Basel Anime Expo Unites Fans with Creative Magic; Cosplayers Find Self-Fulfillment

(CNA, Zurich, May 18, by reporter Kuo Fang-chun) The Fantasy Basel comic and anime convention took place in Switzerland from the 14th to the 17th, with 850 booths attracting over 103,000 attendees from around the globe, a new record. In addition to anime competitions, the event served as a gathering for cosplayers to observe and embrace each other's work, greatly satisfying their sense of self-achievement. Furthermore, university animation departments also participated, showcasing Switzerland's deep-rooted anime culture and providing a stage for life paths that combine interest with a career. The Basel expo is one of the largest of its kind globally, this year drawing over 103,000 people, a record high. Organizers stated at the opening that over a thousand professional players participated this year, with many attendees from outside Europe, including the US and Canada. The farthest guest flew approximately 30 hours from New Zealand to join the event in Switzerland. About 5,000 spectators gathered in front of the opening stage to watch performances by world-class cosplayers. A CNA reporter visited the Swiss Cosplay Contest stage, where a participant named Phil stated his character for this year's competition was Ornstein from the video game "Dark Souls." He began working on the costume in October 2025, spending a total of about 360 hours, and completed all the handmade procedures a week before the contest. Phil noted that despite the complex and laborious process, the challenge itself was extremely fulfilling, and he was very proud to have completed such a difficult piece in just over six months. He further stated that for anime fans, the Basel expo is the most important event of the year, comparable to Christmas, Easter, and birthdays combined. Additionally, the anime community's atmosphere is peaceful and friendly, allowing cosplay enthusiasts to gather, communicate, and express themselves in a safe and inclusive environment, without worrying about outside judgment. The venue also featured booths from several Swiss university art and animation departments, introducing related departments and courses. A CNA reporter interviewed two students from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts' animation department. One student, Vivianne, said she has loved Japanese anime since childhood, which sparked a strong interest in the details of animation production and the behind-the-scenes process. She admitted she never imagined she could directly study an animation-related major as an adult, but it has now become a path that balances her interests and career development. Another student, Melanie, said she has loved traditional European fairy tales since she was young and is currently specializing in puppet animation. She finds the process of transforming a fantasy world into a script and then into a visual work to be very appealing. The Basel expo is also a major gathering for lovers of Japanese culture. This year, the venue had about 850 booths, primarily featuring Japanese anime-related merchandise, including cosplay props, kimonos, and various Japanese goods, attracting large crowds. As Basel is located at the border of Switzerland, Germany, and France, many visitors from France and Germany were also present. Organizers noted that daily attendance exceeded 20,000, boosting surrounding business opportunities and making the event's activities even more vibrant. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150518