World Cosplay Summit 2025: A Complete Guide for International Travelers
Event Dates & Schedule
Dates: August 1 (Fri) – 3 (Sun), 2025
August 1 (Fri) 18:00–21:00: Eve Festival & Red Carpet Ceremony
August 2 (Sat) 11:00–21:00: Osu Cosplay Parade and more
August 3 (Sun) 11:00–21:00: World Cosplay Championship and more
For detailed schedules, check the official website.
Venues
Main Venue: Oasis 21 – 1-11-1 Higashi-sakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya
Direct access via Sakae Station (Subway Higashiyama/Meijo Line) and Sakaemachi Station (Meitetsu Seto Line)
Sub Venues: Hisaya-odori Park, Central Park Underground Mall, Aichi Arts Center (Championship), Osu Shopping District, Hisaya Odori Garden Flarie, Chubu Electric MIRAI TOWER
Events include stage performances, cosplay runway, vendor booths, and photo areas.
Ticket Information
Various ticket types: Cosplay Participation Pass, Changing Room Pass, General Admission, World Cosplay Championship Viewing Ticket
Sample ticket prices:
Ticket Type
Price (incl. tax)
Benefits
VIP (VV Seat)
18,000 JPY
Original T-shirt, eco bag (muta collab), penlight
V Seat
12,000 JPY
Original T-shirt, penlight
S Seat
6,000 JPY
Original eco bag, penlight
A Seat
4,000 JPY
Penlight only
Other admission passes
See official site
-
Purchase via the official website and major Japanese ticketing platforms. Advance purchase is recommended.
World Cosplay Championship
National representatives (two per country, from 41 regions) compete for world title
Date: August 3 (Sun), 2025 – starts at 14:30
Venue: Aichi Arts Center, Main Hall
Entry only with special viewing tickets (usually includes official merchandise and gifts)
Photo Spots
Oasis 21 Galaxy Plaza (basement): The heart of the event, dramatic space for photos and meetups.
Hisaya Odori Garden Flarie: Garden scenery, perfect for nature-and-cosplay shots.
Osu Shopping District: Retro and futuristic vibe, best street cosplay scenes.
Other highlights: Hisaya-odori Park, Central Park Underground Mall, etc.
Transportation
From Tokyo: Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, about 1hr 40min
From Osaka: Tokaido Shinkansen, about 50min
To Venue:
Subway Higashiyama/Meijo Line to "Sakae" Station (short walk)
Meitetsu Seto Line to "Sakaemachi" Station (short walk)
City Bus: Sakae Bus Terminal (5min walk)
From Chubu Centrair Airport: Meitetsu μSKY Express directly to Nagoya
Most event locations are walking distance from Sakae. Use prepaid IC transport cards for easy subway/bus trips.
Note: The area will be very crowded during the event. Allow extra travel time.
Cosplayers may use public transport in costume, but cover up and store props/weapons appropriately for safety and consideration.
Hotels
Plenty of hotels near Oasis 21, Sakae, and Nagoya Station.
Book official partner plans for special perks (changing room access, exclusive goods, etc.).
Popular picks: Route Inn Nagoya Sakae, Meitetsu Inn Nagoya, and more from business to luxury class.
Food & Local Gourmet
Nagoya is a foodie's city! Venues and surroundings have a wide variety of restaurants.
Top local dishes: Miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso), chicken wings, hitsumabushi (eel rice), kishimen noodles, Taiwan ramen, and more.
Sakae and Osu areas have many Japanese, ramen, cafes, izakaya, and dessert shops.
Oasis 21's basement has a food court/cafes. Costumed dining is generally permitted, but check each shop's policy. You may also bring your own food/beverage inside the venue.
Rules & Etiquette
All participants must have a valid pass/changing room ticket and use designated changing areas only.
Changing clothes or unauthorized photography in public spaces is prohibited.
All attendees (cosplayers and visitors) must register and exchange tickets for badges at the reception.
Costume size guideline: roughly within a width of 50cm for seated events.
Items that obstruct others' view or cause danger may be restricted.
Props and replica weapons must be covered when moving in public or in transit.
Many-language support (English, Chinese, etc.) at main info booths.
No photo/video at bus terminals or other prohibited areas. No on-site parking—use public transport only. No ticket refunds/changes.
Tips for Enjoying the Event (Chips)
Follow the latest updates via the official app and social media.
Use free Wi-Fi around Sakae or main stations. Prepare a SIM or eSIM beforehand if needed.
Prepare for hot Japanese summers: Bring a hat, water, and use vending machines at the venue.
Selfie sticks and drones may be restricted in crowded or special zones—follow the posted signs.
Official merchandise sells out early; shop as soon as booths open.
Not just for cosplayers! Visitors in regular clothes are welcome and will find guides and Q&A for beginners.
Combine event visits with sightseeing at Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and shopping streets nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Answer
Is it okay if I don't speak Japanese?
Official guides, info booths, and staff support multiple languages including English.
Are there restrictions on costumes and props?
There are size and content regulations (see above). Weapons and hazardous items are not allowed.
Can I enjoy the event without cosplaying?
Yes, general attendance, photography, shopping, and viewing are fully enjoyable for non-cosplayers.
Are there extra costs besides participation fees?
Merchandise and food are pay-on-site. Cafes and gourmet spots outside the venue can also be enjoyed.
Is there a place to store luggage?
Lockers and cloakrooms are available inside the venue.
Final Message
With the motto "COSPLAY EVERYWHERE!!", enjoy a world-class cosplay experience in Nagoya.
Please check the official rules, etiquette, and up-to-date guidance for a safe and comfortable experience.
Enjoy your trip and the World Cosplay Summit 2025!
2025/07/22
頭文字D 30週年2日活動完全指南
A Comprehensive Guide for International Fans Visiting the Initial D 30th Anniversary 2days Event in Japan
What is Anisama? (A Special 20th Anniversary Event)
“Animelo Summer Live 2025,” commonly known as “Anisama”, is the world’s largest anime song concert, held every summer at Saitama Super Arena. This event goes beyond another music festival, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The 2025 edition, titled “ThanXX!”, marks a milestone 20th anniversary for Anisama. This special year promises the biggest, loudest, and most emotional festival ever.
The production values are unrivaled, featuring elaborate stage designs, giant LED visuals, pyrotechnics synchronized to the beat, and the breathtaking sight of thousands of penlights waving together. Here, artists and fans exchange heartfelt gratitude, voice actors sing as characters, and composers see their works come alive.
A Message to Overseas Travelers
In recent years, Anisama has become much more accessible to international fans. Translation apps and vibrant online communities, as well as official overseas shipping for merchandise, have made language barriers easy to overcome. Whether you're a longtime anime fan or just discovering the power of anime songs, Animelo Summer Live 2025 is absolutely worth attending. It's an unforgettable, heartwarming, and joyful experience—a reminder of music's power to bring people together.
Due to the 20th anniversary, competition for both tickets and accommodations will be fierce. Early and thorough planning in all aspects—tickets, lodging, travel—is absolutely crucial.
II. Event Overview: Dates and Venue
Event Dates
Animelo Summer Live 2025 “ThanXX!” will be held over three days:
Friday, August 29, 2025
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Doors open at 14:00, show starts at 16:00 each day. Please manage your health in advance as the event is long.
Venue
Saitama Super Arena
8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, 330-0081, Japan
Capacity: Up to 37,000 for large concerts.
Please note that PET bottled drinks only are permitted in the venue. Other containers may be prohibited.
Next to the arena you'll find the large Cocoon City shopping mall—useful for meals and breaks before/after the event!
III. Ticket Buying Guide
Ticket Categories and Prices
Ticket Type
Price (per day, incl. tax)
Seat Position
Notes
VIP Seat
25,300 yen
Front/center arena
Special goods, priority entry/exit, supporter name printed
S Seat (Arena)
16,500 yen
Front arena
—
S Seat (Stand)
16,500 yen
Front stand (200 level)
—
Reserved Seat
11,000 yen
General seating
—
S Seat (Stage Side)
16,500 yen
Side of stage
May have poor/limited view
Stage Side Seat
9,900 yen
Stage side
May have poor/limited view
Obstructed Side Seat
7,700 yen
Diagonal/backstage
May have obstructed/no view due to stage structure
Stage Back Seat
5,500 yen
Directly behind stage
No view of performers or stage effects
Children aged 3 and up require a ticket. No refunds/seat changes for artist changes or impaired seats. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
Purchasing Tickets from Overseas and Key Points
International sales may be offered via official website and eplus international.
VISA, MasterCard, Alipay accepted; prices usually in JPY. 10% service fee applies.
Absolutely do not buy from resellers or scalpers—tickets from unofficial sources may be invalid and entry denied.
Tickets are picked up at the venue by the original purchaser only, with passport photo ID.
Electronic Tickets (MOALA Pocket)
Entry is by smartphone digital ticket—no paper tickets issued.
Every attendee needs a smartphone device; ticket redistribution (“split”) is mandatory for groups.
Charge your phone and bring a power bank; dead battery means no entry.
The official MOALA Pocket app is required—not just web access.
IV. Getting to the Venue
Nearest Stations
Saitama-Shintoshin Station (JR): 3 min walk; served by Keihin-Tohoku, Utsunomiya, Takasaki, Ueno Tokyo Lines.
Kita-Yono Station (JR Saikyo Line): 7 min walk.
After the event, stations will be very crowded—wait at Cocoon City or use Kita-Yono for return travel when possible!
From Airports
Departure Airport
Method
Time
Fare Approx.
Transfers
Notes
Narita (NRT)
Keisei Skyliner + JR Keihin-Tohoku
~1h31m
1,287–3,170 yen
1 (Nippori)
Most efficient
Narita (NRT)
Narita Express + JR Keihin-Tohoku
~1h59m
3,205–6,191 yen
1 (Tokyo)
For JR Pass users
Narita (NRT)
Limousine Bus
90-110min
—
None
Direct
Narita (NRT)
Taxi
1h24m
34,000–41,000 yen
None
Expensive
Haneda (HND)
Keikyu + JR Ueno-Tokyo Line
1h18m
857–1,111 yen
1 (Shinagawa)
Most efficient
Haneda (HND)
Limousine Bus
1h13m
2,000 yen
None
Runs every ~2 hours
Haneda (HND)
Taxi
44min
22,000–27,000 yen
None
Fastest, but costly
From Major Tokyo Stations
From Tokyo Station: Direct JR Takasaki/Utsunomiya Line (via Ueno Tokyo Line); 30 min, 580 yen.
From Shinjuku Station: JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or Saikyo Line rapid; 30 min, 490 yen.
From Ikebukuro Station: JR Saikyo Line to Kita-Yono; 32 min, 410–550 yen.
V. Accommodation
Hotels Near Saitama Super Arena
Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-Shintoshin (3 min walk to arena, Wi-Fi, convenience store, laundry, café)
The Mark Grand Hotel, Candeo Hotels Omiya, REF Omiya by VESSEL HOTELS
eeGee STAY Omiya, Hotel New Saitama (budget)
Also, Omiya Station area (Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Palace Hotel Omiya, Toyoko Inn) is 2 min by train to the arena.
Hotels Near Major Tokyo Stations
Tokyo Station: The Tokyo Station Hotel, others, ~30 min direct to the arena.
Shinjuku Station: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, 30 min access.
Ikebukuro Station: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro, 32 min access.
Book accommodation as early as possible, especially for this 20th anniversary year!
VI. Rules, Manners, and Event Etiquette
Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
Large luggage (suitcases, etc.) is strictly prohibited and cannot be stored at the venue—use station/hotel lockers. Book ahead, as lockers fill up early.
Only PET bottle drinks may be brought in. No cans, glass bottles, thermoses, cups, or alcoholic beverages.
No dangerous items (spray cans, lighters, flammable items). No umbrellas inside during the show.
Penlight Rules
Length: 30cm or less, straight type only. No chained, modified, or overpowered penlights.
No throwing/swinging. Penlights may be collected at exits after the show.
Penlights are crucial to Japanese anison culture. Overseas fans may be unfamiliar with the specifics—observe and follow the Japanese fans!
In-Venue Manners
No alcohol or smoking inside or anywhere at the venue.
No eating in your seat or lobby.
Photography, video, and audio recording are strictly prohibited (including smartphones/cameras/PCs/tablets).
No gifts, letters, bouquets, or flower arrangements for performers.
THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!, Ave Mujica, angela, Guilty Kiss, Saint Snow, GRANRODEO, ZAQ, JAM Project, Sphere, TrySail, FLOW, Mamoru Miyano, Milky Holmes, Hiroko Moriguchi, Lia
Aug 31 (Sun)
THE IDOLM@STER SideM, Shouta Aoi, ALI PROJECT, Yoko Ishida, Maaya Uchida, Minami Kuribayashi, Konomi Suzuki, SPYAIR, Minori Chihara, fhána, Poppin'Party, Nana Mizuki, Chihiro Yonekura, LiSA
Representative Songs and Anime Connections (Sample)
Artist Name
Representative Songs
Related Anime Titles
LiSA
Gurenge, Homura, crossing field, ADAMAS
Demon Slayer, SAO, Fate/Zero
fripSide
only my railgun, sister’s noise, black bullet
A Certain Scientific Railgun, Black Bullet
Eir Aoi
Ignite, Innocence, Memoria
Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero
Anisama-Exclusive Collaborations and Staging
Expect rare collaborations, one-night-only medleys, and legendary surprise guests for the 20th anniversary. Elaborate staging, LED visuals, and pyrotechnics make Anisama a must for any anison fan.
VIII. Tips for Enjoying Anisama to the Fullest
Preparation Is Key
Research the lineup and anime connections. Familiarity will enhance your experience.
Prepare properly sized penlights and learn the color codes for each artist.
Buy goods early—online or at the venue. Be prepared for long lines!
Stay hydrated. August is hot; bring cold drinks and ice packs if possible.
Local Culture & Fan Communication
Enjoy cosplay—ask permission for photos.
Exchange goods and experiences with fans using translation apps if necessary.
Observe local manners: avoid blocking views, jumping, improper cheering.
After the show, join in fan gatherings at local restaurants or online communities, enriching your travel and live event memories.
IX. Conclusion: Unforgettable Summer Memories Await
Animelo Summer Live 2025 “ThanXX!”—a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—will let you experience the passion of anison and anime with thousands of fellow fans. Meticulous preparation, respect for Japanese live culture, and, above all, your music-loving spirit, will guarantee you an incredible experience and lasting memories.
Don’t forget: prepare tickets/accommodation early, charge your devices, and join the harmony—this will be a highlight of your life!
The My Hero Academia(Boku no Hero Academia)Original Art Exhibition, held in Japan, is a special event where fans from around the world can experience the masterpieces and creative process of Kohei Horikoshi up close. The exhibition features original manuscripts, production materials, exclusive photo spots, and limited goods that fully encapsulate the charm of the original manga. A themed café operates during the event period, providing attendees a multi-sensory immersion into the world of My Hero Academia, with English guidance and a convenient location for foreign travelers.
Tokyo Exhibition Period: June 21, 2025 – August 31, 2025 Location: CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO
About the Author: Kohei Horikoshi
Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia, was born in 1986 and debuted as a manga artist in 2007. He is renowned for blending the hero concept with everyday life, crafting a unique universe and breathing life into a diverse cast of characters. His work enjoys global acclaim. Knowing more about Horikoshi can deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of the exhibition.
Venue: CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO
The museum is located near Kyobashi and Tokyo Stations, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities ideal for exhibiting original artwork. With its large, modern space and high-quality displays, it's an excellent venue for international visitors. English guidance and signage are available, ensuring a smooth experience for foreign guests.
Tickets
Various types: Standard, Student, Child, and tickets with exclusive goods.
Tickets can be purchased on the official website or designated ticketing platforms.
One preschool child per adult (over 18) is admitted free of charge, making it family-friendly.
CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO Café
This special themed café is open only during the exhibition period. It offers original menu items inspired by characters and special novelty goods. A separate café reservation (with ticket) is required, so advance booking is recommended. Enjoy a full experience of the anime and manga world with all your senses!
Recommended Hotels
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi PREMIER: A modern business hotel within walking distance of the venue. Comfortable rooms, practical facilities, and excellent support for overseas visitors.
Karaksa Hotel TOKYO STATION: Casual, functional, and family-friendly. Ideal for groups and supply of baby beds, just a short walk from Tokyo Station.
Keio Presso Inn Tokyo Station Yaesu: Functional, affordable, and includes free breakfast. Perfect for budget travelers or short stays.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi: Calm, clean, and high-rated customer service. Great for female travelers and couples, with multilingual front-desk support.
Getting There: Kyobashi Station
CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO is a 3-minute walk from Kyobashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Exit 6 or 7), also accessible from Tokyo Station. The area is accessible, tourist friendly, and features barrier-free facilities and public restrooms for beginners and families.
Important Points & Visitor Reminders
No large items (umbrellas, selfie sticks, etc.) allowed inside.
Photography and video recording are prohibited in some areas.
During peak times, the recommended visiting time is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Check for English guidance and restroom locations at the venue.
After Tokyo: Exhibition in Osaka
After the Tokyo session, the exhibition will move to Namba Parks Museum in Osaka, running from October 25, 2025. Fans in western Japan or those wishing to revisit can enjoy region-specific displays and merchandise unique to the Osaka venue.
Information is based on current schedules and is subject to change. Please check official sources before your visit.
