The age of anime
Cosplay, a contraction of the words costume play, is a hobby in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character.
In the recent times, because of the anime-influenced generation, cosplay has become a culture of sorts that has amassed a huge fan base throughout the world and Nepal has been no exception. The craze for great storylines, special characters and OSTs of anime have given birth to the only existing official anime fan club in Nepal: Otaku Club Nepal.
The club established with a vision of uniting all anime lovers under one roof also holds various cosplay events. The colorful view of youngster dressed in different costumes representing different characters is not something one would want to miss. This year, to keep the spirit of cosplayers alive, Zerostar in association with Otaku Club Nepal is organizing an anime event on September, 9, Saturday at Heritage Garden in Sanepa, Lalitpur. The main goal of the event is to highlight the anime culture along with Marvel and DC in Nepal. The Week caught up with some cosplayers to know more about their cosplay experiences so far.
Wataru Shrestha
organizer, OTAKU Jatra Fall
For me, making the costumes and props such as armors and weapons for different characters is the best part of the preparation. Though cosplay is just a hobby now, I would like to take it up professionally in the future. At every cosplay event, we explore and learn more about an anime lover’s enthusiasm for their character of choice, and that’s a whole new experience in itself.
Manita Shrestha
member, Otaku Club Nepal
Rohit Shrestha
Founder, Otaku Club Nepal
On the other hand, cosplay events are organized not only with the intent to promote anime fan base but it is also a way of building self-confidence in cosplayers. Above than that, the attention and admiration you get from fellow anime lovers encourage you more to be a part of these events. The most challenging factor for our makeover is finding the right wig. I usually have mine brought in from abroad. I need at least Rs 15000 to ready myself for a cosplay event. But I’m obsessed with anime and will do anything and everything it takes to be a part of the culture.
Ravesh Malla
Being an extrovert, making new friends during these events and getting to know more about their experiences is my favorite part. At every event, we welcome new cosplayers to our ever-growing family. Besides that, cosplay events also help us discover new sides of our own personalities. I actually see myself participating in cosplay events for as long as they are held. For the upcoming cosplay event, I plan to be a classic werewolf.
Jachun Bomjon
founder, Otaku Club Nepal
Though it started out as a hobby, it has now become an essential part of me. I believe that the upcoming event will be a good one since it is the first comic con in Nepal. I believe being internationally recognized will have a good impact on our club and its members as well. This event is a way to show people that we are serious about this and that our passion for cosplay isn’t childish or just a waste of time.
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