The History of International Cosplay Day
International Cosplay Day is observed annually on the last Saturday of August. The day was established to celebrate the art of cosplay, where fans of movies, television shows, anime, manga, video games, and other pop culture phenomena dress up as their favorite characters. The term "cosplay" itself is a blend of the words "costume" and "play," and it originated in Japan during the 1980s. However, the practice has spread globally, with enthusiasts from all over the world participating in cosplay events and conventions.
International Cosplay Day was first observed in 2010, initiated by a group of cosplayers who wanted to create a day dedicated solely to the art form. The observance quickly gained traction, with events and gatherings held in various countries, including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many others. While the primary observance is on the last Saturday of August, some countries and regions may celebrate on different dates, often aligning with local conventions or events.
Where is International Cosplay Day Observed?
United States: The day is widely celebrated across the country, with events often held in conjunction with comic conventions or standalone cosplay gatherings.
Japan: As the birthplace of cosplay, Japan holds numerous events, especially in Tokyo and Osaka, where the cosplay culture is vibrant.
United Kingdom: Cosplay enthusiasts in the UK celebrate the day with meetups, photo shoots, and participation in local conventions.
Canada: Canadian cosplayers participate in events in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, often in collaboration with comic conventions.
Australia: In Australia, cosplay is celebrated with events in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, where the cosplay community is growing.
Variants, Other Names, and Related Observances
Cosplay Day: A simpler name sometimes used interchangeably with International Cosplay Day.
World Cosplay Summit: An annual cosplay competition held in Nagoya, Japan, which gathers top cosplayers from around the world.
National Cosplay Day: Some countries may have their own versions of a cosplay day that aligns with local conventions.
Related observances:
Comic-Con International: A major event where cosplay is a central activity, held annually in San Diego.
Anime Expo: Another significant event where cosplay is celebrated, held annually in Los Angeles.
MCM Comic Con: Held in London, this event is one of the largest cosplay gatherings in the UK.
Facts About International Cosplay Day
Cosplay Origins: The practice of dressing up as characters dates back to the 1930s in the United States, where attendees at science fiction conventions wore costumes. The term "cosplay" was coined by Japanese reporter Nobuyuki Takahashi in 1984.
Global Participation: Cosplay is popular worldwide, with participants from countries as diverse as Brazil, South Korea, and South Africa.
World Cosplay Summit: Japan hosts the World Cosplay Summit annually, bringing together top cosplayers from around the globe to compete for the title of World Champion.
Professional Cosplayers: Some cosplayers have turned their hobby into a career, earning money through sponsorships, appearances, and social media.
Cosplay and Craftsmanship: Many cosplayers create their costumes from scratch, using materials like EVA foam, Worbla (a thermoplastic), and fabric. The craftsmanship involved is often highly intricate.
Temperature Challenges: Cosplayers often face temperature challenges, especially in heavy, elaborate costumes. At summer conventions, temperatures can soar above 30°C, making hydration and cooling methods essential.
Cosplay Diversity: While anime and manga characters are popular choices, cosplayers also dress as characters from Western comics, movies, TV shows, and even historical figures.
Gender-Bending Cosplay: "Crossplay" or gender-bending cosplay involves cosplayers dressing as characters of the opposite gender, adding a creative twist to traditional costumes.
Cosplay Competitions: Many conventions host cosplay competitions where participants are judged on costume accuracy, craftsmanship, and performance.
Group Cosplay: Group cosplay involves multiple cosplayers dressing as characters from the same series, often creating a visually striking ensemble.
Cosplay Photography: Photography plays a significant role in cosplay, with many cosplayers collaborating with photographers to capture high-quality images of their work.
Cosplay Charities: Some cosplayers use their costumes for charitable purposes, visiting hospitals and participating in fundraising events dressed as beloved characters.
Cosplay in Popular Culture: Cosplay has been featured in movies and TV shows, including the documentary "Cosplay Melee" and the reality series "Heroes of Cosplay."
Cosplay Etiquette: The cosplay community emphasizes etiquette, with common rules including asking for permission before taking photos and respecting personal boundaries.
Historical Cosplay: Some cosplayers take inspiration from historical figures or eras, creating accurate costumes from periods such as the Renaissance or Victorian era.
Cosplay and Social Media: Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become central to the cosplay community, where cosplayers share tutorials, photos, and videos.
Cosplay Conventions: Some conventions are entirely dedicated to cosplay, such as the Cosplay Mania event in the Philippines.
Age Inclusivity: Cosplay is an inclusive hobby, with participants ranging from young children to older adults, and many families participate together.
Cosplay and Pop Culture: The popularity of certain characters often rises and falls with the release of new movies, shows, or games, influencing cosplay trends.
Cosplay as Performance Art: Beyond just wearing a costume, many cosplayers engage in performance art, embodying the character’s personality and mannerisms during conventions and competitions.
Controversies Surrounding International Cosplay Day
While International Cosplay Day is a joyful celebration, it is not without controversies:
Cultural Appropriation: Some cosplayers have faced criticism for wearing costumes that are seen as cultural appropriation, particularly when dressing as characters from different ethnic backgrounds.
Body Shaming: The cosplay community has dealt with issues of body shaming, where cosplayers are criticized for not fitting the perceived physical mold of certain characters.
Cosplay and Consent: The phrase "Cosplay is not Consent" emerged to combat harassment, emphasizing that wearing a costume does not give others the right to invade personal space or make inappropriate comments.
Gender Representation: Some critics argue that the portrayal of certain characters in cosplay can reinforce gender stereotypes, especially in the case of over-sexualized female characters.
Costume Ownership: Debates have arisen over the ownership of costume designs, especially when professional cosplayers or costume makers see their work copied or sold without permission.
Conventional Beauty Standards: There is ongoing discussion about how conventional beauty standards influence which cosplayers receive the most attention or recognition, potentially sidelining those who do not fit these norms.
Environmental Concerns: The use of synthetic materials and the disposal of costumes after use have raised environmental concerns within the cosplay community.
Cosplay Gatekeeping: Some members of the community engage in gatekeeping, where they dismiss or criticize others for not adhering to specific standards or interpretations of characters.
Commercialization: The increasing commercialization of cosplay, with more focus on sponsorships and monetization, has led to debates about whether the original spirit of the hobby is being lost.
Inclusivity Issues: There are ongoing efforts to make the cosplay community more inclusive, particularly for cosplayers of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, who have sometimes felt marginalized.
Language Expressions Related to International Cosplay Day
"Cosplayer": A person who engages in the activity of cosplay.
"Crossplay": Cosplay where a person dresses as a character of the opposite gender.
"Canon": The officially accepted facts and events within a fictional universe, often referred to when discussing costume accuracy.
"Fandom": A community of fans who share a common interest in a particular series, movie, or character.
"Prop": Any accessory or object that is part of a cosplay costume, such as a weapon, staff, or shield.
"Wigging": The process of styling and wearing wigs as part of a cosplay costume.
"Con Crunch": The last-minute rush to finish a costume before a convention.
"Armor Builds": Costumes that involve creating armor pieces, often made from materials like EVA foam or Worbla.
"Sewing Patterns": Templates used by cosplayers to create the fabric components of their costumes.
"Performance Cosplay": When cosplayers not only dress as a character but also perform skits or scenes as part of a competition or event.
The Future of International Cosplay Day
As the cosplay community continues to grow and evolve, the observance of International Cosplay Day may see several developments:
Virtual Participation: With the rise of online platforms, future observances may include more virtual events, allowing global participation regardless of location.
Sustainable Cosplay: The community may increasingly focus on sustainability, encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials and recycling old costumes.
Inclusivity Initiatives: Efforts to make the cosplay community more inclusive may lead to a broader representation of diverse characters and participants.
Educational Workshops: Future observances might include more educational workshops, both online and in-person, teaching cosplay skills like sewing, prop-making, and performance.
Cosplay as Career: As cosplay gains more recognition, we may see a rise in professional opportunities, with more cosplayers turning their hobby into a full-time career.
Collaborative Projects: Collaborative projects across countries and cultures could become more common, with cosplayers working together on themed group cosplays or international events.
Recognition of Craftsmanship: There may be greater emphasis on recognizing and rewarding the craftsmanship involved in creating elaborate and detailed costumes.
Interactive Experiences: The future may bring more interactive experiences at conventions, such as virtual reality cosplay or immersive environments tailored to specific fandoms.
Cross-Cultural Exchange: The day could serve as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, where cosplayers share traditions, characters, and styles from different cultures.
Health and Well-Being: As awareness of the physical and mental health challenges associated with cosplay increases, future observances may include resources and support for maintaining well-being in the community.
Movies About or Related to International Cosplay Day
Cosplay Melee (2017) (TV Series)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt6684300/ (Note: A reality competition series where cosplayers create and compete with their costumes.)
Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope (2011)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt1605782/ (Note: A documentary exploring the world of Comic-Con and the role of cosplay within it.)
Heroes of Cosplay (2013)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt3066246/ (Note: A reality TV series that follows cosplayers as they prepare for competitions.)
Ready Player One (2018)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt1677720/ (Note: A sci-fi adventure film featuring a virtual world where characters dress up and interact as their favorite pop culture icons.)
Fanboys (2009)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0489049/ (Note: A comedy film about a group of friends who are passionate about Star Wars, often dressing up in costumes.)
Spirited Away (2001)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/ (Note: A popular anime film that has inspired countless cosplayers around the world.)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0446029/ (Note: A cult favorite film that blends video game culture with comic book aesthetics, inspiring many cosplays.)
Zootopia (2016)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt2948356/ (Note: An animated film featuring anthropomorphic animals, a common theme in cosplay.)
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt1772341/ (Note: A film about video game characters that has become a popular choice for cosplayers.)
The Fifth Element (1997)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0119116/ (Note: A sci-fi film known for its iconic costumes, frequently seen in cosplay communities.)
References
www.cosplaycentral.com/features/article/international-cosplay-day-2022
www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2021/08/28-1/international-cosplay-day-heres-what-cosplay-means-to-me
www.thecosplayshow.com/blog/2022/8/29/international-cosplay-day-a-global-celebration-of-creativity
www.animecons.com/news/post/1395/international-cosplay-day-announced
www.japanpowered.com/otaku-culture/international-cosplay-day-a-celebration-of-fandom