Cosplay Models: Real life Japanime characters

Cosplay, or "costume play" is the art of dressing up as Japanese animation, video game, or manga (comic book) characters. Though this previously unheard of hobby is slowly becoming a household name as TV networks like MTV, G4TV, and various print media have recently featured cosplayers. This sudden media frenzy has many in the modeling industry scrambling to hire what many have come to consider anime and video game characters in the flesh.

Cosplayers are now being pursued by many companies, like ADV Films, for promotional and print opportunities that were previously filled by agency models. Their ability to re-create fantastical costumes and portray their chosen characters with accuracy is what's fueling the switch from the standard promotional models of the past that were merely 2-D reflections of the characters they were hired to exude. This recent trend has even become apparent in such venues as E3, that were once dominated by "booth babes", but have now become a mix of both agency girls and cosplayers.

This trend has gone even beyond just the promotional portion of the modeling industry. Cosplayers have been embraced by professional and semi-professional photographers and other modeling industry professionals as they seek cosplayers to expand their portfolio. Many photographers seeing the rising popularity of this art are now in works to produce coffee-table style books featuring cosplayers. Numerous semi-professional photographers are also offering photographs of cosplayers as prints for both anime and art collectors alike.

Japan's burgeoning anime industry has long been home to the "professional cosplayer" since the rise of Comiket, Tokyo Game Show, and other such powerhouse conventions. The interest necessary to develop such a profession here has long been desired, but unfulfilled until recent years. It's entirely possible in the near future that we shall see cosplayers that call their art a career, as opposed to just a hobby.

Anime conventions war

What is in a Convention? This Article is for those that are into Anime/Manga (or Science Fiction and Fantasy as well) but are Not exactly sure about going to a Convention. Hopefully this article will diffuse any fears or uncertainties.

Before I start, Let's Just say...I was there. I am in your shoes right now. I recently became an Anime Fan. I did actually say "I think those Anime people are strange" even though I am a full fledge Sci Fi/Fantasy Geek. I did not even realize.

First off. What IS a convention? Well, it is a Gathering of like minded people (mostly) that share in the same interests as each other. They are Just like you. Some are more intense then others. It is a Place, where you can meet others that share your interests. But it is not JUST a social Gathering (but a big reason for going is that draw). They also have workshops. Classes on various things you can learn or explore. Want to know how to be a better manga artist? Or Maybe you thought about breaking into the Voice over industry? Or maybe you just want to make Plushies? There are workshops for everything.

Then there are discussion panels. On Different Topic's. From Your favorite Anime, to Ninja's vs Pirates. Some may get pretty wild! Some Conventions have Musical Guests as well, giving a Concert for everyone to see. Maybe your Favorite J-Rock Band happens to be there! Also, a convention isn't worth its salt, if it doesn't have its celebrity guests. From Artists, to Voice over Actors, to Directors. You name it. Meet them in person! Get an Autograph. Have Lunch or Dinner with them.

SHOP! Yes there are plenty of places to buy all sorts of stuff. From Toys, to Games, to Plushies, Manga, Tools, etc. Whatever you are looking for. See if someone is selling it. Also along the line, The Artist Gallery can sell some specialty items as well. Meet new aspiring Manga Artist!

Video Games! Get a Chance at the latest and greatest video games. Or show off your killer combo or new moves. Challenge other like minded people in games that you love.

Screenings! You can actually WATCH anime. But beyond that, you can also watch some Japanese Drama Series or Action Movies in Subtitles. Every convention is different. But You can get a chance to see things that you may not even know exists.

Oh and Did I say Cosplay? Go check out peoples costumes! Partake in the Cosplay Chess (or get involved and show your favorite characters awesome moves). Or Do a Skit with your favorite characters, Or...just people watch. You will see quite clearly that there are MANY people that love the same characters as yourself.

Some conventions have LARPS (Live Action Role Playing) as well as Game Tables to play turn based board games, or D&D, or card games. The best way to describe a Convention is a Mini Vacation away from the world, to enjoy things that you want to enjoy with others. To meet those that feel the same way you do. To have FUN!

Not only am I a reporter of such things...but I am a client as well! I cosplay as Kakashi-Sensei from the Show Naruto. So, if you are lucky, you may see me around posing and doing skits!

types of conventions: Anime conventions

I attend conventions.

Even though I still have a narrow view on conventions compared to other con-goers, I can honestly contest that anime conventions are fascinating, amazing places. There are colors, sounds, people, and new experiences to be gained that one would not normally be able to gain anywhere else.

With the exception of two years, I have attended Anime Detour in Minnesota since it's opening. The forums, presentations, showrooms, discussions, and venues pose a new experience unlike any other. After the three times I have gone to Detour, I have determined that it is almost impossible to attend an anime convention and not meet somebody new. The enormous lines, hotel rooms packed full of convention attendees, panels discussions, and various other circumstances are opportunities to converse with people all over the state, if not the nation.

I have discussed politics while standing in the line for the costume fashion show, sat in the corner of hotel halls until four in the morning with groups of people I have never met talking about the weather and school, trading latest rumors of serializations of new comic books and shows with people dressed as samurai, fairy princesses, school-girls, and gun-toting, armor-plated warriors.

Conventions for anime, comic, science-fiction, or any other subject are seen by many people as pointless, unproductive, and overly expensive. Every time I mention to my parents that I am once again registering for Detour, I get a roll of eyes, and another half-an-hour debate about how to spend my time on more wise pursuits. However, those who go to the conventions bring memories and experiences back that are much more valuable than the price of any convention fee.

If you get the chance, go to a convention. They offer the chance to meet people, learn of news and viewpoints that may not have otherwise been easy to come by, talk about current events, trade secrets, and take the opportunity to see a completely different culture within today's society.

Meeting a person, becoming friends, and exchanging information is just as beneficial at a convention then it is at any other place. Even if that person is dressed in a six foot costume made out of a styrofoam, grocery bags, and chicken wire.

Different types of conventions: Anime conventions

Cosplay is a bit more involved than you may originally think. It's not just a matter of looking like the character, a good cosplayer has to be very knowledgeable about the character. Lots of time and effort go into making the costume, as well.
Cosplay, however, is not the only thing you'll find at an anime convention. In fact, there's actually a real rift many of the people that cosplay and many of those that don't.

Video games are a big draw at anime conventions. Alas, I can only say good luck in trying to get your hands on a game if you're going there to play. You'll find the extremely popular games like DDR and Para Para and you may see some old school favorites as well. Unfortunately, you're also likely to find the same group of kids cycling through the same game over and over and over again (I have yet to be able to sit down and play Halo, and I've been attending anime conventions for 4 years).

Non-video games also have their place. You can usually find a group of Yu-Gi-Oh or MTG players hanging around as well as an RPG or two. There is almost always some sort of LARP as well.
The two types of discussion panels you'll find are industry and fan based panels. Industry panels are panels run by companies. This is where you go to find out what's going on with any particular company (ADV, for example). These are highly attended as it is well known that the panelists tend to hand out prizes to audience members that know their trivia.
Fan run panels cover everything from guest of honor speeches right down to individual items such as kimonos, video games, Japanese language, voice acting tips, AMV making tips, and many more.
There may be workshops in which you can learn how to construct and/or paint a mecha miniature model.
In larger anime conventions, you will almost always find autograph sessions with the guests of honor. Show up early to get in line or you may not make your way to the front to get the autograph.
Game shows are also popular at anime conventions. These are based on your favorite television game shows but the questions are all based on anime.
Dealer's rooms will vary in size depending on the size of the convention. The larger the convention, the more variety you'll have in what's available. You can find anime, manga, CDs, clothing, backpacks, bags, action figures, statues, toys, wallscrolls, posters, and all manner of collectibles, and many of them straight from Japan.
And, of course, what would an anime convention be without anime. The amount of viewing rooms depends on the size of the convention. Larger conventions will have at least three rooms, each showing a variety of anime.
Just remember, anime isn't just for kids. Adults do attend as well, and they have just as much fun reminiscing about the older anime as the kids do talking about the new anime.

Anime conventions

While I have never personally been to an anime convention, I do know several people who have. There are many different types, from general ones to very select ones, though most are very general. In addition, while they don't really qualify as anime conventions like you'd think of, video game conventions do have a lot of cosplay involved like most anime conventions do. For those of you who aren't familiar with cosplay, it's very simple. Pick a character from an anime, game, movie, etc. (make sure you're not dressing up as an anime character for a Star Wars convention or anything else! In other words, make sure that the character you pick is in the genre for the convention you're going to!) and either buy or make a costume (hence the term cosplay) for you to wear to the convention.



The goal is to appear as much like that person as possible. I've seen pictures that my friends have brought back from conventions of cosplayers and while some of the costumes are fantastic (looking at least 95% like the person they're dressing up as), a lot of them are total let-downs as well. I remember seeing one person that had the outfit right, but the hair color all wrong! Also, at conventions such as these, there are usually lots of events to participate in and lots of things to buy. From everything I've heard, conventions are a LOT of fun and I plan on attending one in the near future!