‘Cosplay’ is the shortened term given to ‘Costume Play’. The term embodies the art of dressing up as your favorite anime character and is a practice widely employed by enthusiasts the world over. It is a practice usually engaged in for large group gatherings such as anime or science fiction conventions or “Comiket” which is a huge even dedicated to the buying and selling of fan-created doujinshi or manga. According to Lunning (2006), cosplayers spend countless hours and immeasurable resources in order to transform themselves from their ‘real world’ identities into their favorite fiction characters.
This is the primary reason cosplay should be considered an ‘art’ form or a form of creative outlet. Many cosplay enthusiasts not only go to the trouble of creating their own costumes but also place great care and planning into learning not only the “look” of the character they are presenting but also in the meaning behind who that character is and what that character stands for. True lovers of cosplay aim to embody the complete character, including a sincere portrayal of their “spirit”.
Social aspects of Cosplay: Sharing the Enjoyment with an Audience and Other Cosplayers.
Apart from the personal reasons of wanting to pay tribute to characters loved by fans or to their creators, people also cosplay in order to express themselves. For cosplayers, one way they can share this expression of self is by acting as models for budding photographers with similar interests.
During Comiket for example, there are particularly arranged areas and dedicated spaces for the sole use of cosplayers and photographers who wish to capture still shots as well as the wider audiences who wish to watch. Taylor (2005), offers that conventions provide a safe environment for cosplayers to be able to perform a different role.
This role performance is also another social aspect of cosplay and Taylor states that this is a prime motivation for fans to become cosplayers who attempt to portray their choice of fictional characters through their “dress, acts and gestures.”
Cosplay Cafes: The use of Cosplay Costumes in Everyday Life.
Cosplay for all those outside the niche of the hardcore enthusiast is rarely done outside of conventions or other anime or science fiction related events. However, the popularity of witnessing cosplay has risen to the extent where people can enjoy viewing Cosplayers on a daily basis. This is due to the existence of Cosplay restaurants or cafes where the staff uniforms are all forms of cosplaying whichever characters, themes or particular works that cafe or restaurant specializes in.
Examples include ‘Maid’ cafes aimed primarily at men where the waitresses are dressed in ‘traditional’ French Maid outfits. The counterpart cafe aimed primarily at women are the Butler cafes where the waiters and servers are young attractive young men dressed in Butler outfits.
In Akihabara, the anime capital in Tokyo, Japan and arguably the anime capital of the world it is not uncommon for there to be several anime cafes open which will feature all the waiting staff in several different anime character costumes. The cafe itself is also theme decorated to add to the whole experience.
The Spread of Cosplay Worldwide: Cosplayers from all Backgrounds.
It would be a mistake to believe that Cosplay is a hobby limited to Asian enthusiasts, purely for anime. Although the term is easily identified and understood in anime circles, western science fiction conventions have embraced the art of cosplay where fans often pay tribute to their favourite works. Science fiction creations with huge followings including the likes of Star Wars and Star Trek have large enough fan bases dedicated to the open portrayal of their favourite shows that they often display this love through the art of Cosplay. Storm troopers as well as Klingon or Vulcan cosplay representatives are always present in numbers at such conventions.
Lunning once again, states that almost anyone can be a cosplayer as cosplayers are known to have “varied educational backgrounds, occupations, disposable incomes and resources.” The only necessary trait is that one must express a passion for their fandom and the character they wish to portray. Anyone can find enjoyment in cosplay regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
In fact, the spread of cosplay has become such a worldwide phenomenon that Fantasy works such as UK based J.K Rowling’s work Harry Potter is also one that is often cosplayed by enthusiasts even at anime conventions. The Hogwarts Robe-uniform is a popular choice where the use of several character props can add to the authenticity of character portrayal.
Availability of Cosplay Costumes Through Online Stores.
For cosplayers lacking in time or materials, ready-made costumes are also available through several sites on the internet. Due to the spread and popularity of cosplay worldwide these cosplay stores also cater to overseas enthusiasts who can arrange to have their costumes mailed for an additional fee.
Some cosplay stores specialize so specifically that they not only have premade costumes, but also cater to those wanting specially made or custom designed costumes.
Popular sites include Moon Costumes which have a range of budget cosplay outfits and accessories and Costume Lab which specializes in anime costumes as well as science fiction and fantasy costumes.
When buying costumes online however, it is important to take care that the stores would-be cosplayers choose are reputable as they should take care to avoid cosplay shop ripoffs.
To conclude, cosplay is an art form that is open to enthusiasts from all walks of life. With an dedication and an avid imagination, cosplayers can portray their sincere love for a fictional character through the imitation of their costume, mannerisms and spirit. This, is the true essence of cosplay.
Sources:
Taylor, J.R. (2005). Convention Cosplay: Subversive potential in anime fandom. The University of Oregon.
Lunning, F. (2006). Mechademia 1: Emerging Worlds of Anime and Manga. University of Minnesota Press.
Related Articles:
Altair Roxas - Altair Roxas is a graduate of The University of Auckland with a degree in English and Film, Television and Media Studies currently living ...
