COSPLAY

Cosplay (コスプレ, kosupure) is the Japanese word for dressing up like a Japanese character. Cosplay is popular in places like Tokyo's Harajuku district.

The word Cosplay from the joining of two English words "costume" and "play". Typically Japanese will dress as their favourite character from manga, anime, video games, J Rock or pop band or movie.

Cosplay involves dressing in very elaborate costumes, normally made by themselves, with other people who like to do the same thing. While the cosplay is normally done for themselves, it has become a public spectacle in places like Harajuku, where interested members of public, mainly western tourist, come to take pictures. At times there can be more photographers than there are cosplayers.

Cosplay in Harajuku, Tokyo

Since 1998, Tokyo's Akihabara district has contained a large number of cosplay cafés, catering to devoted anime and cosplay fans. The waitresses at such cafés dress as game or anime characters; maid costumes are particularly popular. There is a large range of Maid Cafes.

Cosplay in Harajuku, Tokyo

Cosplay Photographs - Cosplay Pictures

We have many more cosplay pictures in Japan Picture Gallery.

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