Have you heard about Cosplay before? I hope you had. But if you don't, here's the definition of cosplay (according to Web Urban dictionary and Wikipedia):
The word cosplay is actually from the word "costume" and "role play". It can be described as a performance art from the participant called the "cosplayers". The cosplayers will be wearing costume and fashion accessories to represent a specific fictional character which mostly derived from manga and anime, comic books and cartoons, video games, live-action adaptation films and television series.
Examples of cosplay photos taken during a local cosplay event/gathering.
(Photo credit by E.Eve & the anonymous cosplayers)
 |
Cosplay characters: Itachi Uchiha from Naruto (left), Kurosaki Ichigo from Bleach (right)
Cosplayer name: NIL |
 |
Cosplay characters: Joker, Robinhood, Wonderwoman, and some character that I don't recognized, sorry T.T
Cosplayer name: NIL |
 |
Cosplay characters: Kamen rider and some character that I don't recognized, sorry T.T
Cosplayer name: NIL |
The 'originality' term of 'cosplay' has always been debated on the internet of which to decide whether it is first came from Japan or the Western. Oh well, I really don't care who first done it or whatsoever, as the term itself brings out the joy for the people who practicing it.
For your information, cosplay activity is very popular and is
being widely practiced in Asian and Western countries, nowadays. The concept of "Positive cosplay" is practiced whereby people from various level of ages, communities, and genders are all allowed in this activity so everyone can cosplay happily without the fear of 'bad perception' from others.
In a cosplay fan gathering, you can freely cosplay as your favorite fictional character and showcase your costume. You'll also be able to interact and build network with the rest of community who has similar hobby as you and take part in various activity i.e. cosplay competition, performance and games. Pretty exciting, right?
 |
| The first cosplay event that I've attended in 2014. It was such an eye-opener for a first-timer like myself. |
Sadly, there are a lot of people who do not understand what cosplay is. Be noted that some people may label the cosplayers as a weirdo who does "geek" things. This kind of perception seriously need to change. Cosplay event is one of a mean to change public perception about cosplay. I would like to give around of applause to cosplay organizers who had successfully organize the cosplay event, be it locally or internationally. Through cosplay event, people will get some idea about what cosplay is and will slowly develop better understanding towards the cosplayers.
Another thing that is interesting about cosplay is one's can gain popularity through cosplay. Often those with the talent and ability to make her/his costume has bringing the cosplay to the next level i.e. cosplay modelling. Cosplayers who used to participate in cosplay event would possibly be assigned to an agency models. If you're lucky enough, that is. Some cosplayers have thus transformed their hobby into profitable, professional careers. A cosplay model, also known as cosplay idol, cosplays costumes for anime and manga or video game companies. Good cosplayers are view as fictional characters in the flesh, in much the same way that film actors come to be identified in the public mind with specific roles. One example of cosplay idol is
Alodia Almira Gosiengfiao from the Philippines. She is the cosplay circle net founder and has often became an ambassador for cosplay/anime-related work event. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think she is crowned as the Cosplay queen and every cosplayer idolized her (including me).
Personally, I opined cosplay is an interesting hobby that one's can have. Plus, it's an expensive hobby that you can have.
Thanks for reading.
