Transformative Hobby: Going For Gold At Japan's World Cosplay Summit

Nagoya, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Aug, 2024) It takes intense dedication, hours of prep and a whole lot of sewing: dressing up as Japanese characters may not be an Olympic sport, but these competitors are at the top of their game.

Teams from 36 countries and regions faced off in central Japan on Saturday, having faithfully recreated the elaborate outfits, colourful hairstyles and all-important attitude of their chosen anime, manga and video game stars.

The championship is part of the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, a three-day event that draws thousands of fans -- many keen to show off their own costumes.

"People really commit to cosplay competitions," said Lettie Shiels from Britain, who won last year's contest with her teammate Claudia Maw.

"We're not just talking about weekends and evenings -- I probably averaged about four hours' sleep for a good number of months," she told AFP.

The pair, who go by the stage Names Tsupo and Clood, met in cosplay circles over a decade ago and have seen their hobby transform from a crafty, DIY subculture into a global phenomenon.

Perfecting self-taught skills from make-up artistry to prosthetics, dressmaking and prop design is a key part of cosplay, a combination of the words "costume" and "play".

In Nagoya, contestants are judged on the accuracy and quality of their costumes.

"They go pretty hard on that. You have a reference picture, and everything has to be exactly the same. If anything's missing, you'll have points docked," Shiels explained.

Then they must perform a two-and-a-half minute skit in character, which former champions Tsupo and Clood have been invited back to Japan to judge.

"I want to feel immersed. I want to feel like they love the source material," which will shine through in the choreography, acting and visual effects, Shiels said.