The annual World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Nagoya, Japan, known for drawing more than 250,000 fans of manga, animation, and video games from across the globe, will shift its schedule next year from summer to November. The move aims to alleviate the intense heat experienced during the three-day event, which organizers say has become increasingly challenging due to rising temperatures.

This year’s summit, held in early August, saw attendees contending with sweltering conditions, as daytime temperatures surged toward 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Shawn, a participant from Houston, Texas, described the weather as “extremely hot” while waiting for the grand parade, noting the discomfort caused by wearing elaborate costumes in such heat. Many cosplayers, including Shawn and her sister Whitney, were dressed as characters from the popular series Demon Slayer. The event’s chief executive, Tokumaru Oguri, cited concerns over the health risks posed by the heat, emphasizing the need for caution, adequate hydration, and rest amid increasingly warm weather patterns since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to move the WCS to November marks a significant change for the summit, which traditionally takes place during Japan’s summer. Organizers anticipate that the cooler autumn temperatures will offer a more comfortable environment for participants and spectators alike. The adjustment reflects broader environmental trends in Japan, where climate scientists have noted an increase in both the frequency and severity of extreme heat events attributed to human-induced climate change. In fact, Japan experienced its hottest summer on record last year, and some regions have introduced a new classification termed “kokushobi” to describe days with dangerously high temperatures.

Cosplayers have had to adapt their costume choices to cope with the rising heat. Orena, a 40-year-old participant from France, opted for breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton for her portrayal of Haku from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. She noted that major cosplay competitions often encourage intricate designs with multiple layers, which can become impractical in extreme heat. For many cosplayers, prioritizing comfort over complexity has become increasingly necessary.

Cosplay itself, a practice that originated in the 1980s, blends “costume” and “play” and has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Initially inspired by science fiction conventions, it now encompasses an expansive range of characters and concepts, including those from movies, comics, internet memes, and even abstract ideas.

As the World Cosplay Summit prepares for its transition to a cooler season, the event continues to highlight the intersection of cultural fandom and the growing impact of climate change on public gatherings.