This children’s article, The biggest cosplay event in the world, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children build vocabulary, understand cultural events, and enjoy reading for fun. Written by Mark Pulley, a writer and teacher who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is cosplay?
Have you ever wanted to dress up as your favourite character from a video game or anime? That’s called cosplay! It comes from the words “costume” and “play.” A cosplayer is someone who wears a costume and acts like a character from a manga, anime, film, or game.
Cosplay is popular all over the world. People dress up at conventions, festivals, or just for fun. It’s a way to show love for a character and to be creative. Some of the most popular costumes are superheroes like Spider-Man and Batman.
Welcome to WCS!
The biggest cosplay event in the world is the World Cosplay Summit, or WCS for short. It takes place every year in Nagoya, Japan. This year the event will be held on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
WCS has everything a cosplayer could want: live shows, cosplay runways, parades, and a huge competition called the World Cosplay Championship. Only the best teams from around the world can take part in the final. They perform in amazing costumes to try and win the title of No.1 cosplayers in the world!
A bridge to friendship
WCS is more than just costumes and shows. It’s about bringing people together. The event helps people from different countries become friends and learn about each other’s cultures. The slogan for the event is “COSPLAY EVERYWHERE!!”, and that’s exactly what it feels like!
Cosplayers often keep in touch after the event and even become part of the WCS team in the future. Some go on to appear on TV or at big festivals. They’re called “WCS Alumni” and help keep the fun going year after year.
From a small start to a huge event
WCS started in 2003 with a small show in Nagoya. But now it’s one of the biggest cosplay events in the world. By 2016, more than 300,000 people visited during the event! During the COVID-19 pandemic, the event continued online.
Today, WCS is supported by local governments, embassies, and fans from all over. It’s a symbol of how pop culture can build peace, respect creators, and connect the world through fun.
Are you ready for 2025?
Who will become the world’s best cosplayer in 2025? We’ll find out in August! Whether you dress up yourself or just love watching the show, WCS celebration of art, stories, and imagination.
Article vocabulary list
- Cosplay – Dressing up as a character from anime, manga, games, or films
- Cosplayer – A person who does cosplay
- WCS – Short for World Cosplay Summit, the biggest cosplay event in the world
- Nagoya – A city in Japan where WCS is held
- Cosplay runway – A stage where cosplayers walk and show off their costumes
- World Cosplay Championship – A contest to find the best cosplayers in the world
- Cultures – Ways of life, beliefs, and traditions from different countries
- Governments – Groups that run and organise cities or countries
- Anime – A style of animated film or TV show that comes from Japan
- Manga – Japanese comic books or graphic novels, often read from right to left
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What is cosplay?
a) Playing sports in a costume
b) Dressing up as a favourite character
c) Watching anime at home
Answer: b) Dressing up as a favourite character
2. Where does the WCS take place?
a) Tokyo
b) Osaka
c) Nagoya
Answer: c) Nagoya
3. What is the main event at WCS?
a) A costume parade for pets
b) The World Cosplay Championship
c) A food tasting competition
Answer: b) The World Cosplay Championship
4. What is a cosplay runway?
a) A catwalk for cosplayers
b) A place for planes to land
c) A road used in parades
Answer: a) A catwalk for cosplayers
5. What is one goal of WCS?
a) To sell costumes
b) To bring fans together from around the world
c) To teach people how to sew
Answer: b) To bring fans together from around the world
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
