What is Cosplay

If you've never heard this term before you're probably wondering "what is cosplay anyway?" That's a fine question indeed. Literally speaking Cosplay or as the Japanese say Kosupure, is the contraption of the words “costume” and “play.” People who take part in cosplay are known as “cosplayers” or in Japan simply reyazu for “players.”

So, what is cosplay exactly? It is the act of dressing up as a character from animes, videogames, manga, movies, books, and even Visual-Kei rock bands in Japan. Don't confuse what is cosplay for a Halloween costume though, because they're NOT the same. Typically, more time is spent on a cosplay costume because they are normally made by the wearer. Also, in cosplay much more attention is spent on detail.

Now you know what is cosplay, but in case you're not sure how it got it's name the term “cosplay” was coined by Nov Takahashi in 1984, while attending a sci-fi convention in Los Angeles. He was so impressed by the costume masquerade that he wrote about it in Japanese sci-fi magazines. Word spread quickly through Japan of this new performance art. And the rest is history. Many people believe cosplay originated in Japan, but that’s not necessarily true. Forrest J. Ackerman inspired fan-costuming worldwide when he wore the first futuristic costume, made by Myrtle R. Douglas, to the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in 1939 in Caravan Hall in New York.

Since then cosplay has spread to countries across the globe, like the Philippines, China, Italy, France, Mexico, Brazil, North America and the list continues. Despite the many impressive creations that come out of all these places, Japan is the largest exporter of quality cosplay. Why? Because Japanese cosplay has taken cosplay to a new level. They’ve managed to turn it into an art form, inspiring fellow cosplayers worldwide. (Not to mention making something as geeky as dressing up like cartoon characters look kind of cool.) It’s no wonder most cosplayers, who have acquired celebrity status for their creations, hail from Japan.

Nowadays, Japanese cosplayers like to meet outdoors on weekends to pose for pictures, and check out each others elaborate creations. During large scale gatherings at cosplay venues they participate in masquerades, skits and contests just like their North American counterparts. Smaller gatherings are held in meidokissa (maid-coffeehouses), where the waitresses will dress in anime outfits. The Harajuku district in Tokyo, Japan is especially famous for its cosplay scene.

Today the most popular anime fandoms seems to be Naruto cosplay, Bleach cosplay, Inuyasha cosplay, Katei Kyoshi Hitman Reborn cosplay, Death Note cosplay, and Avatar cosplay. Films like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings are a favourite among cosplayers and now of course The Dark Knight, who’s Joker has become increasingly trendy to dress like.

As more people begin to take notice of cosplay magazines like Japan’s Cosmode and Dengeki Layers, USA’s Anicoz and Mexico’s Cosplaymix, it seems the once underground culture of costume play is finally making its way into the mainstream, with no signs of slowing down or stopping. Ah, the future looks bright!

Well, that’s the history of cosplay in a nutshell. If you’re new to cosplay then I hope this short article answered the question of "what is cosplay?" for you. Even if you’re a pioneer in this fandom, we hope you were able to get something out of it too.

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