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Cosplay & Props Convention Rules

If you have questions about these policies then please ask them on our San Japan Forums.

 
Cosplay Questions

  1. What are some of the general rules for San Japan including cosplay and other things?
  2. I know of a potential safety risk. Who can I talk to about this?
  3. How is safety being handled at San Japan?
  4. What is San Japan’s policy on weapons, props and cosplay attire?
  5. What about water guns and silly string?
  6. I’m worried about someone threatening me at the convention?
    Answers To The Questions 

  1. What are some of the general rules for San Japan including cosplay and other things?
    Rules for Cosplay

    • Cosplayers may wear lyricals in place of shoes.
    • Please use good judgment and common sense in general. This is a family friendly convention. Keep all costumes sensible and at a rating acceptable in public. There will be children present.
    • No costume is no costume! If you are not clothed properly, you will be asked to change. This includes having a shirt and shoes at all times. We are using public spaces we rent so the local laws are in effect. No shirt, no shoes, no service.
    • Please make sure your costume uses non-see through material over the private body parts. Once again remember there will be children present.
    • No profanity displayed on the clothing or costume.
    • Those who abuse this policy will be subject to removal from the convention without refund from the convention or the Hotel.
    • Remember you will also be walking through public areas such as the River walk, The Mall, and non convention Hotel spaces. How you act and represent yourself will reflect upon the convention as well.
    • Weapons must be checked by Safety Staff.
    • Review Weapons Policy for in depth information regarding weapons.
    • No Live Steel of any kind. This includes blades, chains, blunt, etc.
    • If you wish to have photos taken with Live Steel, there will be an area set aside near the Safety Desk.
    • Please be mindful of your costumes.
  2. I know of a potential safety risk. Who can I talk to about this? Please e-mail the Safety Director. Back to top

  3. How is safety being handled at San Japan? Safety is being handled in-house by our staff this year and we will have off-duty police officers on-site at the hotel & convention center. Back to top

  4. What is San Japan’s policy on weapons, props and cosplay attire? If you have anything that could possibly be considered a weapon, do the smart thing and take a trip to the Safety Desk as soon as you enter the Convention. Here are the rules for weapons at San Japan:
    • IF IT IS NOT PG-13 AND ABLE TO BE LEGALLY WORN IN PUBLIC IT WILL NOT BE WORN AT SAN JAPAN. PERIOD. There will be children present and we are in public folks.
    • NO PLAY FIGHTING OR SWINGING YOUR PROPS.
    • SHOES MUST BE WORN WITH ALL COSTUMES. You may take them off for pictures, but please remember to put them back on.
    • You MUST have your badge on at all times to show you paid to be in the convention. Make sure when you costume it is still visible. Moving it or taking it off for pictures is fine, but please remember to put it back on.
    • If Safety decides a Weapon is too dangerous you will be asked to return the item to your room/car. If you take this as a mere suggestion, you will be expelled from the convention without refund. Please check in with the safety desk as they will check to ensure it is kosher with them.
    • The Cosplay Show is a special event that will have its own special rules for cosplay props and weapons you can use for your costumes during a performance or the main show. The Cosplay directors have always shown me we can trust them to be safe. This exception is only for the show and under their direction and guidance. Follow their rules!
    • Pictures always help us with a pre-approval before the show saving us all a lot of time and headache. If you want something to be seen early saving you a trip with a prop that is iffy then post me some pix on the forums or by e-mail and we will see.
    • WE DO NOT PEACE BOND! Period. So do not ask. NO LIVE STEEL!If it is for the cosplay competition then we will only allow it if you are verified as a contestant and the prop is not sharp in any way. The Cosplay staff has any final decision on their event. DO NOT come to us if they say no. We will back them up in EVERY way upon their decision! If you buy any item from the dealer’s room it must be transported OUT of the convention immediately to your room or car. DO NOT CARRY IT AROUND UNLESS IT IS IN THE BOX THEY WRAP IT IN. THE DEALERS KNOW THIS AND ARE READY TO DO THAT.
    • NO AIRSOFT GUNS THAT ARE NOT PERMANENTLY DISABLED TO NO LONGER FIRE ANY PROJECTILES! THE TIPS MUST BE COMPLETELY COVERED OR FILLED IN AS TO SHOW THE BARREL IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE USED. IT MUST HAVE ALOT OF ORANGE PAINT ON IT. THE TRIGGERS MUST NOT WORK. MISS ANY OF THESE AND YOUR WEAPON IS NOT ALLOWED.
    • Do not argue with my staff if they say NO to a prop. Do not ask for the Director as Safety picks the staff and the Directors/Convention Chairman for San Japan will back up their decisions. If your prop has been pre-approved then you must bring the email I send you as proof. We will bring copies as well to verify.
    • If we catch any props that have not been properly check by safety staff as we walk around, you will be asked to go to my check area and then continue having fun after it is completed. If anyone tries to sneak props in or just try to avoid the rules on this you will be asked to leave the convention with no refund.
    • Swinging any prop or item such as paddles is a fast way for you to be asked to take it home and we will ban them in the future. You may carry the paddle but NO CONTACT is to be made to another person. If one person at the convention breaks this rule on paddles, we will PERMANENTLY ban them IMMEDIATELY. Don’t be “that guy” (or girl) who ruins the fun.

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  5. What about water guns and silly string? Please leave these at home. We have a good relationship with our hotel so we don’t want to damage anything, thereby damaging our relationship with them. Back to top

  6. I’m worried about someone threatening me at the convention? Safety at the convention is designed to keep the attendees safe and everyone happy. They are not bodyguards. We suggest you avoid said person. If you are threatened on the convention floor, please contact safety and we will be on it immediately. Safety will be wearing bright color shirts which are easily recognizable. Back to top