#Japan #Cosplay #SEGA #Osaki #Yakuza

Celebrating 20 Years of Yakuza: Cosplayer Audition Announced

Sega Corporation has officially announced the launch of an audition for cosplayers as part of the celebration for the 20th anniversary of the beloved Yakuza series, set to take place in December 2025. The audition opened on June 20th, and aims to recruit passionate cosplayers who will represent the series at various events featuring the Yakuza Studio.

Who Can Apply?

The audition is open to all individuals aged 20 and above residing in Japan, regardless of whether they are affiliated with any professional production companies. This inclusivity encourages both experienced and amateur cosplayers to join in on the excitement of this significant milestone. Each applicant is expected to showcase their love and passion for the Yakuza series through their cosplay.

Important Dates and Application Process

The application deadline is set for July 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Interested individuals need to fill out an application form and submit photos that adhere to the following guidelines:

• - A recent photo of the applicant in casual clothing (both a bust-up and full-body shot)
• - A photo of the applicant dressed as a character from the Yakuza series within the last year (bust-up and full-body)

It's important for casual photos to have no face coverings like masks, hats, or sunglasses to ensure clear visibility. Photographs must be high quality, and any excessively edited images will not be considered. The maximum file size is limited to 5MB per photo.

What are the Benefits?

Selected cosplayers will have the unique opportunity to appear at various events organized by the Yakuza Studio. Additionally, Sega will provide a flat fee of 100,000 yen to cover the cost of costume production for those chosen.

Audition Phases

The selection process consists of two phases:
1. Initial Screening: Applicants will be evaluated based on their submitted images by July 11, 2025.
2. Final Interview Screening: This will take place on July 26, 2025, at the Sega headquarters in Osaki. Candidates must bring their Yakuza series cosplay attire for the evaluation. It's noted that travel and accommodation expenses for this phase will be the responsibility of the applicants.

Concerns and Guidelines

Sega emphasizes that costumes not related to the Yakuza series or those deemed inappropriate will be excluded from the interview phase. Successful candidates will be notified by late July 2025 via email.

As the Yakuza series celebrates its rich legacy, fans and aspiring cosplayers alike are encouraged to participate and help honor its legacy through their creativity and passion.

More information can be found on the official audition site.

About the Yakuza Series

The Yakuza series was founded in 2005 with the aim to create an entertaining product for adults. It portrays the lives of passionate individuals living in the vibrant entertainment districts of Japan intertwined with themes of love, betrayal, and human connection. The franchise has achieved remarkable sales, with over 27.7 million copies sold to date.

For the latest updates on the Yakuza series, visit the official portal site or follow the Yakuza Studio's official accounts on X and YouTube.