As reported at Sakura Matsuri earlier this month, cosplay (costume play) is a growing trend among youthful patrons of public Japan-related gatherings. Last year, New York’s Japan Society hosted its first-ever cosplay party as part of its KRAZY! exhibition dedicated to anime, manga and video games. The event was a sold-out success, drawing nearly 500 fans who expressed their visual zeal (not to mention their tailoring abilities) for the more contemporary facets of Japanese culture. This year’s edition, fittingly titled Cosplay Party 2.0, kicks off Saturday, May 15, and is expected to top last year’s inaugural event.

The day promises a chance to meet and mingle with other cosplayers, nonstop musical entertainment by cosplay DJ Ruby Red, a photo booth, free admission to Japan Society's current exhibition Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters and a full-tilt costume competition, hosted by Uncle Yo and judged by World Cosplay Summit 2009 Team USA along with guest judge and Japan Society artist-in-residence Hiroki Otsuka.

Prizes are provided by Kinokuniya Bookstore, the top honor being a $200 gift certificate. For those preferring to stay in character throughout the day, guests are welcome to enjoy a variety of sweet and savory snacks with Japanese and Western drinks while reposing in Japan Society's j-Lounge.

During the party, Japan Society’s theater will host New York’s big screen premiere of the anime film Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone, presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Hideaki Anno, the movie is a “rebuild” of Neon Genesis Evangelion, an adult-themed 26-episode TV series helmed by Anno and originally broadcast in 1995. Evangelion is one of the biggest success stories in recent anime history, generating nearly $2 billion to date. Saturday’s screening is an extended and extensively enhanced version from the 2007 theatrical release, featuring never-before-seen 3D CG animation and visual and audio upgrades.

Cosplay Party 2.0 takes place Saturday,May 15, from 3:00-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $15 for Japan Society members. Click here for more on ticketing, contest and screening details. All Cosplay Party 2.0 ticket holders receive complementary admission to Japan Society Gallery for the exhibition Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters.

Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street. between First and Second Avenues, accessible by the 4/5/6 and 7 subway at Grand Central or the E and V subway at Lexington Avenue. Tickets are available at www.japansociety.org or by calling the box office at 212-715-1258. For more information, call 212-832-1155 or visit the website.

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