Expo 2025 Osaka: Cosplay Controversy Explained-Rules, Guidelines, and Is Cosplay Attendance Allowed?
【この記事にはPRを含む場合があります】
The “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai(2025 Japan International Exposition)” will open on April 13, 2025, and run until around October 13.
It has been getting more attention on social media and other places, and more and more people are starting to wonder if they should visit.
The Osaka Expo, which is always full of new topics, recently had a small disagreement about a visitor who came in “cosplay“.
The cosplayer shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) and updated their blog. The post received over 9,000 reposts and 18,000 likes, but also received criticism from some users.
Some people may be worried, “Is cosplay not allowed at the Osaka Expo?”
In this article, we will explain why cosplay caused a stir at “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” and the details of the cosplay rules at the Osaka Expo.
Why did cosplay cause controversy at the Osaka Expo?
While many people enjoy cosplay, a cosplayer who attended the “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai(2025 Japan International Exposition)” in cosplay became the center of a small uproar.
Here is a simple summary of the reasons and background for the cosplay controversy at the Osaka Expo.
The Origin of the Incident Was an Experience Report Posted on Social Media
The cosplay controversy at “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” started when cosplayer Tsuno Shikano (鹿乃つのさん) posted an experience report on social media on April 22, 2025.
On that day, Tsuno Shikano visited the Expo dressed as “Marcille Donato“, an elf character from “Delicious in Dungeon” (KADOKAWA).
She posted on social media with photos of herself enjoying the Expo venue in her cosplay.
このお魚おいし〜い！ #鹿万博探検記 #スシロー pic.twitter.com/z9IWWcB5Lo
— 鹿乃つの (@shikano_tsuno_) April 22, 2025
While her post received many “likes,” some people also criticized her for not thinking about safety and other visitors when she was dressed up at a public international event like the Expo. This led to a small argument on social media.
レイヤーですがレイヤー目線からすると、万博に関係ないキャラでコスして万博に行くのはキャラの知名度＋万博パワーを借りて、知名度を上げる目的にしか感じない（キャラ愛を感じない）故に個人の感想ですが好きではないです。
万博にゆかりあるキャラなら炎上しないかと
単純に世間と解釈不一致 https://t.co/GRY5nTQ7Yy— メガネモチノウオ🐠 (@MNiithu) April 25, 2025
Issues Raised Regarding Attending in Cosplay
People are worried about “attending in cosplay” at “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” for two main reasons. They are worried about “operational disruptions” and “copyright infringement“.
The organizers were cautious because flashy costumes and disguises that cover the face can make other visitors feel uneasy or potentially cause congestion and trouble. Some people also said that copying popular anime or game characters without permission could be copyright infringement.
ほんとコスプレ云々言って批判する人はただ嫌いなだけなんだろうな
そもそも版権がー
製作者さんに迷惑・許可がーとかいまさら言う？案件やろ
コスプレするイベント会場でやれ！
って人もいたけども次の土日にコスプレステージってのがあるんだよなぁhttps://t.co/0QNPnzNLeN https://t.co/zkXY7bBJUc pic.twitter.com/hv1qf0UpmO— ネコ長老@やまだ FF14がる鯖 (@nekorusya) April 25, 2025
Mixed Opinions Even at Official Expo Cosplay Events
After Tsuno Shikano’s post caused a small argument, some people had different opinions about “attending in cosplay” at the official Expo event, “Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025,” which took place at the Osaka Expo venue on April 26 and 27, 2025.
Some people were worried that this would lead to copyright violations and that it might be annoying to the people who created the original content. However, others saw cosplay as a form of expression, pointing out that it is a popular part of pop culture that started in Japan and is enjoyed around the world.
なんでこの引用をした上でこの人を褒めること以外の意図を持たせる投稿をするかなあ。
Japan Expo Paris in Osakaには版権者のコスプレをしてるレイヤーもいるんだぞ？
オリジナルとわざわざ強調してるのも炎上回避だし、この方も大変だね。 https://t.co/nLM0UPJtG4
— しまむらいだー (@yukkurishimamu) April 29, 2025
When it comes to cosplay, some people follow the rules and don’t bother other visitors. But there have also been reports of rude behavior, like using restrooms for a long time to change clothes or taking over photo spots for a long time to have a lot of photos taken.
At this Osaka Expo, there have not yet been any major problems caused by rude cosplayers, so there are currently no plans to ban cosplay attendance. However, depending on how future cosplay attendees behave, there may be more calls for “cosplay to be banned at the Expo venue“.
If you’re thinking of going to the Osaka Expo in cosplay, remember to “enjoy yourself while being polite and following the rules“.
Cosplay Rules at the Osaka Expo
The “Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition” is in charge of the “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai“. It has created rules about cosplay admission.
The official rules do not say that cosplay is banned. The official EXPO 2025 website has an FAQ page where people can ask questions. One question is, “Can I enter in cosplay or fancy dress?” The answer is, “You may enter the venue wearing anything that is not prohibited“.
(Source: EXPO 2025)
As mentioned earlier, there is no rule against cosplay at “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai“. However, there are some situations where you might not be allowed to enter.
< Prohibited Items Regarding Cosplay at EXPO 2025 Osaka Expo >
⚫︎ Clothing that is contrary to public order and morals, costumes that cause anxiety or fear to those around you, and actions that disturb the peace are prohibited.
⚫︎ Depending on the situation, you may be denied entry if you wear a mask that covers most of your face.
Also, there are no changing areas inside the Osaka Expo venue, and you cannot change clothes in the restrooms.
Enjoy Cosplay While Following the Rules!
As you can see, there are no rules banning cosplay at “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai“.
However, if you come wearing clothes that are not appropriate for a public place, costumes that make other people feel uncomfortable, or masks that cover most of your face, you may not be allowed to enter. There are also rules, such as the one that says you can’t change clothes in the restrooms.
If people’s behavior becomes a problem, there may be stricter rules in the future.
While cosplay, a Japanese cultural practice, is becoming popular worldwide, it’s important to be considerate and respectful at events.
If you plan to attend the Expo in cosplay, please be courteous and have a good time, but be careful.
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