Thousands gather in Japan for annual World Cosplay Summit

Teams from 36 countries and regions face off in central Japan, having faithfully recreated the elaborate outfits, colorful hairstyles and all-important attitude of their chosen anime, manga and video game stars.

The championship is part of the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, a three-day event that draws thousands of fans -- many keen to show off their own costumes. Cosplayers must perform a two-and-a-half minute skit in character, which former champions Tsupo and Clood have been invited back to Japan to judge.