On February 18 2012, Dyki from FindJPN went to a “Cosplay” event. This blog will contain a report of the event as well as a couple interviews of the “cosplayers” (people in costume)!
First of all, let’s establish what cosplay is. “Cosplay” is the act of wearing outfits designed to look like characters in animes and mangas – the place to show off these costumes are cosplay events. Today, these events are held everywhere around the world including Japan which is a mecca for Cosplayers!
Among the most interesting of these events – the one I visited this time - is the “Toshimaenとしまえん”cosplay event. Normally this place is home to a giant amusement park and a pool but when the pool is not in service, which is all but during the summertime, the site turns into a stage for the cosplayers.
Almost every weekend, “Toshimaen としまえん” holds this cosplay event. The amusement park is in service but will be, of course, full of people in outfit - making the park look like Disneyland. The mix of cosplayers and customers to the amusement park really helps to create a weird but lively feel all day long.
Again, there are a bunch of cosplay events in Japan but there a couple reasons why the “Toshimaen としまえん” event is especially popular!
- Located in the Nerima district, the event is close to the heart of Tokyo.
- There is excellent service provided by the staff for the cosplayers at the event.
- Excellent location for photo shoots
Let me explain the benefits of this place in further detail.
1. Close to the heart of Tokyo
The site is a 20min train ride from JR Ikebukuro station – a rather easy access even if you’re not too familiar with the train system in Japan.
Below is a picture of the “toshimaen としまえん” station!
2. Excellent service for the cosplayers.
During the summer, the place runs a pool and so there’s a changing room in which the cosplayers can use freely. The staff there – the JCF short for Japan Cosplay Festival – is very warm making the event stress-free for both the cosplayers and the audience. For example the day I visited the event, February 18, was a very cold day 5 ° Celsius (41°fahrenheit)– cold enough to make my hands go numb – but the staff there set up heaters in the changing rooms making it comfortable for all. Really, it can be said that this location is an oasis for “cosplayers”!
3. Excellent location for photo shoots.
Because “Toshimaen としまえん” is usually an amusement park, there are a bunch of rides and buildings great for photoshoots – such as the merry-go-round or the European-style buildings that make the cosplayer look like he/she is part of an anime or game.
Here are a couple pictures I took of the cosplayers!
Hold on till next week for the interviews of the cosplayers!
Also…
At FindJPN, we offer a plan that will have the cosplayers I interviewed for this blog actually take you to this “Toshimaen としまえん” event! Through FindJPN, our guides will make sure you have no trouble using Japan’s confusing train system or communicating to people at the event!
Join the cosplayers now to get a full experience of the “Toshimaen としまえん” cosplay event!
written by: Dyki Ogawa
Translated by: Rei Sandy
Written by admin
Topics: FindJPN Contents