'Damn hot': Last summer for Japan cosplay extravaganza
At this year's World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, participants faced extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), prompting concerns about health risks. Attendees, including international cosplayers like Shawn, described the conditions as dangerously hot, with some requiring multiple bottles of water to stay hydrated. The event, which attracts over 250,000 people annually, will now be held in November starting next year to avoid the intense summer heat. Organizers acknowledged the rising temperatures linked to climate change and urged attendees to take precautions. While some cosplayers continue to wear elaborate outfits, others, like Orena from France, choose breathable materials to cope with the heat. The summit remains a global celebration of cosplay, blending pop culture, fashion, and performance.
Last summer proved to be one of the hottest ever recorded in Japan, prompting organizers of the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) to move the annual event from its traditional July dates to November starting next year. The decision follows years of rising temperatures and concerns over public health, particularly among attendees who often wear elaborate, layered costumes during the three-day festival in Nagoya. At the height of the event, temperatures were expected to reach 40°C (104°F), forcing participants to endure sweltering conditions while performing in full costume. Attendees described the heat as unbearable, with some reporting severe dehydration and discomfort. The shift in timing marks a significant change for the WCS, which has drawn over 250,000 visitors annually from around the globe. This year’s event saw participants like Shawn, a Houston, Texas native, struggling with the intense heat while dressed as a character from Demon Slayer. She and her sister Whitney both wore full sleeves and socks, yet still found themselves drenched in sweat within minutes of stepping outside. “I’ve had about five bottles of water already,” Shawn told AFP, highlighting the challenges faced by cosplayers in the sweltering conditions. Tokumaru Oguri, CEO of the WCS, emphasized the growing impact of climate change on Japan’s weather patterns. Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted, the country has experienced increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves. “The heat can genuinely put people's lives at risk,” Oguri said, urging attendees to prioritize hydration, rest, and proper preparation. Despite these warnings, many cosplayers continue to push boundaries, especially during the grand parade, where elaborate outfits and performances are showcased. Cosplay originated in Japan in the early 1980s, when a journalist coined the term by combining “costume” and “play.” Initially rooted in fan conventions focused on science fiction and horror, the practice evolved into a global cultural movement in the 1990s and 2000s. Participants now range from dedicated fans to professional performers, dressing as characters from films, animations, video games, and even abstract concepts like gravity or hunger. Some cosplayers embrace experimental styles, including gender-fluid interpretations or representations of internet memes and fast-food brands. In response to the heat, some participants have adapted their choices. Orena, a 40-year-old French cosplayer representing her country at the WCS, opted for breathable materials like linen and cotton when portraying Haku from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. She explained that while technical complexity and multiple layers are common in competitive costumes, the combination of heat and heavy fabric can lead to discomfort. “When it gets hot, there comes a point when you cannot take off any more layers,” she said, noting that even minor elements like makeup and wigs contribute to the challenge. Participants like Jeoffry Quiban, known online as OPet, have taken practical approaches to managing the heat. Dressed as Hiei, the fire demon from Yu Yu Hakusho, Quiban stressed the importance of comfort and mobility. “You need to deal with what you wear and wear it comfortably,” he told AFP, holding a sword and wearing blood-red contacts. His partner, Krizel Guiral, or Zhel, portrayed Youko Kurama, a red-haired fox demon from the same series. She expressed excitement about the upcoming changes, believing the cooler November weather will allow for more creative and ambitious costumes. With the WCS moving to November, organizers hope to provide a safer environment for participants while maintaining the spirit of the event. As the global cosplay community continues to grow, the intersection of fashion, performance, and environmental awareness will likely remain a key topic of discussion. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the festival remains accessible and enjoyable for all attendees, regardless of the season.
3 reports
The Japan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 903 days ago
A record-breaking heatwave has expanded across the Korean Peninsula, moving beyond South Korea's southeastern region into the Seoul metropolitan area and other areas. Forecasters have noted this unusual spread of extreme temperatures, which has prompted emergency responses. The situation highlights concerns over rising global temperatures and their impact on densely populated regions. Authorities are likely taking measures to protect public health amid the worsening conditions.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a natural disaster event (heatwave) and its effects, without showing clear ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. It focuses on the meteorological development and the general need for emergency response, without leaning toward any particular political orÂ
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that a record heatwave is affecting the Korean Peninsula and mentions that forecasters note the extreme heat is spreading from South Korea's southeast to areas like Seoul. While no specific data or dates are provided, this aligns with general consensus among other sour
Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, focusing on the spread of the heatwave and the emergency response without apparent bias or emotional language.
Japan TodayIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 854 days ago
At this year's World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, participants faced extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), prompting concerns about health risks. Attendees, including international cosplayers like Shawn, described the conditions as dangerously hot, with some requiring multiple bottles of water to stay hydrated. The event, which attracts over 250,000 people annually, will now be held in November starting next year to avoid the intense summer heat. Organizers acknowledged the rising temperatures linked to climate change and urged attendees to take precautions. While some cosplayers continue to wear elaborate outfits, others, like Orena from France, choose breathable materials to cope with the heat. The summit remains a global celebration of cosplay, blending pop culture, fashion, and performance.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the logistical and safety implications of extreme weather affecting a cultural event rather than taking a political stance. It reports on the decision to move the event to cooler months and cites scientific data on climate change without overtly endorsing any political agenda.
Why factuality (75): The article provides specific details such as the name of the event (World Cosplay Summit), location (Nagoya), temperature (40C/104F), and quotes from Shawn and Tokumaru Oguri. These details appear consistent with general knowledge about the event and its relocation due to climate concerns. However,
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a largely neutral tone, presenting facts and direct quotes from participants and organizers. It avoids overt bias but includes phrases like 'Damn hot' and 'oppressive 40C' which convey strong sentiment. The overall framing remains objective despite these descriptive elements.
South Korea is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures in Seoul expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius, nearing the record high of 39.6°C set in 2018. President Lee Jae Myung has declared an all-out response, directing government agencies and local authorities to deploy all available resources to protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups, and enforce measures such as mandatory rest breaks for outdoor workers. The heatwave has already caused over 20 deaths, with reports of people fainting at a baseball game due to the extreme conditions. Meteorologists suggest that Typhoon Dolphin, though not directly threatening South Korea, may be indirectly contributing to the intense heat by influencing wind patterns that carry hot, dry air across the region.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the heatwave and the government's response without overtly favoring any political perspective. It quotes the president's directives but does not frame them in a biased manner. The content focuses on the situation itself rather than taking a stance on it
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