Tokyo, JP (October 30th, 2019) – Niconico, the largest social video service in Japan operated by Dwango Co., Ltd. (https://dwango.co.jp/english/index.html), and the anime/manga/game retailer Animate Ltd. together hosted Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2019 which took place in East Ikebukuro Tokyo, Japan during October 26th (Sat.)-27th (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 the entire city of Ikebukuro becomes its venue – cosplayers can be seen on streets, parks and even inside stores. Marking its 6th year, the event’s visitor numbers reached a record high of approximately 123,000 visitors which include 21,000 cosplayers.
At the opening ceremony, representatives appeared on stage each dressed in their cosplay outfits – Toshima City Mayor Yukio Takano as Monkey D. Luffy from ONE PIECE, Dwango Co., Ltd. CCO Daisuke Yokosawa as Ei Sei from Kingdom, Animate Ltd. CEO Sakashita Minoru as Erwin Smith from Attack on Titans and Sunshine City President Naoto Aiba as Kaitou Kid from Detective Conan.

＜Event Highlights＞
During the 2 days, the event showcased a plethora of cosplay related activities which include cosplay fashion shows, cosplay gatherings and a cosplay parade where 300 cosplayers marched across the city. Cosplayers and photographers were also able to network and take photos at various locations within the city dedicated for cosplay photography. New activities this year included “Ikehalo DJ Party”, a DJ show which featured anime/vocaloid songs, “Ikehalo Tea Party”, a meetup for anime/manga/game/cosplay fans, and “Coscheki Land”, an event where visitors can take pictures with 70 popular cosplayers and odorite (dancers).

“Cosplayer Of The Year” Grand Prix Winners Announced

On Oct.26th, the final competition for “Cosplayer Of The Year” (https://coty.tokyo/) was held on the main stage at the venue to decide the Grand Prix Winners for 5 categories. In addition, cosplayer Asameako was chosen from these 5 as the Overall Winner. Asameako will be awarded with various benefits which includes the role as an ambassador for Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2020.

＜Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival Outline＞
■Dates: October 26th (Sat.) ~ 27th (Sun.) / 10:00-18:00 (Stage Event 11:00 – 17:00) *for both days
■Host: Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival Executive Committee
■Co-host: Toshima-ku / Toshima Shopping District / Toshima City Tourism Association / Sunshine City
■Support: The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Toshima Branch / The Sankei Shimbun
■Management and Production: Animate Ltd. / Dwango Co., Ltd. / Hacosta Inc.
■Sponsor: Dwango Co., Ltd./ KATE / Nipless
■Special Cooperation: Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
■Cooperation: acosta! / Cure WorldCosplay / COSPLAY MODE / Cosplayer’s Archive / World Cosplay Summit / niconico / Hareza Studio / Vantan / Hareza Ikebukuro Area Management Association / Tokyo Tatemono Co.,Ltd. / The Sankei Building Co., Ltd. / Bic Camera Inc. / Sunshine City Prince Hotel
■Official Website:http://ikebukurocosplay.jp/en/

＜PRESS CONTACT＞
Dwango Co., Ltd. E-mail：dwango-pr@dwango.co.jp