Cosplay

Cosplay is a term that originated in Japan and is based on the English words “Costume Play”, essentially play with costumes.

In Japan, cosplay is not only limited to anime or manga, but also a staple of many other entertainment industries, such as science fiction and horror. In North America, the term cosplay is reserved for animes related costume.

It is common for cosplay to be divided into two categories: basic cosplay and masquerade. Basic cosplay is related to a particular character, either in the hall of a convention or on a stage. Masquerade is another character. They often prepared skits with memorized lines, and the more advanced masqueraders can easily ad-lib their character’s personality.

At present, anime cosplay has become very popular among fans in Japan and North America. Some cosplayers also make their own costumes, investing large numbers of time and money in the process, but others buy their costumes from professional costume designers. The final products can be generally shown off at Anime conventions. Many Anime conventions have contests for Cosplay and Masquerade. 

Nowadyas, some successful cosplayers have become very popular and are considered celebrities in their own right.