01 January, 2007
A girl waits backstage during a cosplay competition. Cosplay, a contraction of the English words 'costume' and 'play', began as a Japanese subculture in which people dressed as characters from manga comics, anime or video games. Television shows, action films and pop music bands are also sometimes sources of inspiration. The pastime has become a worldwide phenomenon, with a growing following in mainland China.
Through our education programs, the World Press Photo Foundation encourages diverse accounts of the world that present stories with different perspectives.
Our exhibitions showcase stories that make people stop, feel, think and act to a worldwide audience.
Our annual contest recognizes and rewards the best in photojournalism and documentary photography.
