The world-renowned "Japan Expo," where visitors can experience Japan’s pride in manga, anime, games, and traditional crafts, has been held annually in Paris, France. Now, for the first time in Japan, the event will be held over two days starting April 26 at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Dubbed the "Entry Corporation Presents Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025" (JEPO), this event brings the prestigious Paris-based Japan Expo (organized by SEFA EVENT) — known as one of the world's leading Japanese cultural festivals — to Japan.

In the EXPO Arena "Matsuri," musical artists delivered live performances, while the EXPO Messe "WASSE" hosted a variety of content such as stage shows and booth exhibits featuring anime, games, food, craftsmanship, and martial arts.

On April 26, "Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025 Cosplay Stage produced by COSSAN" was held at "WASSE," where cosplayers dressed as popular anime and game characters took the stage. Their elaborate costumes and authentic portrayals received enthusiastic cheers from the audience. A cross-talk session between Japanese and international cosplayers also took place.

Prior to the event, the official website of "Japan Expo" outlined the cosplay policy, stating:

"Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025 is operated based on the rules set by the Expo Association. Regarding cosplay, as long as it does not fall under prohibited items, wearing costumes upon entry is permitted. However, please note that there are no changing rooms available for cosplay within the Expo grounds."

Despite these guidelines, social media sparked heated debate when posts from cosplayers attending the Expo began to spread. The official Expo site emphasized that "wearing costumes is permitted if they do not violate public order and morals. However, changing clothes in restroom facilities is prohibited to avoid inconvenience to other visitors."

Few visitors actually arrived in cosplay. One notable exception was seasoned cosplayer Ikemoto san, known by his cosplay name bukakkou. Dressed as Porco Rosso, the protagonist of the animated film Porco Rosso, he traveled to the Expo via public transportation in full costume, including sunglasses and a pig snout, and successfully passed entry checks.

Having started Porco Rosso cosplay right after the film’s release and previously attending the 2005 World Cosplay Summit during Expo 2005 Aichi in the same costume, Ikemoto praised the current policy:

"At Expo 2005 Aichi, cosplay was only allowed during special events. This time, the official stance by the Expo organizers makes it much easier for cosplayers to participate."

Ikemoto also reflected on the social media controversy:

"While cosplay culture has expanded, those who criticize based on outdated personal rules create unnecessary conflict. Meanwhile, those who faced backlash this time seemed unfamiliar with how to respond," he noted. He added, "Although some say 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' the Expo should be a place where diverse cultures and people come together beyond such boundaries."

The Osaka-Kansai Expo is just getting started — how will its unique culture continue to evolve?

Source : ORICON NEWS