Photo by CG Photog

Cosplay Competition Information

General Cosplay Competition Rules For All

  • Everyone competing must be pre-registered for the convention before entering the contest.
  • Adherence to NDK’s general cosplay and weapons policy is mandatory.
  • Decisions by the Cosplay Area Head and/or Nan Desu Kan’s Directors are final.
  • Previous award-winning costumes at NDK or conventions of similar or larger size are not allowed.
  • All costumes, even for barefoot characters, must include shoes.
  • Torso covering required for all contestants, all genders. This pertains to the chest area, not the stomach. Please see NDK’s Convention Cosplay Policy for details.
  • Nudity, even the illusion of such, is strictly forbidden.
  • Contestants will NOT be considered and will be immediately removed from the contest if they paint their skin to appear as a different real-life race. Fantastical skin colors are permitted.
  • You may only compete in one competition. If you are in the Showcase, then you cannot compete in the Parade, and vice versa.

     

Modeled and Commissioned Costumes

  • Commissioned costumes must be unique and made specifically for the wearer.
  • No store-bought (eBay, over-the-counter) cosplays.
  • Modeled cosplays require written consent from the costume maker, and any prizes or awards won will be given to the costume maker, not the model.

 

Photos After The Competition

  • All winners will be asked to gather for quick group and individual photos to celebrate them on the stage before being asked to leave to the Zen Corridor.
  • All others are asked to freely use the Zen Corridor for photos and celebrations after the contest.

 

    Photo by Get Geekish

    Cosplay Showcase: Our Premier Competition:

    A more intensive format intended to showcase the top tier of our cosplay contestants. All contestants in the Showcase must undergo craftsmanship judging. Requires performance elements onstage longer time limitations per category. Individual music and custom lighting requests allowed for Showcase Contestants. Awards will be given at the end of intermission of the Cosplay Showcase Competition.

    Differences for 2026: 

    • Masters juried process
    • Lottery Process for Beginners and Intermediates
    • 45 Slots only.
      • 15 Beginners, 15, Intermediates, 15 Masters
    • Time Limits (Beginners 1 Minute, Intermediates 1.5 Minutes, Masters 2.5 Minutes)  

    Important Dates

    Masters Juried Selection

    Dates Open for Submission: July 2nd – July 18th
    Juried Selection: July 25th

    Cosplay Show Case Dates

    Application Dates: July 18th -25th

    Lottery Day: August 1st

    Audio and Script Deadline for All: August 15th

    Category Specifications

    For clarity, “Major Awards” include Best in Show, Best in Category, or Best in Craftsmanship earned at any convention with attendance equal to or greater than NDK, or at a competition whose craftsmanship judging standards are comparable to those of NDK.

    Beginner:

    • No more than 50% of the costume may be street clothes.
    • At least 25% of the street clothes must be modified.
    • First time competing and/or no major awards under their belt yet. 
    • Performance time: 1 minute (includes walk-on).  

    Intermediate:

    • No more than 25% of the costume may be street clothes.
    • All street clothes must be modified.
    • Has won two or more major awards at a convention the same size or larger than NDK.
    • Performance time: 1.5 minutes (includes walk-on).  

    Master:

    • No street clothes permitted.
    • Any props not made by the contestant must be approved by the cosplay area head.
    • Has won multiple major awards or Best in Show, and/or is considered masterclass level. 
    • The only category that individuals who work professionally in a costuming or other relevant crafting field may compete in. “Professional” is considered as any individual earning 50% or more of their annual income from costume, crafting or other relevant fields, including commissions or contract work.
    • Performance time: 2.5 minutes (includes walk-on).

    Genres and Restrictions

    • All genres are welcome that follow the convention’s dress code and TV-PG rating.
    • Best in Show award is reserved for the Cosplay Showcase only and restricted to East Asian origin or inspiration.

    Cosplay Portfolio Requirements

    • All contestants must have a portfolio, a.k.a. build book, for the craftsmanship judging that showcases your journey from concept to completion.
    • Your portfolio must be 5 – 20 pages, including any cover pages. 
    • Include reference photos of the character you are portraying.
    • Include progress photos of how you built in your cosplay, including one with you in the photo during the building process. 
    • Must provide 1 printed copy for the judges at your craftsmanship judging. No digital books will be accepted unless previously approved for accessibility needs. Having no build book will be docked from your score.
    • Index for easy navigation to important sections, judges will appreciate an organized portfolio that helps them focus on key details.
    • Examples are available in the NDK Cosplay Discord channel and Facebook group. 

    Stage Assistance & Accessibility

    • If you need help getting on or off stage due to the size or intricacy of the costume, you may have one handler with you.
    • Handlers must be pre-approved online or at check-in on Friday night/Saturday morning. They do not need to be pre-registered for the convention but we will need their full name.
    • Due to space issues, cosplayers will only be permitted one preapproved handler unless approved by the Cosplay Head

    ADA-Compliant Ramp 

    • Your costume is too large for the stairs.
    • You require an accessible option for mobility reasons.
    • The ramp is 20 ft long, 4 ft wide

    Black Box Stage

    • Dimensions: Main Stage (See Diagram)
    • All contestants must use the stairs to get off the stage unless for costume or mobility needs. Let the Cosplay Head know your mobility needs during the application process so that we can accommodate you the best way possible.

    Masters Juried Application Process:

    APPLICATION OPEN NOW!  CLICK HERE TO APPLY

     

    Fill out the application during the Application Dates with the following:

    • Have at least roughly 50% of the total entry completed. This can include costumes, wigs, shoes, props, audio, choreography, etc.
    • Submit a digital build book of what you have gotten done and how you have built your cosplay. 1-3 pages per entry. Include photos and explanations of material choice and techniques.
    • Have reference photos or sketches for your cosplay and/or set
    • Include a quick summary of what is left to be done
    • Include a script, video or audio of your planned performance
    • Include 3 photos that are examples of your previous cosplay work.
    • Must be registered for NDK 2026.
    • The waitlist for Masters will also be selected through this process.

    Cosplay Showcase Competition Awards

    • Cosplay Showcase Best in Show : $800, Trophy, Cosplay Guest Status at NDK 2027 with one double queen hotel room and board paid for by NDK.

    • Beginners
      • Best in Category:  $200, Certificate, Trophy, guaranteed entry in the next year’s competition
      • Best in Performance: $100, Certificate
      • Best in Craftsmanship:  $100, Certificate

    • Intermediates
      • Best in Category:  $300, Certificate, Trophy, guaranteed entry in the next year’s competition
      • Best in Performance: $150, Certificate
      • Best in Craftsmanship:  $150, Certificate

    • Masters
      • Best in Category:  $500, Certificate, Trophy, guaranteed entry in the next year’s competition
      • Best in Performance: $200, Certificate
      • Best in Craftsmanship:  $200, Certificate

    • Specialty Awards
      • Cosplay Showcase Audience Favorite : $100 Cash, Certificate
      • Cosplay Judge’s Award 1 : $50, Certificate
      • Cosplay Judge’s Award 2 : $50, Certificate
      • Cosplay Judge’s Award 3 : $50, Certificate
      • Best in Portfolios : $50, Certificate
      • Cosplay Area Head’s Award: $100, Certificate, Pass to NDK 2027
      • Ringo’s Award: $100, Certificate, Pass to NDK 2027
      • Best Video Game Award: $50, Certificate
      • The Consulate General of Japan’s Award: Certificate

      AND New for 2026!

      The Cosplay Parade: A Casual Competition Option 

      This option is less intensive with fewer requirements for contestants.

      The Cosplay Parade features simple craftsmanship judging before the parade. Contestants in the Cosplay Parade line up in Cosplay Village, parade through the Great Hall to be the grand entrance for the Cosplay Showcase. 

      • No performance or walk on stage, just sit and enjoy the Cosplay Showcase. 
      • Awards given at end of intermission of the Cosplay Showcase Competition
      • 45 Slots Only – First Come First Serve Applications. 
      • Solo, Duos or Groups allowed in a single entry. Max 6 contestants in a group.
      • All Genres are welcome

         

      Important Dates

      Application Dates: July 26th – August 1st

      Cosplay Parade Competition Awards

      • Best in Cosplay Parade:  $300, Certificate, Trophy, Cosplay Programming Guest for 2027, Pass to NDK 2027

      • Best in Beginners: $100, Certificate


      • Best in Intermediates: $100, Certificate


      • Best in Masters: $100, Certificate

      • Specialty Awards
        • Cosplay Judge’s Award 1: $50, Certificate
        • Cosplay Judge’s Award 2: $50, Certificate
        • Cosplay Judge’s Award 3: $50, Certificate