Cosplay facts for kids

Wikipe-tan cosplay.

Cosplay (コスプレ, kosupure) is a fun hobby where people dress up as characters. The word "cosplay" is short for "costume play." A person who does this is called a Cosplayer.

Cosplayers often try to look like characters from Japanese anime, manga, or video games. They might also dress up as characters from Japanese rock bands or J-Pop groups. It's not just about wearing a costume. Cosplayers often try to act like the characters too! This can include speaking like them or saying famous lines.

What is Cosplay?

Cosplay is all about bringing your favorite characters to life. People who cosplay spend a lot of time making their outfits. They pay attention to every detail. This includes everything from the character's hair to their shoes.

There are different ways to enjoy cosplay. Some people just like to dress up for fun. They might wear their costumes to parties or special events. Other cosplayers take part in competitions. These events are often called "The Masquerade."

Cosplay Competitions

In a cosplay competition, cosplayers show off their amazing skills. They are judged on how well they made their costumes. They also perform short skits or acts as their characters. These competitions are a great way to see incredible costumes and performances.

Where is Cosplay Popular?

Cosplay started in Japan. However, it has become popular all over the world! Many countries have large cosplay communities. This is because Japanese animation, movies, and pop culture are loved worldwide.

You can find many cosplayers in places like Malaysia, China, the United States, Indonesia, and the Philippines. People everywhere enjoy dressing up as their favorite characters.

Cosplay Events and Communities

Cosplay communities often hold special events. These can be parties, meet-ups, or large conventions. At these events, cosplayers can meet others who share their hobby. They can show off their new costumes and take pictures.

Some cosplayers become very well-known. They are famous among fans of anime, manga, and video games. These events are a great place to see many different costumes in one spot.

Images for kids

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  Cosplayers at Yukicon 2014, a fan convention in Finland

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  Three cosplayers at the Comic Con in Long Beach 2014, representing a Star Trek character, the superheroine Wonder Woman (DC comics universe) and supervillain Loki (Marvel comics universe)

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  A Mr. Skygack – an early modern costuming or cosplay outfit, Washington state, 1912

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  Forrest J Ackerman and Morojo at the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in "futuricostumes" designed and sewed by Morojo

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  Costuming at the 1982 San Diego Comic-Con.

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  Madoka Kaname and Kyubey from Puella Magi Madoka Magica during Tracon 2013 event at the Tampere Hall in Tampere, Finland

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  A model cosplaying Ciri, a main character of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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  Monogatari series cosplayers at Nippombashi Street Festa 2014

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  The four voice actresses of the Japanese manga/media franchise Milky Holmes reenacting the famous cover of the Beatles album Abbey Road (1969) during their London visit in 2010

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  In 2011, four cosplayers imitate the above scene (a meme) during the Manga convention Paris Manga 2012 at a zebra crossing in Paris

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  A crowd including many cosplayers at Comiket 84 in 2013

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  A cosplayer at the 2011 Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong contest dressed as a character from Gantz

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  Aria H. Kanzaki from Aria the Scarlet Ammo by a crossplayer from New Zealand

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  "Cosplay Is Not Consent" sign at the 2014 New York Comic Con.

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  The Jingūbashi (Jingu Bridge) which passes over the Yamanote Line south of Harajuku Station, Tokyo, at the Meiji Shrine gate is a famous gathering place for cosplayers. Pictured, a group of people dressed as visual kei style musicians in 2006

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  Willy Wonka (from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and the Mad Hatter (from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) at the 2013 London Comic Con

See also

In Spanish: Cosplay para niños