Cosplayers attending the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Nagoya, Japan, have been grappling with extreme heat as temperatures soar to around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the event's final day. The annual gathering, which attracts approximately 250,000 participants and fans from around the world, is known for its elaborate costumes inspired by manga, animation, and video games.

Among the attendees, Shawn and her sister Whitney, both from Houston, Texas, expressed discomfort with the oppressive weather conditions while dressed as characters from the popular series "Demon Slayer." Shawn described the heat as "damn hot" and noted the difficulty of wearing costumes with full sleeves and socks amidst intense sweating. To cope, she said she had consumed several bottles of water while waiting to watch the grand parade.

Organizers of the summit acknowledged the growing challenges posed by Japan’s rising temperatures in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokumaru Oguri, chief executive of the World Cosplay Summit, emphasized the health risks associated with such heat and encouraged all participants to prioritize their physical wellbeing. He advised attendees to maintain good health by ensuring sufficient rest, hydration, and taking other necessary precautions.

In response to the oppressive summer heat, WCS officials announced the event will be rescheduled from its traditional summer dates to November starting next year. Holding the three-day event during the autumn aims to provide cooler and more comfortable conditions for both cosplayers and visitors, mitigating the risks associated with extreme heat.

The World Cosplay Summit remains one of the largest and most renowned cosplay conventions globally, celebrating Japanese pop culture and fostering international exchange among enthusiasts. Despite the current weather challenges, its organizers and participants continue to support the event’s mission while adapting to climate-related constraints.