Why is it Called Cosplay?
Cosplay, a portmanteau of "costume play," is an activity and performance art where participants, known as cosplayers, wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character. This practice has evolved into a significant cultural phenomenon, especially within the realms of anime, manga, comic books, video games, and other forms of media. To understand why it is called cosplay, we need to delve into its etymology, history, and cultural impact.
Etymology and Origin
The term "cosplay" was coined in 1984 by Nobuyuki Takahashi, founder of Studio Hard, after he attended the 42nd World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Los Angeles. Impressed by the masquerade ball, Takahashi reported on the event in the Japanese magazine *My Anime*, combining the words "costume" and "play" to describe the phenomenon he witnessed. This new term quickly gained popularity in Japan and subsequently spread to other parts of the world.
Historical Context
Cosplay's roots can be traced back to various historical practices of dressing up in costumes for entertainment or ceremonial purposes:
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Masquerade Balls: These became popular in the 15th century, particularly in Italy during the Renaissance. These elaborate events often involved participants dressing up as famous historical figures, objects, or fictional characters.
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Costume Parties: In the 19th century, costume or fancy-dress parties became popular in Britain, featuring mostly generic costumes representing national costumes or abstract concepts.
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Fan Costuming: The modern practice of fan costuming began at science fiction conventions. The first documented instance of fan costuming was at the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in New York City in 1939, where attendees wore "futuristic costumes".
Evolution of Cosplay
The practice of cosplay as we know it today began to take shape in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in Japan. The first documented case of costuming at a fan event in Japan occurred in Hakone, where attendees dressed up based on cover art from science fiction works. By the 1990s, cosplay had become a significant aspect of fan conventions and pop culture events worldwide.
Cultural Impact
Cosplay has grown into a global phenomenon with a vibrant subculture. It is not just about wearing costumes; it involves embodying the characters, adopting their mannerisms, and often participating in performances or competitions. Cosplay events, such as the World Cosplay Summit, attract thousands of participants and spectators from around the world, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of cosplayers.
Cosplay Today
Today, cosplay is a popular hobby among people of all genders and ages. It has become a significant aspect of popular culture, with dedicated conventions, competitions, and social networks centered around cosplay activities. Cosplayers often source their costumes from various methods, including purchasing ready-made outfits from online stores like CrazeCosplay.com, commissioning custom pieces, or creating their own costumes from scratch.
Role of Online Communities
The rise of the internet has significantly impacted the cosplay community, allowing cosplayers to connect, share their work, and collaborate on projects. Online platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and specialized cosplay forums provide spaces for cosplayers to discuss techniques, share progress, and organize group cosplays.
CrazeCosplay.com
CrazeCosplay.com is an online store specializing in anime cosplay costumes, wigs, and accessories. While it is not a community platform, it serves as a resource for cosplayers looking to purchase ready-made costumes or accessories. However, potential buyers should be aware of varying product quality, customer service experiences, and shipping times.
Top-Ranked Cosplay Groups
Several online communities and platforms are highly regarded within the cosplay community:
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r/cosplaygirls (Reddit): A subreddit with 1.3 million members celebrating female cosplayers and their artistry.
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Anime, Cosplay & Life (Discord): A server with 5,000 members focusing on anime, cosplay, and related interests.
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Replica Prop Forum (RPF): A forum dedicated to prop-making and costume creation, with 76,000 members.
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ACParadise: A network of sites including American Cosplay Paradise, Experience, and Snapshots, with around 58,000 members.
Conclusion
Cosplay, a term derived from "costume play," has evolved from historical practices of dressing up into a global cultural phenomenon. Coined in 1984, the term captures the essence of the activity, which involves not just wearing costumes but embodying characters from various media. With the rise of the internet and dedicated online platforms, cosplay has become more accessible and widespread, fostering a vibrant and diverse community. Online stores like CrazeCosplay.com provide resources for cosplayers, while top-ranked cosplay groups offer spaces for collaboration, learning, and celebration of this unique art form.
