How CosPlay is Done at Anime NYC 2025
Back to: Anime NYC Main Page (Aug 2025)
CosPlay is no longer just a niche activity. Because of its huge popularity and genuine sense of community, Anime NYC has seen fit to make it one of its major themes.
In addition to their flagship cosplay event (the Masquerade Contest), they not only organize panels and how-to’s for those who want to learn more about this world, but they’ve dedicated a whole section of the convention center to support that experience. When you cosplay at Anime NYC, here are some things you might expect:
COSPLAY SCENERY
Five scenic photo shoot stations were set up, complete with lights. No appointment necessary, anyone could feel free to jump to take snapshots.
COSPLAY REPAIRS
Costumes fall apart sometimes, and the Repair Center is there to help. They have a whole area with experienced personnel who can stitch, hot glue-gun something back together, and work magic with wigs and makeup. They’re part of the behind-the-scenes heroes of the show.
SCHEDULED MEETUPS
There was an organized schedule with time-tables for the most popular animes and mangas; a guaranteed way to meet others with a love for the same anime. We noticed two types of gatherings that formed up. The first was an organized line for taking a pictures with featured cosplayers.
The other was like a flash mob, a gathering crowd who chanted anime slogans together and took group selfies.
EXHIBITION
Finally, there was an exhibit showcasing cosplay guest costumes. They were complete sets that included wardrobe, wigs, weapons and props – the whole kit and kaboodle. A lot of custom work was put into these cosplays and you can feel the amount of effort it took to complete them.
This year’s showcase included:
- Hailum Workshop’s Gun Devil (Chainsaw Man)
- Cornetto Cosplay’s Freiren
- Alexiscrafting’s Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Perhaps one day YOUR cosplay costume is featured here in this very exhibit. Though for that to happen, you may want to participate (and come out with top scores) in future Anime NYC Masquerade Contests. It’s about high time to get your work recognized!
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Event: Anime NYC (Aug 2025)
