The Japanese word Kosupure, or its English equivalent cosplay, was coined by Takahashi, from Japanese Studio Hard, back in 1984, while attending Science Fiction costume play. He was impressed, and so the new word was a contracted version of two words, costume became kosu, and play – pure. Thus, cosplay means costume play.

It is actually a kind of performance art whose participants put on elaborate costumes and accessories according to their favorite character or an idea. Their source is usually from Japan or China, its famous manga or anime stories, comic books or fantasy stories.


Cosplayers form a whole division of subculture, not only wearing fictional outfits, but also reenacting scenes and inventing behavior in accordance with character’s lifestyle and habits. Some people define cosplay as just putting on a costume, excluding all acts of performance.

In Japan you will see cosplay at public events and at dedicated parties in nightclubs and other amusement places. Some places to hold cosplay events include Tokyo’s Harajuku district. Another district, Akinahara, contains a lot of cosplay cafes where waitresses wear anime dress, and these costumes are very popular.

One of the most popular events for cosplayers is the doujinshi market Comiket which takes place twice a year, during summer times and in winter. Thousands of participants gather on the roof, despite often unbearably hot or cold weather. Naruto cosplays are often conducted at the place.

Reiya, pronounced as “layer”, is the internal term that cosplayers call themselves in Japan, Naruto cosplayers among them. Paparazzis, or photographers who attend these events, are called cameko, of camera boys. Some tension started to grow between camekos and reiyas due to excessive attention of the photographers to female players. Some restrictions have been introduced in Comiket as related to photography.

Even though cosplay has been introduced in Japan in 1978, one should not mistakenly suggest that it is considered a general Japanese hobby. Despite its popularity, many people consider cosplay, and Naruto cosplay, to be a silly idea.

It is important to know that every detail of a cosplay costume is of great importance. Costumes should meticulously adhere to character’s style and dress. Many cosplayers take special education in the crafts of sculpture, fiberglasswork, etc., to achieve the desired look and feel. Numberless tutorials have been created to provide a supply for this demand.

There are two largest cosplay magazines in Japan, Cosmode and Dengeki Layers.