コスプレkosupure
Quick definition:Cosplay is the hobby of dressing up as a character from anime, manga, games or films, usually with a handmade or carefully assembled costume, make-up and props.
Meaning
Cosplay, short for costume play, is the practice of dressing up as a fictional character and often acting like them. People who do it are called cosplayers. Costumes range from simple outfits to elaborate armour, wigs and props made from foam, fabric and paint, and many cosplayers spend weeks or months crafting a single outfit.
The hobby is a major part of fan conventions around the world. Cosplayers pose for photos, join parades and take part in competitions that judge craftsmanship and performance. Characters from anime and manga are popular choices, but games, comics, films and television are all used. Many people value the community and creativity as much as the final costume.
Etiquette has become an important part of the culture. Fans are encouraged to ask before taking photos, to respect personal space, and to remember that a costume is never an invitation for unwanted attention. Many conventions display clear rules to keep events friendly.
Origin:Cosplay is a blend of the English words costume and play, shortened and combined in Japan into kosupure. The word was coined in Japan in the 1980s and has since spread to fan communities worldwide, where it is now used as an English word in its own right, along with cosplayer for the people who take part.
Example:At an anime convention, one fan arrives in a bright wig and a replica of a magical girl's outfit, carrying a prop wand built from craft foam. Another wears a long coat and sword inspired by a fantasy hero. They pose for photos, compare how they made their costumes and meet others dressed as characters from the same series. Did you know?The World Cosplay Summit, held in Japan, brings representatives from many countries to compete on stage, showing how a hobby that began as fan gatherings has become an international event with national qualifying rounds.
