An Overview of Cosplay
An Overview of Cosplay
An Overview of Cosplay
How did this phenomenon start? When did cosplay grow from being dress up for
adults into something which has been accepted as a sub culture and a
representation of ones fandom?
Nobuyuki Takahashis
cosplay article, which was released in 1983.
Fast forward to today, a time when cosplay has created a subculture of its own. In
North America, it is no longer odd to see people donned in costume at conventions.
Cosplay is no longer limited to just sci-fi or anime, but has branched into other
categories, such as superheroes, cartoon characters, video game characters, and
more. Similarly, Japan has embodied cosplay as part of their pop culture, especially
in districts such as Harajuku and Shibuya. Cosplayers in these areas dress up on a
daily basis, so it is not odd to see someone stand out amongst all the civilians.
A couple of cosplayers
walking around Harajuku.
As well, maid cafes have become extremely popular, in which a waitress is dressed
as a maid and serves her master (aka the customer). This type of roleplaying
might be considered odd to others, which draws us to the question of why people
choose to participate in cosplay in the first place.
There are many reasons as to why participants dwell in the art of cosplay. Just as
how its fun to dress up as a different person on Halloween, cosplayers enjoy
transforming themselves into a character. In BuzzFeedYellows video, Why I
cosplay, two cosplayers share that being someone else gives them strength
because it helps with their confidence. One explains, Through cosplay, I can
become these characters. I could live vicariously with how cool they are. Since
cosplay focuses on the likeness to the character, thought is put into high quality
costumes and realistic roleplaying. In a sense, cosplaying is like acting, for
participants must get into character and behave like them once they wear their
costume.
Within this subculture, there is also a strong sense of community. Whether one
enjoys sewing, modeling, or photography, fans are able to interact with others who
are in the same fandom. There is a sense of unity, and its thrilling to see another
person cosplay as the same character or another character from the same series.
Group photos are taken, and fan service is performed to get onlookers excited. In
some cases, cosplayers will get together for occasions other than conventions. For
example, those who enjoy making costumes attend sewing parties to work on their
costumes with other cosplayers and share construction tips. There are also cosplay
beach parties and club events that are hosted by enthusiasts, which give cosplayers
opportunities to wear their costume in different locations.
Ultimately, what all cosplayers have in common is that each person goes into this
hobby because its fun. It requires time and dedication, but it is also rewarding to
see the results. After all, nobody spends hours making their costume just to
begrudgingly put it on once its done. Its an opportunity to represent a fandom,
and can be practiced by anyone whos willing to learn.
Monetization
These are the risks that professional cosplayers face, and it is unfortunate that those
who put hard work into their craft are either ridiculed or not taken seriously. But
what makes a full-time cosplayer a professional in their craft? Is it the costumes,
or how someone models it? What makes a cosplay good in the first place?
1. Attention to Detail
When preparing for a cosplay convention, it is important to plan ahead and take
ones time with the costume. Although on-lookers may not be able to tell the
difference between two fabrics or wigs, they will notice if a costume does not look
good. Avid fans will also notice if details are missing (such as a wristband), hence
multiple photos should be analyzed before making the costume. However, what
catches the eye more than anything else is how the costume fits on the person.
Therefore, cosplayers should tailor the costume so that it fits their body
proportions, regardless if they have the same body type as the character.
Cosplay is also about the overall appearance. Makeup can help accentuate the look,
especially if a character has special features, such as whiskers, elf ears, etc. For
example, Naruto in sage mode has orange/red pigmentation around his eyes, so this
is a detail a cosplayer should not miss if they decide to cosplay as Narutos Sage
mode.
Another popular choice is to modify the costume to fit a different theme, such as
steampunk, Victorian, lolita, etc. This not only exudes creativity, but requires
imagination, as there might not be a photo to use as reference. However, too many
modifications risks onlookers to not recognize the character, and it can be tiring to
endlessly answer the question: Who are you supposed to be?
3. Confidence
Confidence helps a person stand out amongst those with the same costume. The
way a person poses and interacts effects the experience, although it may initially
feel awkward for first-time cosplayers. But confidence can be built, as long as the
person is willing to put themselves out in public. Kristen Lanae, a cosplayer, is an
example of a shy woman who thanks cosplay for helping her with her confidence.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, she says, I have always been very quiet and
shy, but when I am in costume I come alive. I would say its because of all the
positive reactions I get in costume.
1. Sexual Harassment
Unfortunately, some characters are designed to be provocative, and have spandex
body suits or high school uniforms with short skirts. As a result, fans forget that
there are individuals inside those costumes, as they are swept up in the fantasy that
their favourite character has come to life. This is a problem, as many sexual
harassment cases have been reported by cosplayers who are trying to enjoy the
conventions. Women have been groped, and men have been put down for not
fitting a certain costume. Thus, organizers are bringing awareness to this issue by
implementing anti-harassment policies. In New Yorks Comic Con, attendees can
see a large sign that says Cosplay is Not Consent, and that everyone should be
treated with respect.
2. Judgement
As previously stated, there are some fans that are caught up on how a character
should look like if they appear in real-life. As a result, judgement is passed onto
cosplayers who do not look the part, which is incorrect practice of this art form.
People come in different shapes and sizes, and should not be body-shamed if they
do not match the characters body structure. Yaya Han, a popular cosplayer and a
supporter of all cosplaying body types, has spoken about this issue, as she states:
There is no rule book, commandments, or memo on HOW you should cosplay. If you
want to dress as a character that looks nothing like you, go for it! There is so much
judgement on race, gender, weight, size, height and other things that CAN NOT BE
CHANGED in cosplay it has never made sense to me.
A group of women
cosplaying as Wonder Woman all equally beautiful. (Photo Credit: Patrick Sun.)
Cosplay should be an enjoyable experience for everyone. Although there are some
negative aspects within the community, there are also ample amounts of positivity.
Hence, people should not be discouraged to cosplay as their favourite character.
Cosplaying is an opportunity to bond with those who have similar interests, and a
chance to be someone else for the day. It is an opportunity to represent ones
fandom, and get to know others with the same hobbies. After all, when do you ever
get to see Naruto eat lunch with Superman?
Cosplay has evolved from masquerading into an art form. Although it can be
considered as mimicry, there are individuals who put their own creative twist into
their costumes and overall appearance. What once was a hobby has allowed
participants to make careers out of cosplaying, which demonstrates the prevalence
of cosplay in society. It has become part of subculture, and can no longer be
considered dress up for adults.
Cosplay is considered an art form, because its an artistic expression that empowers
individuals as they transform into different characters. And just like all art forms,
cosplay starts with a passion, and turns into something tangible the moment an
individual decides to make it come to life.
Works Cited
Ashcraft, Brian, and Luke Plunkett. Where The Word Cosplay Actually Comes
From. Kotaku, 22 Oct. 2014. Web.
BuzzFeedVideo. The Try Guys Make Sailor Moon Costumes Cosplay: Episode
2. Online video clip. Youtube, 2 Aug 2015. Web.
BuzzFeedYellow. Why I Cosplay. Online video clip. Youtube, 9 Sept 2014. Web.
Don. Jessica Nigri. Know Your Meme News. Cheezburger Inc., n.d. Web.
Mexican, Darth. Cosplay Crisis: Scammed And Left In Another Country. The
Geek Lyfe. GhostPool.com, 14 July 2015. Web.
Magallanes, Makati
In Partial Fulfillment
Kevin Ferrer
April 2014
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Cosplaying is something that cosplayer does when they have problems in their life. The
researchers agree that cosplay is a form of Escapism or Self-Expression. They used it as a
mental diversion by means of entertaining or recreation, as an escape from perceived
unpleasant or banal aspects of daily life.
Angela Berico wrote an article about the Escapism regarding in cosplaying entitled, Cosplay a
form of Escapism or Self-Expression: Ways of a person when they escape from their problems.
In this article she discussed that cosplay is now become a part of modern escapism based on
her observation. Many of cosplayers used it to overcome their depression.
She quoted, Even if youre not a card-carrying psychologist or sociologist, you can tell them
roughly on the observations you made that cosplay is now a part of the modern escapism.
(http://angelaberico.blogspot.com/)
Although cosplay originated in Japan, it is currently known as one of the most popular known
sub-cultures even in other countries. In Japan, most of the Japanese cosplayers can be seen in
the streets of Akihabari and Harujuku (The famous two districts in Tokyo known for its
cosplaying community). There are a lot of Japanese that become popular cosplayers and are
visiting in the Philippines during cosplay events. Because of the Japanese cosplay culture, their
country had been widely known. People of different countries have also learned to adapt and
accept it. They are really into cosplaying that seems like its their trademark.
Joy Alari wrote an article about the origin of cosplay entitled, What is cosplay? In this article
she discussed that the cosplay in Japan become popular because more people have embraced
it. The cosplay in Japan expands until the other countries were influenced by it and then they
imitated it. Now, the cosplay community had been increasing in number due to the world wide
trend of cosplaying. Different countries have their representatives in International cosplay
competitions that are being held in Japan.
She says, One can really get lost in cosplay world in Japan, as there are a lot of cosplay cafes,
and cosplay parties that held in park and
streets.(http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art11228.asp)
Nowadays, cosplay is considered as a hobby. Just like other sports, it can help improve ones
abilities that are something useful in his/her daily life. Like being educated by their selves. This
will expand their imagination in creativity and it will also improve their social life. One cant
pinpoint an abnormality on that. Dont judge them on how they look because its no different
than someone who plays in a band or play sports.
Lisa Granshaw wrote an article about psychology in cosplaying entitled, Investigating the
Psychology of Cosplay. In this article she discussed that dressing up as an anime or any
character was a sign of mental illness. But the survey that they made tells them that their theory
was wrong. The reason why people cosplay is because it is fun.
She says, They cosplay for creativity, to be social and hang out with friends because the
identify with the character and thats meaningful to them.
(http://www.dailydot.com/fandom/psychology-cosplay-survey-results/)
Since cosplay is so expensive, one can spend a lot of money however they earn from it. Having
this as a hobby will drain out a lot of money. But on the other side, some of the cosplayers are
utilizing their interest in cosplay in making up their own business. Some of the cosplayers buy
cheap raw materials and make their costume out from it. Others buy and sell their costumes and
even do rentals for a fee.
Florence Wong wrote an article about the benefit of cosplay entitled, Dress for success:
enthusiast turn hobby into business. In this article she discussed a person who makes interest
into a career and shows to other people. The person earned a lot of money just to make
customized costumes to the buyers. It requires a lot of hard work, depending on the materials
that will be using. Because of that the person will also improve his/her knowledge in creativity.
She quoted, Its not just about spending money but also it can make a lot of money if you come
up with good ideas or plan from
cosplaying.(http://www.com.cuhk.edu.hk/varsity/0405/people_costume.htm)
The researchers observe that cosplay is one of the ways of a person when they escape from
their problems. The researchers also observe that people improve their creativity and social life
when cosplaying. The researchers believe that cosplay can be helpful to a person to have a
better life.
Background info on cosplay: can help the readers to know the benefits of cosplay to help them
decide whether is to cosplay or not.
The purpose of this paper is to explain how the people benefits from cosplay towards their life.
1. How does cosplay gives benefits towards the life of the people?
To the cosplayers. The result of this research paper will improve their knowledge and attitude
towards the effects of cosplaying. It will also serve as an evaluation of the impact of cosplay in
their lives. It can also help to avoid the risks or negative effects.
To the audience and fans. The result of this research paper will provide information regarding
the effects of cosplay among the people. It will also be a guide for preparing future plans of
involving oneself in cosplay.
To the parents and relatives. The result of this research paper will be able to increase the
awareness of parents and relatives knowledge regarding the effects of cosplay. It will also be a
source of information to help them understand the cosplayers situation.
To the future researchers. The result of this research paper will serve as a reference or guide for
the researchers that will be conducting similar studies. It will also be a basis for comparison for
the development of more improved results. So that the people will be familiar with the benefits of
cosplay.
How does cosplay give benefits towards the life of the people?
I. Definition of Cosplay
Cosplay is defined as, short for "costume play". It is a type of performance art in which
participants dress in costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. The
early 90s saw the rising of cosplay into popular culture, although it probably originated initially in
Japan. It is the practice of portraying a fictional character at times completely identifying as
that character while in costume. The performers of this type of art are called "Cosplayers".
Sometimes, people who naturally look like or idolize someone whos famous mostly either an
anime character or a famous Asian Celebrity.
Molly McIsaac wrote an article entitled, What is cosplay and why do people do it? It is about
the cosplay. Its a word thats been on the lips of almost every geek. Its surrounded by
controversy, currently a major representation of the misogyny that women encounter in the geek
subculture. People love it, hate it, live it and breathe it, or merely accept it. Its a fundamental
part of conventions, and as the years have gone by cosplay has gone from the few and the
hardcore to a massive net of costume enthusiasts spreading across the globe. If a person goes
to a convention and not in a complex costume, he/she is part of the minority. Image sharing
websites like tumbler explode with cosplay photos, and it has made its way so dominantly into
pop culture that cosplay has even been trending on social websites.
Molly quoted that, It is of my own opinion that cosplay is not merely costuming, but a very
unique form of performance art. It is most widely associated with comic books, anime, video
games, and most things that are geeky in nature. It has become such a massive subculture
within the geek world at this point that is essentially synonymous with the idea of a convention
or a gathering of individuals who subscribe to more geeky
interests. (http://ifanboy.com/articles/what-is-cosplay-and-why-do-people-do-it/)
In the quote it says that cosplay is not only about wearing costumes but it requires acting when
imitating a character, since it is a kind of a performance art. The characters are usually based
on comic books or anime. Those are the things that are unusual to other people. It is the same
as the event in convention, which cosplayers attend to their unusual interests.
The knowledge of sewing, fabric and crafts netted a very coveted for cosplayers job. If you tend
to sew your own costumes, fix your own wig styles, make your own accessories props and
weapons: you can learn different skills. While having an enjoyment in cosplaying it also
improves your knowledge in creativity thus, letting your imaginations expand.
Bitter Bebang wrote an article entitled, The benefits of cosplay The article discussed that a
person can learn several skills that can be used from a persons life. This will help a person to
lived in a easy way and help confront problems.
Bebang quoted that, "You may learn new skills in arts and crafts, handle your own
finances, become more outgoing and less shy, and new aspects of yourself thus self-realization
and identity comes more easily!" (http://bitterbebang.blogspot.com/2011/10/benfits-of-
cosplay.html)
These benefits can help a person improve their life and gain more knowledge from themselves
as a cosplayer. They can use this advantage when encountering a problem. Thus it will make
their life easier and comfortable. Example they got problems in their life, they are not confident
on themselves but if they try cosplaying it will make their self overcome from being shy or
nervous. And also as a student it will make their grades good by having these benefits.
A. Entertainment
There was a time when people didnt know much about cosplay, that they have a lot of
misjudgments regarding how it is done. Cosplayers were labeled as a bunch of people wearing
silly costumes. But things have changed since cosplayers from our country became famous
because of cosplaying.
Boy Abunda wrote an article about the benefits of cosplay entitled, The face of cosplay In this
article he discussed about a certain person who made the cosplay become so famous in our
country. Because of her cosplay a lot of people was encourage also in cosplay. Meaning that
our cosplayers expand in our country. Furthermore, they entertain a lot of people and they also
inspired them.
He quoted, What Alodia finds so fascinating about cosplay is that it fuses so many different art
forms and allows people to be creative in imagination and her fascination with cosplay led so
many inspired. (http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2012-12-13/885365/alodia-face-cosplay)
Cosplay really did make an impact to the life of cosplayers and also to the people. Some
famous cosplayers did a very good job on inspiring other cosplayers of becoming good on it and
also make a lot of people to do the same thing. Because of that, more people will enhance their
skills and also will improve their social life and also cosplay helps them to achieve what theyre
dreaming of.
B. Fame
Cosplay is now becoming to be well known to several countries. Every country has different
event in cosplay. Because of that bunch of people watching in competitions in cosplaying and
also a lot of cosplayers goes by to compete with other amazing cosplayers. They compete to
get fame and to be recognized by people.
Chaka Cumberbatch wrote an article about the profit that a person can earned entitled, The
Pursuit of Cosplay Fame In this article she discussed about the profit that a person can
received when being a famous cosplayers. She tells that cosplayers that cosplay can become
famous and make a lot of fans or friends once they joined in competitions. Once a cosplayers
won in a competitions will make him/her popular and also will received good prizes.
She quoted that, Receiving some profits in cosplaying will make you become known, to play
cosplay more, and to make your relatives proud to you. (http://nerdcaliber.com/the-pursuit-of-
cosplay-fame/)
People lived to survive to poverty and to have a better life. We do everything to pursue our
dreams. The cosplay gives a lot of benefits in a person. It helps a person to become popular, to
receive incomes and to make a person happy. Therefore, because of cosplay, the cosplayer
improves their knowledge and also earned a better life.
IV. Conclusions
Being a cosplayer makes a person become creative. One can apply their talent of
creativity in cosplaying. Like for example, when making they own costumes. He/She
are the one who designs, decides what color or style it will be. Also, in cosplay they
can show your talent in acting, singing, and modeling and they dont care no matter
what other people think about them. Well, people do everything to support their
expenses in their hobby, just to have fun. So if you want to try to cosplay and theyre
a little short of budget, they might want to consider buying cheap raw materials to
make your costume, its more affordable. Therefore cosplay can develop their skills in
imagination and creativity.
Cosplaying creates fun not only to the cosplayers but also to the people who sees
them. Seeing Cosplayers will get them entertain and also be amazed by them. There
are many benefits that a person will gain by just cosplaying. While having an
enjoyment in cosplaying it also improves their knowledge in creativity thus, letting
their imaginations expand. It really has a lot of benefits that a person needs. Like
uses it to have a good social life. Making friends, their own costumes, choosing to
imitate, and choosing to wear. Even though you look weirds to other people they still
continue to cosplay because it is really fun. It is really full of excitement and
discoveries.
It is right to have a cosplay in the Philippines since the people have already
accepted that kind of culture. Children that are cosplayers and are attending cosplay
conventions must be accompanied by their parents.So that they will be guided on
what they will see in those cosplay events. And they will not have misconceptions on
cosplay. Enriching other country's culture will also enhance harmony between the
local and foreign cosplayers. Having a cosplay here in our country can also make
more tourist and can be helpful in our economy.
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
This paper attempted to know how does cosplay give benefits towards the life of the
people. The research design used in this study is the observational research method where in
the data from all the articles and documents that gathered were used to answer the questions
that is posted. The research findings are the following:
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. Cosplay is a very unique form of performance art and becoming acceptable to most of
the people.
2. Cosplay can help you improve your life and gain more knowledge.