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The team Japan won the World Cosplay Championship at the World Cosplay Summit 2024.  
Their victory embodied the idea that “cosplay is something fun.”

Congratulations to the team “MioMayo”, Mamemayo-san and Mioshi-san.  

They told me that their first challenge for the WCS Japan qualifier had been in 2016.
From that preliminary round in 2016 to 2024, it has been over eight years.
The two of them, who spent eight years realizing their grand dream of becoming world champions, are truly amazing.

Aware of the limits of what they could do alone, they sought advice from people in various fields, involved more and more people, and gradually expanded what they were capable of.
They gathered supporters in Nagoya, receiving thunderous applause.
Even spectators who were not part of their cheering squad were drawn in by the fun of their performance and cheered along.

That’s not something easily done.

They mentioned in the interview after winning that it was a victory made possible by the support of many people, and their performance, filled with the thoughts of so many, undoubtedly captured the hearts of all who watched.
I will never forget the emotional moment when Japan’s name was called as the winning team.

Now, this is my second year as the Organizer of Japan for the World Cosplay Summit.

As I wrote in my blog before, the direct reason I took on this role was because I felt the need to preserve opportunities for international exchange through hobbies, and that will never change.
However, when I became the Organizer of Japan, I set other two goals that I aimed to achieve within three years.

The first goal was for Japan’s representatives to place in the top ranks at the WCS World Cosplay Championship.
There were always many cosplayers with amazing skills in Japan, but unfortunately, very few have attempted to challenge the WCS.
To draw interest from those who haven’t been involved so far and to elevate the future status of WCS, it’s quickest if Japanese cosplayers close to them place high, making WCS feel more familiar.

The second goal was to solve the problem of human resource and financial system for the organization running WCS Japan’s qualifier.
Honestly, the current organization heavily relies on my personal time and money.
If something were to happen to me, there would be no one to follow up, and if I were overwhelmed by time management and fundraising from myself, it would all come to an end.

To prevent any misunderstanding, I must say that I am grateful to the some companies that have become sponsors, thanks to whom we could safely hold the Japan qualifier and are now able to start activities for holding regional qualifiers.
However, planning and managing events incur various hidden costs.
I have not recovered the initial operating funds I put in, and given that the expenses related to the Japan qualifier are currently covered by other businesses, I cannot afford to hire staff.

Therefore, my goal for my third year as an organizer is to bring in two support staff members besides myself and to raise the funds needed for that, ensuring that the organizer who takes over from me will not have to struggle with staffing and financial issues.

The first goal, “placing in the top ranks,” was achieved in the best way possible, thanks to the efforts of the 2024 Japan representatives, even though I personally didn’t do anything.

The second goal is something that won’t happen unless I take actions.

When things get tough, I will remember all the hard works of the 2024 Japan representatives and will make utmost efforts to achieve the goal.

Team “MioMayo,” congratulations on your victory, and thank you for all the inspiration and energy you’ve given me.

（13 August 2024 / FRAN）