Dwango Co., Ltd
Oct 31th, 2018

Tokyo, JP (October 31st, 2018) - Niconico, the largest social video service in Japan operated by Dwango Co., Ltd. (https://info.kadokawadwango.co.jp/english/index.html),
and the anime/manga/game retailer Animate Ltd. together hosted Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2018 which took place in Ikebukuro East Entrance area Tokyo, Japan during October 27th (Sat.)-28th (Sun.).

Entire city becomes a venue for one of the largest cosplay events in Japan

The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival is one of the largest cosplay events in Japan where cosplayers dressed in their favorite anime/video game characters gather to mingle and take part in many activities held throughout the event period. During the festival, the entire town of Ikebukuro becomes its venue - cosplayers can be seen on main streets, parks and even inside stores. Participation is free and open to everyone - cosplayers and non-cosplaying visitors alike.
Marking its 5th year, the event’s visitor numbers reached a record high of approximately 105,000 visitors which include 20,000 cosplayers. At the opening ceremony,Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and Toshima-ku Mayor Yukio Takano appeared on stage each dressed in their cosplay outfits - Governor Koike as Maetel from Galaxy Express 999 and Mayor Takano as Gintoki Sakata from Gin Tama.

＜Event Highlights＞

During the 2 days, the event showcased a plethora of cosplay related activities which include cosplay fashion shows, cosplay stage performances and a cosplay runway show where 300 cosplayers marched across the city. Cosplayers and photographers were able to network and take photos at various locations within the city dedicated for cosplay photography. Additionally, visitors could also try posing with handmade cosplay props crafted by skilled modelers from around Japan and have their cosplay outfits repaired by veteran cosplayers and seamstresses.
New activities this year included MuCos ～Music and Cosplay～, an anime song DJ concert featuring live performances by the voice actress Hitomi Harada, DJ shimamura, DJ Caesar and more. The Angels of Death collaboration event was also held for the first time which featured Angels of Death themed photo booth area, make-up corner, and cosplay gathering.

＜Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival Outline＞

■Dates : October 27th (Sat.) ～ October 28th (Sun.) 10:00-18:00
■Main Sponsor : Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival Executive Committee (niconico / Animate Ltd. )
■Co-host : Toshima-ku / Sunshine City / Toshima Shopping District / Toshima City Tourism Association
■Management and Production : Animate Ltd. / Dwango Co., Ltd. / Hacosta Inc.
■Support: acosta! / Cure World Cosplay / COSPLAY MODE / Cosplayer’s Archive / World Cosplay Summit / niconico / Vantan / Hareza Ikebukuro Area Management Association
■Official Website:http://ikebukurocosplay.jp/en/