I honestly can’t remember the last time we were able to showcase an international cosplay show here on Kotaku. It would definitely have to have been before 2020. So it’s lovely to be able to turn our attention internationally once again with this feature on Japan Expo 2022, which was held in Bangkok a few months back.
This post first appeared on Kotaku Australia on March 30, 2022. It has been retimed as a weekend read.
These photos and videos are thus the result of a collaboration between local photographer Nathalang (who took all the shots and footage) and our usual man-on-the-beat Mineralblu (who put the 10-minute video together). Below you’ll find a video, as well as a gallery of photos, with each cosplayer’s details watermarked on their image.
Think Halloween costume but all year-round and then dial it up to 11 – that sort of comes close to what cosplay is. Here’s everything you need to know about the cosplay sensation that’s storming the world!
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What Is Cosplay?
Cosplay is the act of dressing up as a character or concept. People who do it regularly are called ‘cosplayers’. Cosplayers may also go above and beyond copying their character’s outfits – they might even ‘role-play’ as characters, copying their mannerisms and gestures.
Cosplay, both of anime characters and live action shows, has become quite popular.
Instagram.
When And Where Did Cosplay Start?
Although the term was coined in the 1980s, the practice of cosplaying has its roots in early 15th century carnivales where people dressed up as objects, concepts, famous historical figures, or popular characters from fiction or stage plays.
Cosplay as we know it today (or fan costuming) started at the 1st World Science Fiction Convention. Contemporary cosplay follows in this tradition and is often done at comic or pop culture conventions, like at San Diego Comic-Con.
Now, with shows like Marvel’s WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, cosplay is getting becoming more and more mainstream.
How Does Cosplay Work?
One of the aims of cosplay is to portray a character. You can do this ‘accurately’ by copying a character’s exact look, down to the details. You can also put your own creative spin on it! Cosplayers achieve their looks through a mixture of costumes, wigs, accessories, and props.
Is Cosplay Trendy Now In 2022?
Even as recent as 15 or 20 years, all things ‘geeky’ like comics and cosplaying were considered a little uncool. But today, the cosplay community is bigger than ever. Not only are more people getting into cosplay, but cosplay itself is becoming more and more lucrative.
A lot of top-tier cosplayers like Enji Night, Hana Bunny, or Jessica Nigri have made cosplaying their career. They get paid to dress up, attend cons, and even promote brands!
chibikaty cosplay
Chibikaty cosplaying as Megumin from Konosuba
Instagram.
How Old Is The Average Cosplayer?
There are cosplayers of all ages! A lot of people start out cosplaying when they’re young, but you’ll also find older people (some with families of their own) attending cosplay events and dressing up.
