Cosplay

Cosplay, short for costume play, is a hobby in which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character. Participants may sew costumes, craft props, dye wigs, apply makeup, and perform or pose as their chosen character. The activity spans a wide range of media, including anime, manga, comics, video games, movies, and original designs.

The practice originated in Japan during the 1980s and was influenced by fans of popular media attending conventions and swapping costume ideas. The term cosplay was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi in 1984, combining costume and play. Cosplay gained global visibility in the 1990s and 2000s with the rise of fan conventions and online communities, expanding beyond Japan to a worldwide following.

Cosplayers use a range of skills and materials, from simple outfits to elaborate armors and props, often employing sewing, foam smithing, thermoplastics, 3D printing, painting, and weathering. Wigs, makeup, and styling complete the look. Safety considerations include prop handling, weapon laws, and costume regulations at events. Costumes may be based on characters from anime, manga, comics, video games, movies, or original designs. Some participants join contests or masquerades, while others enjoy dressing up for photoshoots and socializing within the community.

Conventions and online communities host tutorials, meetups, and cosplayer showcases. Discussions on cosplay cover craftsmanship, character accuracy, body positivity, copyright, and ethics in portraying characters. The practice remains a global hobby with diverse styles and levels of complexity.