Square Enix Host Cosplay Battle at Hyper Japn

24/6/2011 - London, England

Most of us know the words cosplay and Square Enix go together like Final and Fantasy. Which is why Square Enix Products have teamed up with HYPER JAPAN – the UK's biggest J-Culture event – to host a cosplay competition exclusively for Square Enix characters!

The contest will take place on stage at 12pm on Sunday 24th July at HYPER JAPAN, Olympia 2, London, - and is open to everyone dressed as a character from any of Square Enix's releases (including Square and Enix titles). The lucky winners can look forward to a selection of goodies and merchandise donated by Square Enix Products. Square Enix Products will also be exhibiting at HYPER JAPAN, showcasing a selection of the latest plush toys, figures and CD soundtracks from your favourite games.

To enter the competition, simply visit the HYPER JAPAN website: http://www.hyperjapan.co.uk/event-2011/highlights/cosplay.html

Other highlights at HYPER JAPAN 2011 include:

Kanon Wakeshima

This year's guest of honour is reknowned singer, cellist and fashion icon, Kanon Wakeshima. Best known for her single Still Doll (as used in the anime Vampire Knight), Kanon will be performing two charity concerts, as well as taking part in a Q&A panel and signing session.

Kawaii Star Of The Year

Last year, we welcomed Misako Aoki – former government-appointed “Ambassador of Cute”. This year, we're looking for our very own Misako! The winner will be featured as the Star of the Year in a Japanese fashion/pop culture magazine and win an amazing trip to Japan courtesy of eTours, Alitalia and Shiba Park Hotel.

HYPER JAPAN UK Cosplay Award

Pairs of cosplayers can compete for the chance to win 2 x 42” Panasonic TVs with built-in gaming mode (prize value £640!). Entries are being accepted via the website until July 10th.

Eat-Japan Sushi Awards

This year, HYPER JAPAN will be hosting the Eat-Japan Sushi Awards, sponsored by Kikkoman and Tsuno Foods! This is your chance to help decide the best of the best in the UK, as chefs from Japanese restaurants in the UK roll up, roll up to create the ultimate sushi roll. The event will also host the HYPER JAPAN Food Court, where you can sample a selection of Japanese food, sweets and sake.

Maid Planet Café

Whether you're an all-out otaku or just a curious customer, pop into our Maid Cafe and let the maids wait on you as if you were Lord or Lady of the manor!

Culture Area Participate in hands-on cultural activities such as origami and calligraphy, sign up to model in a kimono fashion show or have your photo taken in our beautifully decorated tatami area! A new addition for 2011, the cultural area will be organized in conjunction with The Japan Society and various other groups to bring a touch of traditional Nippon to HYPER JAPAN and help raise funds for the Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.

HYPER JAPAN 22nd–24th July 2011 Kensington Olympia 2, London Tickets: £12 (day), £25 (weekend) Website: http://www.hyperjapan.co.uk

For more information, please contact:

HYPER JAPAN Press Office Mary Moreton - [email protected]

HYPER JAPAN Cosplay Team Emily Bastian - cosplay@hyperjapan.co.uk