What Is Cosplay? A Global Beginner's Guide to Anime Costumes in 2025
News /
10/25/2025
Cosplay is a popular and creative activity with a rich history and culture. The following is a global beginner's guide to anime costumes in 2025 about it:
What Exactly is Cosplay?
Cosplay is the abbreviation of "costume play". It generally refers to the activity of using clothing, props, makeup, and styling to restore a certain character or a certain plot in animation, comics, games, and other works in reality. It is not merely about wearing clothes to resemble a character; the essence is to achieve both physical and spiritual resemblance to the character.
The Origin and Development of Cosplay
- Origin: The origin of cosplay can be traced back to the interpretation of myths, legends, and folk anecdotes. The Mickey Mouse 扮演者 in Disneyland, USA, is the real originator of modern cosplay. In 1947, after the comic New Treasure Island made Japan's ACG market prosperous, the cosplay activities of Disney were introduced into Japan and imitated by enthusiasts.
- Development: In the late 1960s, characters from works like Star Trek participated in science fiction conventions in the United States. Later, various ACG-related events in Japan had cosplay. Cosplay contests began to be held after 1978. In 1984, at the World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles, USA, Japanese animator Takashi Takahashi officially named this performative art "cosplay". It was introduced into Hong Kong, China, in 1993 and the Chinese mainland in 2003. In 2008, it was included in the Oxford Dictionary.
How to Get Started with Cosplay
- Choose a Character: Select a character you love. It can be from your favorite anime, manga, game, movie, etc. When choosing, consider your own characteristics and preferences. It doesn't matter if it doesn't match the character's gender, age, body shape, etc. Cosplay is about having fun.
- Prepare the Costume: You can make the costume by yourself or buy it. If making it yourself, you need to prepare materials such as fabric, sewing supplies, craft foam, and paint. Pay attention to the details and restoration degree of the costume.
- Prepare Props: Props are an important part of cosplay, which can enhance the sense of character. For example, a sword for a swordsman character or a magic wand for a magician character. You can make simple props according to the character's characteristics.
- Makeup and Styling: Do makeup and hairstyling according to the character's image. This part is also crucial to restoring the character's image. You can learn makeup techniques through online tutorials and other means.
The Significance and Value of Cosplay
- Self-expression: Cosplay allows people to transform into their favorite characters, showing their love for the characters and works, and expressing their personalities and creativity.
- Community Building: Cosplay brings together people with the same hobbies, forming a community. Enthusiasts can communicate, learn from each other, and share experiences and skills in the community.
- Promotion of Cultural Exchange: Cosplay plays an active role in promoting the spread of ACG culture and promoting cultural exchanges. It enables more people to understand different cultural works and promotes the development of the cultural industry.
