Cosplay Area
The Tokyo Game Show attracts many cosplayers every year, adding vibrant color to the venue. This guide will provide information on areas where photography is permitted and how to register your cosplay.
Information about the cosplay area
This is a dedicated area where you can photograph cosplayers who are attending the event. Two areas, the east and west sections of Hole 9, will be opened up as cosplay areas.
| Date and time | September 19th (Sat) OPEN - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free admission
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| Venue / Reception / Changing Rooms & Cloakroom |
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Purchase and register for cosplay tickets
If you wish to cosplay, you must purchase a cosplay ticket and register your cosplay at the cosplay reception on the day of the event. Please check the costume regulations before participating. After registering your cosplay, you will receive a cosplay registration card (wristband) and a "note of instructions" for participation. The cosplay registration card (wristband) is required when using the changing rooms and cloakroom. Please keep it in a visible place at all times.
- Please note that there are limits on the number of cosplayers who can register and participate each day.
- Depending on the pre-sale status of tickets and the venue's usage, we may limit on-site registration.
Advance purchase of cosplay tickets
- We recommend purchasing tickets in advance through "Lawson Ticket". Depending on the circumstances, same-day tickets may not be available.
[For residents of Japan]
Registration fee (includes changing room/cloakroom usage fee)
Regular: 2,000 yen (tax included)
Early morning: 3,000 yen (tax included)
Sales start: July 20th (Mon) 12:00~
- Sales will end once the planned number of tickets has been sold.
[For those residing overseas]
Registration fee (includes changing room/cloakroom usage fee)
Regular: 2,000 yen (tax included)
Early morning: 3,000 yen (tax included)
Sales start: July 20th (Mon) 12:00~
- Sales will end once the planned number of tickets has been sold.
Cosplay Registration
● What you need to register for cosplay
- 1 day admission ticket
- Cosplay registration form
- Cosplay registration fee
*Not required for those who purchased tickets in advance through Lawson Ticket.
● Cosplay Registration Form
PDF available here- Cosplay registration forms will be available at the venue, but bringing a printed and completed form with you will make the registration process smoother.
- Participants in cosplay who are elementary school age or older will also need to pay a cosplay registration fee.
- Preschool children are welcome to participate in cosplay without prior registration. However, they must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
- Parents assisting their children with changing clothes may enter the changing rooms without paying the "cosplay registration fee," provided they themselves are not cosplaying.
- The cautionary notes provided will be consistent with the content on this page.
Regarding the use of changing rooms and cloakrooms
Location and operating hours of changing rooms and cloakrooms
| Cosplay cloakroom reception area | Makuhari Messe, Hall 9, East side area |
|---|---|
| Early morning use (changing rooms and cloakroom) |
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| Regular use (changing rooms and cloakroom) |
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Regarding the use of the changing rooms
- It gets crowded towards the end of the session, so please try to change your clothes about an hour before closing time.
- Please note that the closing times differ on the 19th/20th and the 21st.
- The only place you can change clothes is the "Cosplay Changing Room" located in the east area of Hall 9 at Makuhari Messe. Changing clothes in restrooms or other locations is strictly prohibited.
- The use of hairspray, color spray, etc. is prohibited inside the venue (including the changing rooms).
- Eating, drinking, resting, and photography are not permitted in the changing rooms. If you find any suspicious objects in the changing rooms, such as hidden cameras, please call a staff member immediately.
- We will hold your luggage at the cloakroom, but please be sure to keep your valuables and fragile items with you and manage them
carefully. The organizers will not be held responsible for any theft or damage. - Please cooperate as staff will be checking costumes at the exit of the changing rooms. Props that violate regulations may be confiscated.
- Entering the venue in cosplay costumes or leaving the venue while wearing them is prohibited. You are permitted to move between Halls 1-8 and Halls 9-11.
- In addition to the above, please cosplay at your own risk. The organizing body and venue will not be held responsible for any disadvantages or accidents caused by the content or type of cosplay. If you require assistance with anything other than the above, please speak to a staff member.
Precautions
Important notices inside the venue
- Please refrain from running around, making noise, or engaging in any other behavior that may disturb others, such as flashy attractions or performances.
- When moving around the exhibition hall, please be considerate of the exhibitors' booths and other visitors.
- Please refrain from gathering and sitting down or standing around and chatting inside the venue.
- Please ensure that all photography with general visitors and the handling of any resulting photographs are conducted only after thorough confirmation and agreement between the parties involved. The organizing committee will not be held responsible for any problems arising from these matters.
Regarding costumes
The following costumes are prohibited. If a violation is discovered, you may be asked to stop cosplaying.
Costumes for professions with special responsibilities, such as police
officers, firefighters, self-defense force personnel, security guards (uniforms, white coats, nurse uniforms, etc.). (Excluding fictional police and military forces appearing in the game.)
Costumes that expose too much skin: For
costumes that directly show skin or underwear (including items that look like underwear) on areas such as the chest and waist, or costumes that are too revealing, be sure to wear an undergarment, tights, or leggings underneath to prevent skin or underwear from being directly visible.
Costumes that may cause discomfort to others
include Nazi uniforms, costumes that evoke terrorism, fake blood (※While some fake blood may be permitted on-site after confirmation for performance purposes, please cover the area when moving around the hall), tattoos, etc. Please refrain from wearing costumes that evoke specific individuals or racial discrimination, or costumes that may cause fear to the general public. Even if you are wearing leggings or other measures to prevent exposure, intentionally showing your underwear or posing in an obscene manner is prohibited.
Costumes that may disturb others include
large mascot costumes, cardboard cutouts, and skirts or capes that are long enough to drag on the floor (skirts and capes are only permitted during photo shoots; they must be folded when moving).
In addition to the above, please participate in cosplay at your own risk. The
organizing body and venue will not be held responsible for any disadvantages or accidents caused by the content or type of cosplay.
- In addition, if we receive any complaints, we may ask you to stop cosplaying.
Regarding props
The following items are prohibited from being brought in:
Long items (regardless of material) with a total length of 50cm or more
This includes long items (regardless of material) exceeding 50cm in length, such as umbrellas, canes, rackets, and similar items brought in for cosplay (even extendable or collapsible items are not allowed if their longest length exceeds 50cm). Please do not swing items around, even if they are under 50cm. Food items such as raw vegetables are prohibited, even if they are under 50cm. Costumes and accessories such as helmets and armor are also included. Accessories such as horns and shoulder decorations exceeding 50cm are prohibited.
Weapons and armor such as firearms, swords, and chains
This includes weapons and armor such as firearms, swords, and chains, as well as model guns, airsoft guns, and anything with a sharp point. It also includes clothing accessories such as helmets and armor if they are pointed. Toys that are clearly identifiable as such or soft imitations are acceptable, but do not swing them around or point them at people. Be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings when moving around.
Objects that may cause harm to the surroundings
Please do not bring items that could endanger others, such as roller skates, skateboards, or throwable objects (yo-yos, balls, discus, etc.).
Alcohol, fuel, chemicals, and noise-generating objects are prohibited
The use of alcohol, fuel, chemicals, noise-generating materials, flammable materials, highly flammable materials, and materials with strong odors is prohibited. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited inside the venue. The use of music players, megaphones, musical instruments, singing, and any other noise-generating activities are prohibited. In addition, carrying food (including raw vegetables) is prohibited as it may stain the venue or the clothing of those around you.
In addition to the above, please participate in cosplay at your own risk. The
organizing body and venue will not be held responsible for any disadvantages or accidents caused by the content or type of cosplay.
- Furthermore, any items deemed dangerous by staff are prohibited from use.
- If you wish to inquire in advance, please include the character name and a reference URL showing the costume. Please note that it may take some time to receive a response.
About cosplay photography
- No registration is required for filming.
- Photography is permitted only in the designated cosplay areas. The cosplay areas will be located in the east and west areas of Hall 9.
- If you take photographs, be sure to obtain permission from the subject. Also, take photos with a wall or other background to avoid including unrelated people in the shot.
- In principle, we prohibit group photography where multiple photographers gather to photograph one or a small number of subjects (so-called "encircling photography").
- If you must take photos in a designated area for unavoidable reasons, please be sure to call a staff member and follow their instructions.
- Bringing in large photographic equipment such as strobes and lights using stands is prohibited. For small equipment, please adhere to the cosplay prop regulations (total length 50cm or less). In addition, if staff determine that an item is causing a nuisance to others, it will be prohibited from being brought in.
- Video recording is prohibited.
- Photographs taken within the venue may not be published or sold in any publications.
- Commercial photography is strictly prohibited.
- If you plan to post the photos you've taken on your personal website or social media, be sure to inform the subject and obtain their permission.
- Please help reduce congestion by storing suitcases and large equipment bags in lockers.
- If we determine that your actions are causing inconvenience to other participants, our staff may speak to you and restrict your entry to the area until the congestion subsides.
In addition, we reserve the right to ask you to stop cosplaying or taking photos if complaints are received. This event attracts many participants from all over the world. Please follow the rules and manners and cooperate in creating an event that everyone can enjoy comfortably.