Cosplay Costumes Online

In Japan, cosplay or kosupure (short for costume play) is one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Individuals, otherwise known as otakus – fans of this genre – take on the roles of their favorite characters from mangas (Japanese comic books), animes (animated Japanese cartoon shows), graphic novels, hentai, video games and fantasy movies.

The term alone is a broad overview of a much wider and more diverse culture, where these cosplayers or reiyas devote time and effort into perfecting their roles. It is not uncommon to see these individuals in public places like Tokyo’s Harajuku district for it is considered a popular meeting ground. Attention to detail from simple to elaborate wigs, make-up and costumes – many of which are hand-crafted – are the highlights of observing cosplayers as a first time visitor to the city. However, even though there are a wide range of characters, the most popular ones, and fan favorites, are maid and high-school girl uniforms.

Another popular trend amongst reiyas is the smoky-eyed look; most commonly seen with those who prefer the Lolita fashion. Although Western culture attributes the role of Lolitas to underage girls, in Japan, it is not regarded that way. Those engaged in Lolita fashion do not see themselves as cosplayers, but distinct trendsetters who take great pride in their craft, ranging from Gothic to Punk. However, the inspiration for their look comes from the Victorian era, and the ensemble is mostly composed of a dress or skirt of knee-length, a headdress, petticoat, blouse, knee-high socks and platform shoes. Lolita fashion, in Japan, was believed to have started in the 1960s, and today many high-end boutiques have devoted sections to this growing trend.

Another instance where one might see ‘costumes’ on the streets of Japan, is during the Coming-of-Age Day festivities. This is held annually on the second Monday of January, and it is a time when young people who have reached the age of 20, are officially recognized as adult members of society. Young women can be seen wearing brightly-colored furisode (a style of kimono with long sleeves) and zori sandals. Since these outfits are considered expensive, and a little difficult to wear, the women either borrow them from relatives, rent them and prefer to get prepared in local beauty salons. For the men, the traditional dark kimono with hakama is sometimes seen, although many now prefer to wear Western suits.

Last year the cosplay party hosted by Japan Society in New York City was a smashing hit with over 500 revelers who adorned costumes of their favorite anime, manga, and video game characters. Come May 15^th 2010 and you have the chance to attend Cosplay Part 2.0 which is definitely going to be bigger than the first. This year you can expect to enjoy yourself all day long with a big screen presentation of Evangelion 1.1, the anime film.

Enjoy free access to Japan Society’s exhibition Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters. Enter the costume competition and you have a chance to win prizes courtesy Kinokuniya Bookstore. The event is to be hosted by Uncle Yo and the judges include participants from World Cosplay Summit 2009 Team USA. Japan Society’s mangaka artist-in-residence will be the guest judge at the competition. Be an early bird and you have the chance to meet, and observe Mr. Otsuka as he creates a comic book based on Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters.

The j-Lounge at Japan Society is the place to be if you want to enjoy a variety of sweet & savory snacks, and of course, Japanese, and western drinks. The exhibition Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters features Japanese prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, known as the grandfather of contemporary manga and anime, from the Arthur R. Miller Collection. The exhibition runs through till June 13.

If you want to enter the contest, registration starts at 14:00 hrs, while the party rolls on from 15:00 hrs. To compete in the competition you need to have a cosplay costume from 1) Anime/Manga/Film/US Comics, 2) Videos Games, or 3) Original/Kuniyoshi/Other. You cannot use costumes rented or purchased from stores, except for props. Group entries are welcome. The lucky winner gets a $200 gift certificate from Kinokuniya Bookstore, runner up a $100 gift certificate from Kinokuniya Bookstore, while the third spot gets a gift certificate courtesy Kinokuniya Bookstore. If you want auditorium seating then you need to be among the first 200 ticket buyers and purchase tickets @$15 for members and $20 for guests. Others will have to watch the event live on plasma screens in the foyer.

The feature film Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone is a stunning rebuild of Hideaki Anno’s anime masterpiece that showcases otaku culture. The film takes you into the future where the megalopolis Tokyo-3 is the only city standing after civilization has been destroyed in the Second Impact. Tormented teenager Shinji Ikari comes to the rescue of the city to fight the onslaught of the creatures from another world who are out to eliminate the human race. Be there if you want to have a great time.

Cosplay is a world famous culture and performing art which originated in Japan and has gained popularity in Indonesia, Malaysia, China, United States and many other parts of the world. This moniker was coined from the two words costume and play. Since it is a performance art, costumes play an invincible role. As the name Cosplay implies, here actors dress up exactly like the character or theme they portray on stage. Cosplay artists mostly replicate mythological, fiction series characters from movies, book series or games and cartoon characters.

Cosplay is gaining momentum and many budding artists are trying to launch a career by attending various Cosplay competitions which are conducted in anime conventions. The Madman National Cosplay Competition which happens in Australia every year is one such place where aspiring cosplayers convene to participate by acting in their own plays wearing the perfect costume and accessories to portray their character. Originality, attention to detail and creativity are three basic parameters which Cosplay artists should always keep in mind. The contestants will be evaluated both by the judges and by the fans and winners become very successful and famous. Cosplay generates lots of business opportunities in various forms. Cosmode and Dengeki Layers are very popular Cosplay magazines in Japan. MTV airs some episodes dedicated to the art of Cosplay in the series True Life. Cosplay costumes, accessories and make up are manufactured and sold.

Some renowned cosplayers are Li or Pimlink as we all know who lived as Zelda from ‘The Legend of Zelda’ series and C. J. Collins has earned millions of fans for his role of Refka of the Final Fantasy series. The popularly elected Taiwanese President Lee Teng Hui dressed as Heihachi Edajima from the series Sakigake. A Japanese entrepreneur who was scheduled to be the fourth private space tourist wished to dress as Char Aznable Gundam. The Canadian talk show ‘Ed’s Night Party’s’ Liana Kerzner is well known for her sexy Cosplay costumes and attends many anime conventions in North America.

Cosplay is not simply following your idol character in features, dressing and accessories but it also involves performing like the character and replicating their actions. This means you cannot just choose any theme or idea and base your Cosplay act on it, but need to know the intricacies of the character. Do you think you have it in you to become a cosplayer? Explore your interests and start getting dressed!!!