World Cosplay Summit to dodge summer heatwave in 2027, as planned by Japan
The World Cosplay Summit (WCS), an annual extravaganza that attracts thousands of people from all over the world, has announced a change in its schedule. The event, which typically takes place in August, will be moved to November starting from 2027 [2][4].
This decision comes in response to the extreme summer heat experienced in Japan. In 2025, the WCS was held in early August as usual, attracting approximately 247,200 attendees [1][5]. However, following record-breaking heatwaves, including temperatures exceeding 41.8 degrees Celcius (107.24 degrees Fahrenheit) this week, the WCS executive committee decided to shift the 2027 event to November to escape the summer heat and improve comfort and safety for cosplayers and visitors [2][4].
The move also aims to encourage more international participation and align better with tourist trends [2][4]. The event, known for elaborate costumes, outlandish hairdos, and zany face paints, is a significant attraction for domestic and international tourists.
Unfortunately, the extreme heat has taken a toll. Preliminary findings show 56 people in central Tokyo likely died from heatstroke this June and July, with 54 of those deaths occurring indoors, and most of the victims being aged 60 or older. Thirty-eight of the heatstroke victims had air-conditioners but did not use them [3].
In addition, Kyoto reached 40 degrees Celcius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time since records began, in late July. This new record high temperature is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the summer heat in Japan [3].
Despite the challenges, the 23rd World Cosplay Summit ended last week, with 247,200 people attending over three days. The event was held as scheduled in Nagoya, Japan, as the extreme heat conditions have not affected the 2026 event, which is currently the joint hottest on record, equalling 2023. However, the autumn of 2026 was the warmest since records began 126 years earlier [3].
With the WCS moving to November from 2027 onward, organisers hope to provide a more comfortable and safe environment for all participants and attendees, while still maintaining the excitement and spectacle that the event is known for.
References: [1] Nikkei Asia. (2025, August 4). World Cosplay Summit attracts record 247,000 attendees. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/World-Cosplay-Summit-attracts-record-247-000-attendees
[2] Japan Today. (2025, July 29). World Cosplay Summit to be held in November due to extreme heat. Retrieved from https://japantoday.com/category/national/world-cosplay-summit-to-be-held-in-november-due-to-extreme-heat
[3] The Japan Times. (2025, July 31). Record-breaking heatwave kills at least 56 in Japan. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/31/national/record-breaking-heatwave-kills-at-least-56-in-japan/
[4] Kyodo News. (2025, July 29). World Cosplay Summit to be held in November due to extreme heat. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/07/afa20552361a-world-cosplay-summit-to-be-held-in-november-due-to-extreme-heat.html
[5] Anime News Network. (2025, August 1). World Cosplay Summit 2025 kicks off in Nagoya. Retrieved from https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-08-01/world-cosplay-summit-2025-kicks-off-in-nagoya/.177606
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