| The temperature went up to 35.3°C (96°F) today in Nagoya. The heat at the Expo site was unbearable, but perhaps the “hottest” location was the Expo Dome where the World Cosplay Summit was taking place. ★Title: World Cosplay Summit 2005 ★Time: August 7th 2005. 17:30 ~ 21:00 ★Place: Expo Dome at the Aichi Expo Site ★Attendance: Approx. 3000 people (full capacity of the Expo Dome) ★Participating countries: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, USA, China, Japan (East, West, Central Japan and Web Based) Total Participants: 10 teams composed of 4 members (1 individual and 3 group members) for a total of 40 participants. Finally as the sun rose the countdown to the opening curtain began. Right around lunch time the cosplayers, judges and other special guests began to arrive. The staff behind the scenes picked it up a notch and preparations were finalized at a frantic pitch. While rehearsals were being taken care of on stage, cosplayers from around Japan and the world started arriving as the changing rooms opened. The long wait would soon be over… Show time! ＊100 photos of cosplayer＊ The 5 judges for the evening were: 1) one of the master artists of the Manga world, Mr. Reiji Matsumoto 2) renowned for his singing of anime music, the “Prince of Anison-kai”, Hironobu Kageyama 3) known for being one of the pioneers of cosplay, Ms. Ban Ippongi 4) Mr. Shin Nagai from Nagoya Mode-gakuen 5) animation producer from TV Aichi, Akeshi Takayanagi. The 10 individual representative cosplayers from 7 countries were dressed up in the costumes of their favorite anime and manga characters. Karaoke was the theme of the contest and while the competition was intense, all entries put on an incredible performance. Individual Contestants: Costume: Yukari Hayasaka from Paradise Kiss Carla is a huge fan of the popular musical group, L’Arc en Ciel (a.k.a. Laruku). This is one of the reasons that she chose to sing their hit song “Blurry Eyes”.
Group Contestants: Gisela Chillon Perez, David Lopez Fernandez, Jorge Luna Perez Costumes: Fullmetal Alchemist. Costume: Samurai Spirits In China the concepts of “Cosplay” and “Performance” are said to be inseparable. The group from China really did an amazing job demonstrating this. In particular Xiao Mei’s spins and moves truly looked as if she were dancing across the stage. Miyapin, Namari, Ayumi Costumes: Gunbuster 2 (Aim for the Top / Top wo nerae! 2) With talking, singing, and a variety of surprise props, the group from Western Japan had a strong presence in front of the crowd. With the costumes they wore and the atmosphere they created, it was almost as if the real Nono, Raruku and Chiko were actually up on stage. Elizabeth Munden, Laura Ann Chase, Lynleigh Benton Costumes: RosenMaiden Befitting a nation where the art of live performance is so developed, the US team’s presentation and acoustic effects were flawless. Having revealed a performance different from the one they did at the preliminary competition means that they had less than a month of preparation time. Impressive work! Takumi, Shion Costume: Inuyasha Among all of the group entries, Eastern Japan was the only team with 2 members. They gave such an impressive performance that people did not notice the difference in number of performers. Anne Rose, Stephanie Kienast, Young-ji Kwon Costume: Magic Knights Rayearth With their own original choreography, the German group sang Yuzurenai Negai (Unyielding Wish). The unique way that they used their capes in their synchronized moves was impressive. Even their breathing was in synchronicity! Barbie Tsukino, Kaie Tada, Writer Shitara Costume: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon This highly qualified performing team with an impressive web presence is know for competing abroad and has even won competitions in the United States. Being long time fans of Sailor Moon and appearing in the costumes is one thing, however their piece de resistance at WCS2005 was their hand made golden orca. (A regional symbol which adorns the peaks of Nagoya castle) Francesca Dani, Emilia Fata Livia, Elena Fata Livia Costume: Soul Caliber II The 3 sirens presented a vivid and technical battle scene that transfixed audience and judges alike. Without words or song their compelling act was…amazing. Nakamura-han (Lord, Lady, Youth, Puchi Youth). Costume: Lupin the Third The representatives from Central Japan were participating as a family. As at the Central Japan preliminary competition they impressed the audience with a lip sync performance of their lovable “Lupin Dance”. Seeing parents and children thoroughly enjoying cosplay together left a lasting impression. Wendy Roeltogen, Pauline Mesa, Laurence Guermond Costume: Tokyo Mew Mew The lyrics “Chu! Natsu party!” went well with the cute choreography of the French group. The song was a perfect selection for the summer event. Their collaboration was so genuine it was almost as if they were an idol group performing on stage. The attention to detail with the costumes also received high marks.
The cosplayers who were crowned in victory can be seen here!
To all cosplayers who took part in World Cosplay Summit 2005…to all those in the cosplay area, the fan area and the general audience area of the Expo Dome who got so into the event…to all those who supported and participated in the World Cosplay Summit event over the previous 3 years …to the countless others who were there during each and every one of the very special moments during that time…it has been the support of everyone that has made the World Cosplay Summit 2005 on this August 7th possible. Thank you very, very, much. Manga and Anime - in Japan, under appreciated examples of Japanese culture - clearly do bring a certain happiness to many people around the world. "Japan is Cool! (Nihon wa kakoii!)" World Cosplay Summit is dedicated to continuing to convey this message on into the future. |
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