Cosplay Contest: Information & Rules

Who Can Cosplay?
Cosplay is open to people of all ages and genders. What matters most is the desire to participate! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cosplayer, our community is excited to meet you! We'll help you and provide information on where to buy or have costumes made, how to find the necessary materials, and more! If you’d like to make friends with fellow cosplayers, be sure to join our Facebook group:

Join our Cosplay Group

Rules for Contest Registration:
The contestant acknowledges that they must purchase or sew their costume and submit a photo of the costume they will wear by the registration deadline.
Participants are required to send the music track they wish to use for their stage performance. The audio must not exceed 45 seconds for solo cosplay and 2 minutes for group cosplay.
The file must be in high-quality MP3 format. If a low-quality audio file is submitted, the registration will be automatically canceled. Song lyrics must not contain +18 content.
The minimum number of participants for a group cosplay is 2, and the maximum is 4.
The contestant/representative agrees that photos and video materials taken at the festival may be used on television, online platforms, and in print media.
Cosplay costumes must not contain any +18 elements.

Registration for Cosplay Contest

Rules for Performing on stage:
1. The contestant agrees and is ready to perform on stage.
2. Cosplay of self-created characters is not allowed. The cosplay character must be from an existing movie, anime, manga, game, comic, or any other existing character. Non-Japanese origin characters are also welcome in the cosplay competition!
3. The participant acknowledges that they will not have the opportunity to rehearse during the competition.
4. The contestant must be able to perform on stage without the assistance of another person (only individuals with disabilities are allowed to use this right).
5. During the performance, you are not allowed to use a microphone or any additional decorations on stage.
6. The stage must not be littered during the performance.

Don't forget to Upload the Audio file!

Audio file For solo cosplay should not exceed 45 Seconds, for a group cosplay -2 Minutes.

Disqualification Rules:
1. If the cosplay does not meet the competition criteria or the participant is presented in a completely different character's costume during the competition, the participant will be automatically disqualified.
2. If you use items during the performance that leave a mark (glitter paper, fog, water) and change the initial state of the stage, you will be automatically disqualified from the competition.
3. Maintain politeness and censorship; any insult towards each other or the jury will result in permanent disqualification from the festival.
4. The contestant must arrive on time for the cosplay competition. Latecomers will be automatically disqualified.
5. Registration deadlines for the competition are final; the festival will not accept late entries.
6. It is prohibited to participate in the competition with a cosplay costume that has been used in a previous "Matsuri" festival.

Don't be afraid of the stage!

We are here to support you!

Nominations and Evaluation Criteria

Best Craftsmanship
Best Female Character
Best Male Character
Best Creative Cosplay
Best “Last Minute” Cosplay
Best Team Cosplay
Best Performance
Jury’s Favorite
Best Retro Cosplay

Best Creative Cosplay – If your cosplay is visually stunning but extremely uncomfortable to wear, this category is for you!
Best “Last-Minute” Cosplay – A completely unserious category that actually requires a seriously good imagination!
New Category! Best Retro Cosplay – This nomination is for cosplays based on characters from anime, games, movies, or animations that were introduced to audiences at least 15 years ago.

The cosplay competition is judged by a team of professionals assembled by the festival organizers. These professionals have extensive experience in costume creation, crafting, makeup, and wig transformation art.

Participants are evaluated individually on the following criteria: craftsmanship, performance, makeup / wig styling and character portrayal.

2025 Registration Deadline

The “Matsuri” festival will be held on July 20th, 2025. Those who wish to participate in the cosplay registration must send their application and necessary files by July 13. Please note that late applications will not be considered. You will receive confirmation of your registration till July 15th.

What are the Prizes?

Winners of Matsuri 2025 will receive the following awards:

Best Performance – 500 GEL + Trophy Animeniaa Festival Ticket, Travel Package + Hotel
Best Handmade Cosplay – 1,000 GEL + Trophy
Best Female Character Cosplay – 500 GEL + Trophy
Best Male Character Cosplay – 500 GEL + Trophy
Best Group Cosplay – 500 GEL + Trophy
Best Performance – 500 GEL + Trophy
Best Creative Cosplay – Symbolic Gift + Trophy
Best “Last-Minute” Cosplay – Symbolic Gift + Trophy
Jury’s Choice – Symbolic Gift + Trophy
Best Retro Cosplay – Symbolic Gift + Trophy

Please note: Monetary prizes will be awarded within 2 months after the festival.

Will there be changing rooms at the festival?

Yes, there will be changing rooms at the festival where you can put on your cosplay costume. However, these rooms are only available for cosplay competition participants.

Does a cosplay competition participant need a festival ticket?

A cosplay competition participant needs to purchase a festival ticket.

Will there be any Photographers/Videographers at the venue?

There will definitely be photo and video operators at the festival. If you wish, you can approach them and ask to be filmed or photographed. The festival’s photo and video files will be uploaded in the archive section of the official festival page.

Please note that the festival’s photographers and videographers will not approach you themselves. They will be wearing glowing badges labeled PHO (Photographer) or VID (Videographer). When you see someone with such a badge in the venue, don’t hesitate—go up to them and ask for a photo or video!

All footage will be shared as an archive in our cosplayer group.

I have an additional question, how can I contact you?

For additional questions, please contact us via email at: info@japan.ge

Please note that it takes an average of 1-7 business days to receive a response.

Can I come to festival in cosplay outfit?

Yes, you are allowed to attend our festival in cosplay outfit! Although, please be aware that, If you haven’t registered for the competition in advance, you won’t be able to participate, but you’ll still have a great time and make many new friends!

Can I leave my personal belongings at venue?

Only cosplay contest participants are allowed to place their items in special bags and leave them in the changing room. Please do not leave valuable items or your phone. Festival Organizers don’t take any responsibilities on lost items!