Hyper Japan Host World Cosplay Summit UK Selection

Friday 24 – Sunday 26 February 2012
Brompton Hall, Earls Court, London
www.hyperjapan.co.uk

In 2012, HYPER JAPAN will be hosting not one, but two international cosplay competitions!

In 2012, the UK will enter the World Cosplay Summit for the first time – an international cosplay gathering held annually in Nagoya, Japan. One lucky pair will be whisked off to Japan to represent their country at the summit!

As if that wasn't enough, British cosplayers will also have the chance to enter the European Cosplay Gathering (ECG) – with the grand prize of an all expenses-paid trip to the ECG Grand Final in Paris, France!

The UK selections for both competitions will be held at HYPER JAPAN Spring 2012, taking place from 24-26th February 2012 at Brompton Hall, Earl's Court, London. Registration opens on January 6th.

HYPER JAPAN is the UK's largest J-culture event, boasting a huge range of authentic dealers selling everything from food to fashion. Past HYPER JAPAN events have seen guest appearances by singer and fashion icon Kanon Wakeshima, KERA model Misako Aoki and the seiyuu behind anime series Milky Holmes.

For more details, including how to enter, be sure to visit HYPER JAPAN Cosplay HQ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hyperjapancosplay

World Cosplay Summit

Founded in 2003 by TV Aichi, the World Cosplay Summit (or WCS for short) is an international cosplay gathering, held annually in Nagoya, Japan. There are currently 19 countries taking part, from as far afield as Brazil, Thailand and Australia.

A team of two finalists from each country will take part in activities including an open air parade and performance competition, known as the WCS Championship. The final is held at Oasis 21 (a famous entertainment complex) and broadcast by TV Aichi.

European Cosplay Gathering

Organised by the team behind Europe's biggest cosplay and anime event - Japan Expo - the European Cosplay Gathering is an international competition bringing together some of Europe's finest cosplayers for a grand final in Paris, France.

There are currently 10 countries taking part. One group and one individual will be chosen at HYPER JAPAN and sent to Paris to represent the UK at ECG 2012. The final will be held in front of 15,000 people on the Japan Expo stage, making it one of the most spectacular in Europe!

In addition to the WCS and ECG selections, HYPER JAPAN Spring 2012 will also host a range of other cosplay competitions and activities, to be announced in the coming weeks.