What is the Cosplay World Crown
AnimeCon.org organizes the cosplay world crown contest, which allows competitors a chance to win a trip to Japan (or the cash equivalent). The winners of the Cosplay World Crown, held at Anime Midwest in Rosemont, receive two complimentary tickets to Tokyo, Japan! Once in Tokyo you will be able to explore the amazing world of Japanese animation with visits to stores like Animate, famous sites in anime like Tokyo Tower, and many other awesome places.
Competitors start out at a smaller convention and then earn their chance to compete in the major competition. Competitors will have to win at least some kind of award at one of AnimeCon.org's other conventions, including AniMinneapolis, Kanpai!Con, and Anime-zing!, among others, in order to be "qualified" to compete for the Cosplay World Crown prize.
First finalists for Cosplay World Crown
Why Japan?
Some people might ask why a trip to Japan is a big prize. Well, anime is made in Japan, after all, and Anime Midwest has a focus on true Japanese anime. The convention often has some famous guests, like the President of Studio Trigger from Japan. Getting to go to Japan can also mean people can see some anime places too. For example there's a famous stairway in Tokyo that is featured prominently in the hit anime movie, "Your Name".
There are all kinds of things for anime fans to do in Japan, such as visit Tokyo Tower, which is featured in lots of anime like Air Gear, Gantz, and Sailor Moon. They can also shop at an Animate store which sells anime and manga, check out a Vampire Cafe, Maid Cafe, or other Themed Cafe, and eat delicious Japanese foods like sushi or Wagyu beef.
Japan also has the Pokemon Cafe and the Square Enix Cafe, for fans of the video games.
Where will they stay?
The convention will provide a cash credit for renting a hotel or staying in an AirBNB while in Japan. Contest organizers recommend staying at a place that is not more than a 10 or 15 minute walk from the Yamanote Line in Japan, which is the major train line circling Tokyo. Shinjuku is considered a popular place to stay when visiting Japan.
What if they can't go to Japan?
Going to Japan can be hard for some people, particularly because leaving to a new country requires a passport. Passports can require documents that some people can't find, and they take a long time to process. Also Japan has some entry conditions, such as requiring COVID vaccinations for visitors. This means that not everyone is able to travel to Japan.
For contestants who wish to compete but are not able to go to Japan, the contest organizers have a cash prize option available as well.
Competitors for the Crown
Who is likely to win?
The winner of the Cosplay World Crown is the "Best In Show" at the world crown competition, chosen from those who qualified to get on stage and compete at Anime Midwest.
The contest is judged on several criteria.
Accuracy: Judges look for cosplayers who have accurately recreated the look and costumes of the characters they are portraying.
Craftsmanship: This includes attention to detail, quality of materials used, and overall workmanship in creating the costume.
Stage presence: Cosplayers are judged on how well they perform and present themselves on stage, including their movements, facial expressions, and overall demeanor.
Character interpretation: Judges look for cosplayers who have effectively captured the essence and personality of the character they are portraying.
These are some of the most common criteria that the judges use to determine who wins. AnimeCon.org has strict rules and regulations in place that disallow judges from voting for their friends, in order to ensure that the playing field is even for all participants.
When is the contest?
The next contest will be held in July at Anime Midwest. The last pre-qualifier before the competition is at AniMinneapolis in May. Signups are taken online.
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