Japan Festival Boston 2025

Cosplay Events

This year we have two cosplay events:

Cosplay Fashion Show and Cosplay Death Match!

Cosplay Fashion Show

What is the Cosplay Fashion Show?

The Cosplay Fashion Show is a true runway experience where cosplayers get the chance to showcase their costumes in style! Participants will walk down the stage, strike a pose or perform a signature action at the center. This year, for the first time ever, we will have performances on our Main Stage in Boston Common and a second Outdoor Stage near Downtown Crossing.

Schedule:

Saturday, April 26th

○ 1:45 PM - 2:05 PM : Fashion show at the Downtown Outdoor Stage

○ 2:05 PM - 2:25 PM : Parade to the Main Stage at Boston Common

○ 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM : Fashion show at the festival’s Main Stage


Sunday, April 27th

○ 12:25 PM - 12:45 PM : Fashion show at the festival’s Main Stage

How to Participate:

Read the Cosplay Fashion Show guideline and fill out the application form here. Application deadline is April 15th at 11:59pm.

Questions? Email the cosplay team at hijiri.ozeki021802@gmail.com / kevin.hiromoto@gmail.com

Cosplay Death Match

What is the Cosplay Death Match?

The Cosplay Death Match is a tournament-style showdown where two cosplayers face off in an epic battle! The winner is decided by the audience's applause, making it a fun and interactive event for everyone.

Schedule:

Sunday, April 27th, 1:55 PM - 2:25 PM on the Main Stage

How to Participate:

Registration will be on Sunday, April 27th from 11am - 1pm at Information Booth B

  • Must be in contest to enter

  • Maximum number of contestants: 32

Prize

A 30 minute photo session and 5 edited photos by professional cosplay photographer Tatiana Dorokhova.

Rules

  1. No jumping off the stage

  2. No unapproved personnel on stage unless approved by the cosplay event coordinator.

  3. No use of messy substances such as body paint that may ruin other people's cosplays or clothes through normal, casual contact.

  4. No weapon-like props under any circumstances!

  5. If under 13 years old, please have a parent or guardian with you when on stage and upon signing up!

Must be present at the gathering area at least ten minutes before the event. Failure to appear on time

will be considered a "no-show"; those on the waiting list will be admitted in lieu.

Questions? Email the cosplay team at hijiri.ozeki021802@gmail.com / kevin.hiromoto@gmail.com

Cosplay Rules and Etiquette

Cosplay Rules and Etiquette

1) NO WEAPONS OR WEAPON PROPS!

Unfortunately, we must strictly enforce this rule, as Japan Festival Boston is a public, outdoor event. Japan Festival Boston will not be responsible for any loss or damage of items if confiscated.

2) TV-PG Appropriate Cosplay Please

Please keep your cosplay family-friendly, as this is an all-ages event.

3) Ask Photo Permission!

Cosplayers often love getting their pictures taken. But please ask first!

4) Respect Other Cosplayers and Non-Cosplayers

Let’s make this an enjoyable time for everyone! Respect each other’s personal space and be considerate of other people’s time. If someone is enjoying their lunch, consider asking them for photos later. If you want to ask for a picture, do so politely. We are all here to have fun, and we can all work together to achieve that!

5) Cosplay is NOT consent

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Please be respectful towards all cosplayers! If you feel you are being harassed, witness someone being harassed, or if you have any other concerns, please let our Japan Festival Boston staff know immediately.

6) Have fun!

We look forward to seeing you at Japan Festival Boston!