Top International Cosplay and Anime Conventions You Should Know in 2025

Content:
Cosplay and anime conventions are global phenomena, bringing together fans, creators, and cosplayers from around the world. If you’re an anime enthusiast or a cosplayer looking for the best events to attend, here are some of the most famous international cosplay and anime conventions you should know about in 2023.

1. Comic-Con International (San Diego Comic-Con)

• Location: San Diego, California, USA
• When: July every year
• Description: One of the largest pop culture conventions in the world, San Diego Comic-Con covers comics, movies, TV shows, games, and cosplay. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, with celebrities and creators often making appearances.

2. Japan Expo

• Location: Paris, France
• When: July every year
• Description: Europe’s largest Japanese culture festival, Japan Expo celebrates anime, manga, gaming, music, and cosplay. It draws anime fans from across Europe and beyond.

3. Anime Expo (AX)

• Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
• When: July every year
• Description: The largest anime convention in North America, Anime Expo focuses on Japanese anime and cosplay, attracting fans and cosplayers from around the globe.

4. Comiket (Comic Market)

• Location: Tokyo, Japan
• When: August and December every year
• Description: The world’s largest doujinshi (self-published works) fair, Comiket is a hub for cosplayers and fan creators to showcase and sell their work.

5. World Cosplay Summit

• Location: Nagoya, Japan
• When: August every year
• Description: A prestigious event for top cosplayers worldwide, the World Cosplay Summit features representatives from various countries showcasing their incredible cosplay skills.

6. Euro Cosplay Championships

• Location: London, UK (MCM Comic Con)
• When: October every year
• Description: One of Europe’s biggest cosplay competitions, the Euro Cosplay Championships brings together talented cosplayers from across the continent.

7. ChinaJoy

• Location: Shanghai, China
• When: Late July or early August every year
• Description: Asia’s largest digital entertainment expo, ChinaJoy covers gaming, anime, cosplay, and esports, attracting both domestic and international exhibitors and visitors.

8. Sakura-Con

• Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
• When: April every year
• Description: One of the oldest anime conventions in North America, Sakura-Con focuses on Japanese anime and cosplay, drawing fans from across the region.

9. AnimeJapan

• Location: Tokyo, Japan
• When: March every year
• Description: Japan’s largest anime convention, AnimeJapan showcases the latest anime releases and products, attracting thousands of anime enthusiasts and cosplayers.

10. Katsucon

• Location: National Harbor, Maryland, USA
• When: February every year
• Description: Known for its vibrant cosplay scene, Katsucon is a must-attend event for cosplayers, featuring elaborate costumes and performances.

These conventions are the ultimate destinations for anime and cosplay fans, offering a platform to celebrate creativity, fandom, and pop culture. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or a casual fan, these events are worth adding to your bucket list in 2023.