Three days of non-stop festivities marked the cosplay community’s “matsuwaited” year-end event as Cosplay Matsuri 2022 drew in and engaged cosplayers, congoers and the curious alike last December 28 to 30 live at Function Rooms 1-4 of SMX Convention Center Manila. With lots of attractions, activities, booths, exhibitors, contests, performances and special guests, the event hosted the memorable finale for a year that saw the return of live cosplay events.
Already on its eighth year of providing enjoyment and yearly closure to an always eager cosplay community, Cosplay Matsuri 2022 has always been the favorite year-end meetup and destination for all fans of cosplay, anime, art, J-culture and pop culture. With over 10,000 attendees coming in per day, Cosplay Matsuri 2022 festive theme was on full display as it welcomed revelers from the entire country and beyond into its torii gates for a festival unlike any other.
Holidays also inescapably include holiday shopping which attendees took full advantage of as there were may booths, exhibitors, artists and other purveyors of merch, art, collectibles, photos and services and everything in between. Shopping was a festive experience as it was the last opportunity before the year closed. Exhibitors also got to show off their latest offerings, much to the delight and attention of the crowd, like Sony Music’s Karaoke booth, the Nikke Game Display, District 1 Cosplay Studio, the Artist Alley, the All-Star Alley, and so much more.
Cosplay Matsuri venue staples like to torii gate and the Charms Wall added to the festive feel for all attendees for the new and the long-time devotees alike.
On stage, there was a terrific display of talent, entertainment and engagement with many segments and features spread over three whole days and hosted by Fatima, Naru, Kenkoy and Envy. Each day opened with incredible performances from very talented groups to the delight of the crowd, including Urodia, Miqx and the Nightshifters.
Contests for the audience like Pundemonium and Ano na wa Name Game got to test the audiences knowledge of anime and pop culture as well as netting them some great prizes.
Cosplay Matsuri’s trademark and much anticipated competitions like the Anisong It! Singing Contest saw amazing performances from the many skilled contestants who battled and belted it out over three full days to the cheers of an appreciative crowd and to the approval of esteemed judges, which included our website’s Editor-in-Chief, Jillian Rose.
Cosplay competitions are very much a part of Cosplay Matsuri 2022 as they’re given a Japanese twist with the Dokuen Cosplay Competition and Doujin Group Cosplay Contest. These single and group cosplay contests got to showcase the unbelievable talent and skills of our local cosplayers as they gave wonderful performances on stage to the cheers and encouragement of the crowd.
Cosplay Matsuri’s Special Guest Cosplayer Rithe from Singapore was very much a part of the festivities as she had Q&A Sessions on stage as well as serving as judge for the cosplay contests for all days of the event. Fans also got to interact and know more about her at Photoshoot and Autograph sessions throughout the event.
Cosplay Matsuri 2022 also hosted a tribute to the many sensational and talented online creators who have made their mark the past year at the Bilibili Creator Awards 2022, presented on stage by Bilibili, the Most Friendly Audience Community App for Content Creators. It gave out awards to some of the best creators on their platform as well as featured some truly talented performers which included Sachi Gomez. With a focus on their anime and gaming communities, Bilibili got to showcase the talents they have nurtured and continue to provide entertainment to millions.
With all these and more, Cosplay Matsuri 2022 got to be the delightful and memorable year-end that the community wanted and deserved, giving fitting closure to an event that saw the return of live cosplay events and an even-growing community.
Gratitude to all the people who have made a huge event possible and successful.
arkadymac.com is proud to have been the media partner to Cosplay Matsuri since its very first year. Thank you to all of those who continue to support us and talking to us at events and helping us out during our coverage.
And thank you for dropping by. Do visit us again for more features here at arkadymac.com.
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