This weekend is the long awaited World Cosplay Summit and Nagoya will be overrun with anime, manga, and other characters here to celebrate their geekdom. I am personally planning on going to check out these costumed wonders, and marvel at the imagination and passion these highly dedicated fans bring to their respective art forms.

There are many events this weekend, and if you would like info on all of them please see the website for a complete schedule. The Osu Shopping District, Nagoya’s funkiest neighborhood, will host the Cosplay Parade on Saturday July 31st. The event starts at 3:30, and will end at the mini-stage on the Osu Kannon Temple’s grounds at 5:00. Costumed spectators are welcome, but participants are required to have registered in advance with the event. The explanation is a bit unclear, so see the website if you are interested in participating. Click here for a parade route map of the parade.

On Sunday August 1st you can see the World Cosplay Championship at Sakae’s Oasis 21. The gate opens at 4, and the contest itself opens at 7. This event is a paid event if are interested in sitting down in front of the stage, but there are plenty of spots you can check this event out for free in the “standing room” that surrounds the stage. This event is a spectacle, and is very much worth the trip down to see it. Click here for a map of the venue.

While taking photos is permitted, video is not, and the staff and contestants of the championship ask that you be respectful when snapping shots of the costumes. Remember to ask permission before hand. I seriously doubt they will object, and it is a great opportunity to strike up a conversation about the new Gundam, or whatever is popular these days. This being Japan, the staff will be on the lookout for secret photo takers! Unlike on the subway, violators will be punished.