Information AboutCosplay |
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, a Portmanteau of the English words "costume" and "roleplay", is a Japan ese Subculture centered on dressing as characters from Manga , Anime , Tokusatsu , and Video Game s, and, less commonly, Japanese live action Television shows, fantasy Movies , or Japanese Pop Music bands. However, in some circles, "cosplay" has been expanded to mean simply wearing a costume. In Japan, "cosplay" as a hobby is usually an end unto itself. Like-minded people gather to see others' costumes, show off their own elaborate handmade creations, take lots of pictures, and possibly participate in best costume contests. The most specific anecdote about the origin of the word "cosplay" was that Nov Takahashi (from a Japanese studio called Studio Hard) coined the term "cosplay" as a contraction of the English-language words "costume play" while he was attending the 1984 Los Angeles Science Fiction of each). Other examples of this include and . COSPLAY VENUES , Tokyo , a famous place for cosplayers]] Cosplay can be seen at public events such as video game shows, as well as at dedicated cosplay parties at Nightclub s or Amusement Park s. It is not unusual for Japanese teenagers to gather with like-minded friends in places like Tokyo's Harajuku district to engage in cosplay. Since 1998 , Tokyo 's Akihabara district has contained a large number of cosplay Café s, catering to devoted anime and cosplay fans. The waitresses at such cafés dress as game or anime characters; Maid costumes are particularly popular. Possibly the single largest and most famous event attended by cosplayers is the semiannual Doujinshi market, Comiket . This event, held in summer and winter, attracts hundreds of thousands of Manga Otaku and many thousands of cosplayers who congregate on the roof of the exhibition center, often in unbearably hot or cold conditions. Cosplayers in Japan refer to themselves as ''reyazu''; pronounced ''layers'' (by writing the word ''cosplayers'' in Katakana , it is possible to shorten it in this way, although it makes no sense in English). Those who photograph ''players'' are called ''cameko'', short for "Camera Kozo" or "Camera Boy". The ''cameko'' give prints of their photos to the ''players'' as gifts. Tensions between ''players'' and ''cameko'' have increased due to perceived Stalker -like behaviour among some obsessive males who push female cosplayers to exchange personal email addresses or do private photo sessions. One result of this has been a tightening of restrictions on photography at events such as Comiket. COSPLAY TRENDS A recent trend at Japanese cosplay events is an increase in the popularity of non-Japanese Fantasy and Science Fiction movie characters, perhaps due to the international success of such Film s as '' The Matrix '', '' Star Wars '' and '' Lord Of The Rings ''. Characters from the '' Harry Potter '' films have a particularly high number of female fans in Japan, with female cosplayers playing either male or female characters, Draco Malfoy being an extremely popular choice. The act of cosplaying as characters of the opposite sex is called " Crossplay " ( Cross-dressing cosplay). A small niche group in this field are '' Dollers '', a subset of '' Kigurumi '' cosplayers; usually male, they wear Bodysuits and Masks to fully transform into female characters. Another recent trend in cosplay is a blurring of the distinction between costumes based on characters from games and anime, and "original" costumes based upon a general theme or existing fashions. In particular, the Tokyo teen-fashion trend of Gothic Lolita has attracted some cosplayers who might not have the inclination (or possibly courage) to wear such distinctive clothes around town, but who would like to dress in such a manner on some occasions. COSPLAY AND THE SEX INDUSTRY In before or during sex would be known as , and many Japanese Love Hotel s offer costume rental services. In the Japanese Sex Industry , sex clubs that specialize in sexual cosplay are known as Image Club s. In addition to standard fetishistic standbys (schoolgirl, nurse, policewoman, etc), an increasing number, pioneered by the now defunct ''Wedding Bell'' chain, cater to Otaku with staff dressing up as anime characters. INTERNATIONAL COSPLAY dressed as Wikipedia's anime mascot, Wikipe-tan .]] Most features of cosplay have spread first to the other parts of Asia, then around the globe, and finally fused with Costuming at Science Fiction Convention s in North America and Europe . It is also a common sight at Anime Convention s. Cosplayers at anime conventions in North America often find themselves on the receiving ends of Glomp s, a type of high-powered hug. Cosplay in the United States and England differs from Japanese cosplay culture in some ways. Cosplay concerning '' Star Trek '', '' Star Wars '', other science fiction worlds, Renaissance-era Characters , and historical re-enactments (e.g. Civil War battles), especially at Science Fiction conventions, are far more popular in America than they are in Japan. Alternatively, some costumes that might be seen as in bad taste in America (such as Nazi uniforms from certain comics or games) may be seen at events in Japan. American cosplayers are stereotypically lampooned as being overweight or otherwise unsuited to the characters they attempt to portray. An issue with cosplaying anime and manga characters is that these characters generally do not have bodily proportions that can easily be mimicked by many typical cosplayers (e.g. incredibly long legs, huge muscles or giant breasts), and there is debate among fans about how important or not this element is when cosplaying. In Mexico , cosplay is commonly seen inside conventions that can be video game, science fiction or anime themed. It is common that cosplayers will also organize their own reunions which can be themed or free for the sake of taking pictures together. Cosplay in Mexico is competitive in a healthy level, with well established representatives. This phenomenon also can be viewed in other Latin American countries, like Brazil , Argentina and Chile . In Australia , the trend mirrors the American in that the subject costumes may be selected from sources other than manga or anime. Sources include american comics, computer games, science fiction/fantasy movies and TV shows, animation shorts or features, period drama, novels - any source that provides vivid and graphic inspiration of a character and their costume. Usually the term "cosplay" is not used to cover historical recreation as the focus is on representational accuracy, not historical accuracy. In general, Australian cosplay is most commonly seen in the larger population centres such as the capital cities and major regional centres, as these have the population base to support the diversity among fringe interests. The display of the costumes is not limited to conventions, although it is not unusual for dedicated cosplayers to travel extensively throughout Australia following the convention trail during the year. In addition to the social convening at conventions, many smaller social groupings exist, hosting their own local events.1 Retrieved October 20, 2005. cosplayer as a Priston Tale priestess.]] In France , cosplay is a widespread activity in anime and manga conventions. Large conventions like Japan Expo can attract more than 500 cosplayers. While the majority of french cosplayers choose anime and manga for inspiration, many people like to dress like movie characters, famous singers or even TV show actors even if it's not directly related to the theme of the convention. Unlike the japanese, french cosplayers use almost exclusively hand made costumes which are often used only once. Buying or reusing costumes is seen as unfair competition ( in some contests they can't compete). French cosplayers are mainly focused on the cosplay contest, which take place in nearly all manga, science fiction, fantasy or role playing game conventions. They are not really competitive, they're more of an occasion to show off the costume and appear as good as possible instead (e.g. scene, lighting, soundtrack, etc.). Acting and singing skills are highly valued in contests, and some groups reenact fighting or musical comedy scenes also. For example being able to do a cartwheel stunt in costume is part of the Japan expo tradition and one of the most valued figures in the contest. Cosplaying in France in still a marginal activity, as most people there do not yet know about it, or consider it as a strange hobby. In Belgium , cosplay plays an increasingly important role in the F.A.C.T.S. convention with hundreds of people dressed up in costume from different Anime series. Cosplay is rapidly entering the mainstream in the Philippines 2 Retrieved July 25, 2006.3 Retrieved August 16, 2006. , where cosplay events are often held within an anime, manga, gaming, or sci-fi convention. More often than not, these conventions and events are sponsored, and debates have raged on whether or not judges' perspectives are influenced by the organizers of a cosplay event. Also Filipino cosplay rules overlook and allow professional fully commissioned costumes to participate in competitions. Cosplay also has followers in other parts of Asia such as South Korea , China , Hong Kong , Singapore and Taiwan . As well as attending comic festivals and events, cosplayers there also frequent districts popular with teenagers. COSPLAY IN NORTH AMERICA .]] Convention activity in the United States and Canada has become a much larger and much more popular trend in the 2000's . Larger conventions such as Anime Boston , Otakon and Anime North have become renowned internationally. With the added public attention coming from such popular animated series imported from Japan (see Anime ) including '' Naruto '', '' Fullmetal Alchemist '', '' Inuyasha '' and now the popular '' Bleach '', cosplayers and the anime world have peeked their heads into the world of mainstream pop-culture, on at least a relatively underground scale. More and more convention goers cosplay as their favorite characters from their favorite anime, and thus, the cosplay and anime subcultures have been able to have enough influence to further the creation of Anime Conventions to accommodate for the increasing number of cosplayers. Conventions in America often include both cosplay and costume contests. The cosplay or "masque" ('', to actual comedic or dramatic one-act plays. The costume contest is often a test of skill, design, and audience reaction. The contestants are judged either before hand or on stage and then walk across said stage while the audience cheers. The increased popularity of convention costuming has led to the addition of several relatively new cosplay-based events, adding to the traditional Masquerade and hall costume contests. Such events include the Anime Dating Game, and Cosplay Human Chess, where participating cosplayers act out their characters' role in the game accordingly. Competition has led to the development of many cosplay groups that plan for conventions months in advance. Non-competitive cosplay can often be seen at opening nights for science-fiction and fantasy movies, especially those with an established following. Even in small towns, some cosplayers wait in line for hours before showings of movies in franchises like '' Star Wars '', '' Harry Potter '' and '' Lord Of The Rings ''. Even cult hits like '' Serenity '' have drawn opening night cosplay. In the UK, US and elsewhere, fans of '' The Rocky Horror Picture Show '' attend screenings of the cult film in the costumes of its characters. This tradition began soon after the film's release in 1975. Over the last year cosplay has been growing now there is a even 3 cosplay group the latest one beeing the du cosplay that meet up and hang around London in cosplay. The annual Bay To Breakers footrace in San Francisco has been a favorite cosplay venue for decades. A large number of cosplayers run or walk in their favorite costume amongst serious competitive runners. COSPLAY BY NOTABLE PERSONS
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