“Cosplay“, the contraction of ‘costume play’, is a performance in which enthusiasts dress up like characters. The characters can be fictional or real, from history, politics, tv, or even advertisements. If you can picture it, you can produce a costume to represent it. Lots of variation may come into play, with cosplayers interjecting new styles into their costumes, or even swapping a role’s gender.

Those who participate in cosplay are often devoted supporters of the media inspiring their costumes. Alternatively, a show or game’s creator might hire someone to put on an outfit to market their newest products, or a fashion designer may relish the process of a costume’s unique construction. Even so, most cosplayers are amateurs who get involved for the fun of it, rather than industry pros shelling out countless hours and thousands of dollars on each costume.

By far the largest number of cosplayers are anime associated. In the usa, they often gather in the different anime exhibitions which are held across the nation, though they are found at comic book and science fiction events as well. Those in costume mill about, stopping for photographs and revealing their costumes. While in the convention, most will take part in costume contests, arrange to have their pictures taken professionally, and participate in a general costume parade.

Cosplayers can foster a sense of belonging and togetherness via the personal and professional connections they are able to make. Many will find everything they are looking for.