Costuming the Imagination: Origins of Anime and Manga Cosplay

12.5 Costuming the Imagination: Origins of Anime and Manga Cosplay

Terms:

• Manga are Japanese comics
• Anime is the Japanese version of animation
• Otaku are fans of anime and manga that perfect the art of cosplay

What is Cosplay?

Cosplay is the “various types of costumed role-playing.” There are two different theories of how cosplay began, but the most evident story begins in 1984 when an anime publisher Takahashi Nobuyuki attended a World-Con event in the United States. When he went to Japan to publish his experience, he could not translate the word “masquerade” because it meant “an aristocratic costume party” in Japanese, and this is extremely different than the meaning he wished to convey. He came up with costume play, or kosupure, later known as cosplay. Japanese attending North American conventions and vice versa has created similarities between the costume-playing of these different places.

Four Components of Anime and Manga

Anime and Manga Cosplayer:

• Anyone who is dedicate and committed to representing a character through act and dress
• Attends conventions and socializes with others as the given character

Social Settings:

• Masquerades (competitions), photograph sessions, themed parties, karaoke, club meetings, conventions
• Cosplayers attend one convention a month on average, but cosplay extends beyond the social gatherings and into internet, regular small talk, and other parties
• Masquerades are the most popular
• Judgement includes accuracy of costume, construction and details of dress, and entertainment and accuracy of skit in comparison to real character
• Spectators are an important part in social settings because they encourage interaction

Character and Role-Playing:

• No limitations to which character one can choose
• Trends result due to popularity of characters
• “Crossplay” is not unusual—it is when a cosplayer depicts a character of the opposite sex

Dress:

• “Costume” or “dress”: All body modifications and supplements (purchased or handmade)
• It is a form of nonverbal communication—others identify the character from the dress

Interaction Between Two Cultures

In North America, cosplayers perform small skits depicting the character whereas in Japan, cosplayers strike a small pose or show a glimpse of an action. Also, in Japan, some stores and restaurants will not allow a cosplayer in dressed in costume while in North America, it is common for a cosplayer to go out to eat after competing at a convetion. Another difference is that Japan has designated areas to shop for cosplay items, while North Americans have to use catalogs if they missed their chance to shop at a convention.

Cosplay as a Japanese Subculture

Cosplay exists as a subculture in Japan because it is outside of the cultural and acceptable norm. Due to the negativity towards Cosplay, some communities have grown over the years to be strictly for cosplayers and include shops and restaurants. The subculture is comprised of social interctions, environemtns, and experiences where cosplayers take part in unique experiences.

The "Ravers" as an example

The “Ravers” are known as their own subculture whom listen to techno music and go out to clubs, sometimes doing illegal things such as drugs. Similar to the Japanese in cosplay, ravers use this type of experience to let go of who they are as an everyday individual and be someone or something else that expresses their feelings about themselves. They have their own style as far as dress. Events are what bring the ravers together where they can gather and share their outfits and love of their entertainment. Similar to the Japanese that are into cosplay, ravers may have a negative connotation among the normal society which is why these events are made to specifically draw the ravers in. These events include one of the biggest being EDC.