Cosplay Competition

The Canberra Nara Candle Festival will be hosting a Cosplay Competition on Saturday 24 October 2026!

Showcase your creativity and celebrate Japanese pop culture at the Canberra Nara Cosplay Competition, held as part of the Canberra Nara Candle Festival.

Whether you're an experienced cosplayer, a first-time competitor or simply love dressing as your favourite character, this family-friendly competition is a chance to share your costume with the community and be part of one of the festival's most popular attractions.

Hosted by Emerald King, the competition welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels.

In Pictures

Cosplay Gallery

Take a look at some of the incredible costumes and creativity on display at last year's Canberra Nara Cosplay Competition

What to Expect on the Day

The Canberra Nara Cosplay Competition is a live, on-stage event where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their costume, strike a pose and share their creativity with festival audiences.

• 4:45pm – Competitor marshalling at the Main Stage
• 5:15pm – Cosplay Competition begins
• 6:00pm to 6:15pm – Awards presentation

During marshalling, competitors will meet the judges and MC and have an opportunity to discuss their costume. Participants will then be invited on stage to present their cosplay before judging takes place.

For full competition rules, category requirements and prop guidelines, please refer to the Competition Information Pack here.

Competition Categories

• Best Constructed – Your costume should be inspired by Japanese media (anime, manga, tokusatsu like Power Rangers or Godzilla, or games) and made by you, with at least 60% of it being handmade. We’ll be looking at the overall quality, how well it represents the character, your presentation, and how well you’ve brought your cosplay to life.
• Best Compiled - Best Constructed – This category is for costumes inspired by Japanese anime, manga, tokusatsu (like Power Rangers or Godzilla), or games. You’ll need to show your creativity by altering purchased elements. If you’re using an entirely bought costume, please get in touch with the organisers. Judging will be based on costume design, presentation, and accuracy to the character.
• Fan Favourite – The Fan Favourite will go to the contestant who gets the loudest cheers and the most love from the audience. 

Costume Guidelines

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:

• Costumes must be suitable for a family-friendly event.
• Props must be safe and manageable.
• Realistic weapons, pyrotechnics and hazardous items are not permitted.

Full competition details, category requirements and prop guidelines can be found in the competition information pack here.

Ready to Enter?

Complete the registration form here to secure your place in the Canberra Nara Cosplay Competition.

All the competition details and requirements can be found in our competition information pack here.

For questions about costumes, props or eligibility, contact info@visabel.com.au.