what is cosplay

Cosplay, a portmanteau of "costume play," is an activity and performance art in which participants, called cosplayers, wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character from anime, video games, television, film, or other works of fiction. The term "cosplay" is a Japanese portmanteau of the English terms costume and play, and it was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi of Studio Hard after he attended the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles. Cosplayers are known for their versatility and strong attention to detail, combining skills such as sewing, prop building, wig styling, special effects makeup, and more to ensure everything looks according to a specific character’s design. Cosplay is not limited to specific characters and can involve non-character specific costumes like maid or school uniforms. Many cosplayers create their own costumes, while others choose to buy ready-made costumes or commission the work of tailors or other cosplay hobbyists. The community aspect of cosplay is strong, allowing for a safe, judgment-free space to have fun and be oneself. Cosplay has become immensely popular and is enjoyed by people of all ages, and it often occurs at conventions and events geared towards anime, comics, games, and sci-fi interests.