Award Categories

Prizes may be awarded in the following categories listed below.*** Please note, some categories may not be awarded to discretion of the judges and the Kawaii Kon Events department.

• Judges Choice – medal
• Best in Youth (Craftsman) – $100 & trophy
• Best Novice (Craftsman) – $200 & trophy
• Best Journeyman (Craftsman) – $300 & trophy
• Best Master (Craftsman) – $400 & trophy
• Best Presentation – trophy
• Fan Favorite – trophy

Definitions

• Youth Entrant – 14 and below
• Novice Entrant – 15+ never won any cosplay awards at any show
• Journeyman – Won 1-2 previous cosplay awards at any show
• Master Entrant – Won 3+ cosplay awards at any show

Rules

COVID-19

• Please do not participate if you are feeling unwell.
• You should wear your mask during Cosplay Judging – if you have elements of your costume that would be obscured by a mask, please wait for the judges to tell you that it’s okay to remove your mask.
• We will do our best to space everyone out in line to go on stage. Please be courteous and give people space.
• We will provide disposable masks for when you are in line to go on stage, so that you can remove and dispose of your mask before going on stage. (You do NOT need to wear a mask while on stage) Once you are off the stage, we will give you another disposable mask to wear while you wait for the other entrants to be done.
• If someone asks you to put on a mask, please be respectful and do so.

General Cosplay Contest Rules

• Characters must have been created and illustrated by a 3rd party. OCs are not allowed, unless created by a notable artist that is not yourself.
• If entering at the show, you must bring a reference image on a flash drive. The bigger, the better. A reference image in this case refers to the image your work is based on.
• We will be projecting reference images while you walk across the stage, so make sure your image is as large and crisp as possible. Please don’t stretch your image.
• Once your online submission has been received, you will receive your judging time one week before the convention. If you plan on entering at the show, you will be judged in the order of arrival.
• Please show up 10 minutes before your time slot, incase people do not show up. You will receive a phone call or text the morning of April 6th to verify you will still be participating.
• The Cosplay Contest will have a mandatory rehearsal 5pm – 6pm in Main Events (4th floor, Ballroom B). Please arrive at least 15 minutes before this time to make sure you are in the correct order and are ready to go.
• All participants under 16 require a parent or guardian at check-in.
• All participants in any group must be in good standing with Kawaii Kon.
• If you would like to participate as a walk-on entry (be on stage, but not be considered for judging) you can submit a form online or fill out a walk-on form during the cosplay judging time (10:00am – 1:30pm in room 316B).
• Live Animals, Flash Power, Fireworks, Lasers, Electrical Flashes, Smoke Machines, and Aerosol Cans such as Paint, Hair Dye and/or Silly String, and Weapons not cleared by Security are prohibited from use.
• Bicycles, Rollerblades, Skateboards, Rip Sticks etc are not permitted in the Hawaii Convention Center.
• All contestants must be respectful and careful of each other, their costumes and their props at all times. Willful damage of costumes and/or props as well as inappropriate manners towards other contestants or staff will result in removal from the event.
• Contestants must adhere to all Kawaii Kon rules of conduct. This applies to costumes as well as performances. Remember, we are a family-oriented Con. If it is not appropriate for a PG-13 rating, do not wear it, and/or do not perform it. To do so is grounds for dismissal.
• Contestants are prohibited from jumping or running off stage.
• All performances must be self-contained within the group. No physical interaction with the audience or MC is allowed.
• No nudity. This is a family friendly show. Topless males are okay, but topless females are not. If you are in doubt, put some fabric on it.
• You are not allowed to act in a manner that may cause risk to any other person.
• Weapons may be unsheathed, but not swung around. Violators will be removed from the convention center premises.
• No aerosols of any kind are allowed.
• Kawaii Kon has final say in all circumstances and disputes. They may change the rules at any time if necessary.
• Entrants must show up to the prejudging at the beginning of the event. You will be required to check in with a staff member. Please note: failure to show up at the start time WILL result in your disqualification.
• To enter the competition, your Cosplay must fall into one of these two categories
  • Majority of your costume was created by you
  • Your costume was assembled from at least 3 different sources of pre-made pieces, and you must have created at least one aspect or piece
• Costumes already entered in previous Cosplay Showcases or Hallway Cosplay Contests cannot be entered in this contest. You may not enter with a costume you wore in a previous year.
• You may only participate in Showcase OR Hallway for any given year. You may not enter both competitions, regardless of cosplay.
• The showcase is limited to the first 60 entrants, so please submit your online entry forms early as entries will be on a first come, first served basis. Groups are considered as 1 entrant. You are considered an ‘official’ entrant once you receive a confirmation email along with an order number.
• Reference material (art books, color print-outs, manga, etc) is REQUIRED. Do not assume the judges are familiar with any particular series or character. Any type of reference media is allowed(laptops/phones, etc). You will also need to make a digital submission.
• During the Cosplay showcase presentation, you will have 60 seconds on stage to pose for the cameras/show off. If you exceed your time you will be asked to leave the stage. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the competition.
• Reworking and modifying ready-made parts (such as boots, wigs, and gloves) into your costume are acceptable for the Showcase.

Tips and Tricks

• If you want to be seen by the cameras, remain standing.
• It is recommended that you eat, drink and use the restroom ahead of time.
• Emergency repair kits are always a good idea. We will have limited supplies on hand for last minute touch ups.
• Have FUN!! You worked hard on your Cosplay and now is your chance to show it off!

If you are interested in cosplaying, but not into the whole ‘on stage’ thing, check out our Hallway Costume contest.

Have fun and good luck in the Cosplay Masquerade 2022!
For comments or questions, Please contact us at events@kawaiikon.com