Anime Costumes - Japanese Anime Cosplay

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Anime Themed Costumes

Anime costumes are a serious affair in Japan. They fuel a viral subculture called "cosplay" (a hybrid word combining "costume" and "play" and pronounced kosupuray; syllables can't end with consonants in Japanese.) From the streets of Harajuku, known for its outré fashions, to nightclubs, amusement parks and cafes in Akihabara: it's not unusual to bump into real life versions of characters typically encountered only in manga and anime.

But probably the greatest concentration of fantastic anime costumes can be found during the semi-annual "Comiketo" ---the largest comic convention in the world--- held in Tokyo proper, in August and December, with over half a million attending. Admission is free.

Cosplay subculture, and the popularity of anime costumes, spread from Japan to other Asian countries and soon had inroads all over the world. Anime conventions and cherry blossom parades from San Francisco to Boston now host their own contingents of cosplayers. This Halloween, don't be too surprised if you see some of these surreal characters popping up at your party or doorstep! And if you ever choose toleave home in such a costume, especially for something mundane like grocery shopping, well, as Jeff Foxworthy might say, "you may be an otaku."

Cosplay - Comiket Happenings at Large 

Comiket 74 Cosplay - Japan Pictures
Japanese cosplay pictures from 2008 Comiket 74 in Tokyo, Japan.
C73 - Ramblings of DarkMirage
One otaku's journey of moƩ enlightenment infused with the latest in anime with a good dosage of bishoujo - A blog about the latest in anime!
The Cosplay Blog
Sakura Con Snapshots
Sakura-Con, Seattle's otaku convention in April.

Anime Costumes - Where to Buy 

cosplay

Anime Costume Resources 

Bodyline Japan
Cosplay, Lolita and other fashions direct order from Japan.

Cosplay Articles 

Should Cosplay be Banned in America?
Comparison of Japanese and American versions of cosplay.

Anime Costumes on eBay 

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eBay

First Annual New York Anime Festival 

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Anime Posters and Shirts 

Escaflowne

Bleach - Ichigo Eyes

Anime Costumes - Where to See 

Cosplay(!)

Best Anime Cosplay EVER 1

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Anime Costumes on Flickr 

20090704-09.27.51 by franck.cuny

20090704-09.27.51

20090704-09.28.24 by franck.cuny

20090704-09.28.24

Connichi 2008 - 029 by luffy2009

Connichi 2008 - 029

Connichi 2008 - 028 by luffy2009

Connichi 2008 - 028

img_5902a by steevithak

img_5902a

Shine Youth Mascot Parade 2009 (24) - Jocelyn by bluetears76

Shine Youth Mascot P...

Killing Intent by animationkuni

Killing Intent

IMG_4867 by LaMenta3

IMG_4867

IMG_4866 by LaMenta3

IMG_4866

IMG_4869 by LaMenta3

IMG_4869

Cosplay on Amazon 

Everybody Cosplay Volume 1 (v. 1)

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/04/2009) Buy Now

Cosplay Girls 2: Japan's Live Action Heroines

Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 07/04/2009) Buy Now

CosPlay Encyclopedia

Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 07/04/2009) Buy Now

Cosplay: Catgirls and Other Critters

Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 07/04/2009) Buy Now

Freaky Anime Costumes 

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