Cultural Exchange
The World Cosplay Summit 2024
From August 2nd to 4th, the 22nd "World Cosplay Summit 2024" was held in Nagoya, Aichi. In the “World Cosplay Championship” on August 3rd, a team of two cosplayers representing each of 36 countries and region, including Japan, which had won the preliminary rounds, performed on the stage, dressed in costumes from Japanese anime, manga and video games. Japan team that won the Championship for the first time in 12 years since 2012 was awarded the Foreign Minister’s Prize by Ms. SUZUKI Ritsuko, Director of the Cultural Affairs and Overseas Public Relations Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Cosplay, a pop culture phenomenon that originated in Japan, expands the circle of interest to many people overseas, including young people, and helps vitalizing international exchange through Japanese anime, manga, and video games.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has awarded Foreign Minister’s Prize on the champion team as a member of the Executive Committee of the Summit since 2009.
The World Cosplay Summit began in 2003 in Nagoya, Aichi and this year’s Summit marks its 22nd year. The event aims at contributing to the creation of international exchange through youth culture originated in Japan, such as Japanese anime, manga and video games. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City and others serves as member of the World Cosplay Summit Executive Committee. The World Cosplay Championship has been held since 2005 and is competed by teams representing Japan and other countries and regions.