Cosplay is not limited to dressing up in costumes from popular tv shows. Cosplay is also seen in traditional Japanese culture and fashion.
Coming of age ceremonies have been held in Japan since at least AD 714, when a young prince got new clothes and a hairstyle to mark their passage into adulthood. The holiday was first established in 1948, to be held each year on 15 January. In 2000, as a result of the successful system Monday, Day Coming of Age was changed by the second Monday in January.
Many women celebrate this day with the use of Furisode (a kimono with long sleeves that hang) and zori sandals. Since most are unable to wear a kimono by themselves due to the complexities involved in dressing in one, many choose to visit a beauty salon to dress and have their hair done. A complete set of formal clothing is quite expensive, so it is usually taken from a relative or rented rather than bought for the occasion. Men sometimes wear traditional costumes (for example a dark kimono with hakama), but in modern times many men formal wear western clothes, like a suit and tie more often than traditional dress.
The Latest street fashion among Japanese women is the smoky eye look. It is a sultry and sexy look that is easy to achieve and creates stunning results. The smoky eye look has been called the little black dress of make up as it is always stylish. Smoky eyes are perfect anywhere and anytime because the make up needed is not overdone and adds a little bit of mystery and allure to a womans look. The smoky eye make up is also useful for vampire Cosplay.
Fantasy and science fiction characters have become very popular Cosplay costumes. Characters from the Star Wars, Star Trek and the Harry Potter series are some of the most popular non-manga characters to be featured in Cosplay events.Anime cartoons such as Naruto, Bleach and Final Fantasy as well as video and computer games are also popular characters to be made into Cosplay costumes. Akatsuki And Organization XIII costumes as well as the ever popular ShinRa were the most common costumes at conventions. Outside of Conventions, the most popular Cosplay costumes are school girl outfits and maid uniforms.
Comic books, graphic novels and fantasy movies are also a source of inspiration for Cosplayers.
April 26th, 2010 at 8:18 am
[...] Cosplay in Japanese Culture [...]
December 23rd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
advair diskus…
advair diskus…