What is Cosplay?
Cosplay is one of the most popular modern subcultures in the world, with countless fans of all ages and genders.
The goal of cosplay is to transform into a beloved character and evoke positive emotions in those around you!
At the Matsuri Festival, it is not necessary to come in cosplay attire, but if you wish to participate in the competition, please read the information provided on this page and complete the pre-registration!
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:
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 December 20th, 2025. Those who wish to participate in the cosplay registration must send their application and necessary files by December 12. Please note that late applications will not be considered. You will receive confirmation of your registration in 3 days after the deadline date.
Winners of Matsuri 2025 will receive the following awards:
Best Performance – 500 GEL + Trophy
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 1 month after 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.
A cosplay competition participant needs to purchase a festival ticket.
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.
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.
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!
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!