A look at Cosplay Culture

Dressing up in costumes outside of Halloween may be strange to most, but for some, it is an enjoyable pastime. The longtime hobby of cosplaying has garnered more attention recently as communities of people interested in the same media band together on the internet. Cosplay (costume playing) goes back to the 1980s with sub-cultures depending on the fanbases or fandoms the design originates from. No matter the character or design process each personality chooses, all have the same goal of appreciating the source material and expressing creativity.

The term “cosplay” was created in Japan by Nobuyuki Takahashi of Studio Hard after attending the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention (World Con) in Los Angeles, California. It centers around anime and manga characters with people trying to emulate the persona through their costumes. The hobby requires many skills, such as make-up, sewing, wig styling, and much emphasis on detail. When finished, these fans congregate online by posting their outfits or meeting at a convention center.

During these conventions, or cons, cosplayers may walk and purchase merchandise to support an artist catering to the fanbase. Other activities include taking pictures in costume, watching upcoming screenings for a show’s new content, competing in cosplay contests, watching a panel of creators or voice actors interact with the audience, or performing in ensembles in scheduled acts. However, conventions can be costly, accounting for tickets, traveling, merchandise, and possible hotel expenses.

The social media app TikTok has opened the door for a new generation of cosplayers to show off their talents. It eventually formed a large following on the site, known as cosplay TikTok -shortened to “Cos-Tok”. However, the community turned sour and unwelcoming as TikTok users began nitpicking cosplays and comparing them despite each person’s different resources. It became less acceptable to make adjustments that cater to the individual, like unique make-up or accessories. Doing so became connected to gen-z cosplayers and their inexperience.

The goal of cosplaying on Tik Tok came to being seen as the human counterpart or “canon,” being as close to the source material as possible. The harassment continued with the app, which caused other platforms to see it negatively and post elsewhere. A common example includes cosplayers dressing as a character of a different race and ethnicity from their own, diverging from the original design.

TikTok has also been responsible for establishing a fandom’s rise in popularity and more favorable characters becoming trendy to cosplay. When Stranger Things season 4 introduced the new supporting character Eddie Munson, viewers strongly grew attached to him. It became a craze to sport his attire of a sleeveless jean jacket above a white shirt branded with his fictional Dungeons and Dragons party called The Hellfire Club. Mainstream characters have become a staple in cosplay culture as many recognize outfits representing characters like Junko Enoshima from the problem-solving visual novel Danganronpa and her series of hand movements dubbed Junko Posing.

There is a multitude of people who have connected and formed various friendships through cosplay. The hobby introduces a creative outlet anyone can enjoy at any time or age group. As the internet continues to support its growth, the tradition of dressing up will birth more relationships lasting lifetimes.

Written by Isabella Cournyea  | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published November 7, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature