Cosplay (short for "costume play") is a widely-documented Japanese pop-culture phenomenon wherein fans dress up as anime and manga characters, complete with makeup and accessories. Some treat it as a casual hobby; for many it's more of a lifestyle. The movement has been gaining popularity among young people outside of Japan as well, with the result that TV Aichi now sponsors an annual World Cosplay Summit with the idea of "promoting cultural exchange". The two day affair, held every August, culminates in a contest in which judges select a World Champion. The shots in this gallery were taken on the first day, during and around the cosplay parade held in Nagoya's Osu Kannon district.