Registration is REQUIRED for all categories, and participants must have purchased, at minimum, a Saturday pass for Ohayocon.
Before registering for any category, please review the Costume & Prop Policies and the following competition rules and procedures. YOU are responsible for reading and understanding this information. If you have questions regarding any of this, please contact the Expo Coordinator.
This is a craftsmanship-focused costume contest featuring Novice, Journeyman, and Master divisions, as well as a Best in Show award. Judges may also present additional special awards at their discretion to recognize exceptional work outside standard categories.
Novice Division
Journeyman Division
Master Division
Contest staff reserves the right to reassign divisions to ensure fair competition.
To be eligible for judging and awards, contestants must:
Group entries must meet the same requirements. Each member must contribute to their own costume or shared group elements.
Eligible costumes may be based on anime, manga, games, light novels, original designs, or related pop culture sources appropriate to the convention.
The following are not eligible for prizing:
The following are not permitted:
For safety reasons:
If you would hesitate to carry an item in public, do not bring it.
During stage presentation:
The following may result in disqualification:
Judges and contest staff reserve the right to disqualify or reclassify entries as needed for safety, fairness, or rule violations.
All judging decisions are final.
Contestants must check in at the registration desk for prejudging. Prejudging is required to place in the contest. People that would like to take to the stage without being judged, who just want to walk the stage may be permitted. Please check with the registration.
Prejudging is a private session held before the stage show where judges closely examine each costume’s construction, materials, and finish. Contestants may explain their process and highlight details not easily seen on stage.
Judges may ask permission to touch parts of the costume for inspection. Consent to touch your costume is not required, but appreciated.
Judges evaluate:
Honesty is essential. You do not need to have made every component yourself—just be truthful.
Documentation helps judges understand how your costume was made and what work was done by you.
Recommended materials include:
A build book typically combines photos, descriptions, and references in a printed or digital format.
Most importantly—have fun and celebrate craftsmanship.
For additional questions or clarifications about rules, general information, or for information on ADA accessibility, please contact:
cosplay@ohayocon.org
