Cosplay

Cosplay is coined from the English words "costume" and "play". Originating in Japan from 1984,it is a Japanese subculture centered on dressing as characters from manga, anime, video games or even fantasy movies. Cosplay is also known as simply wearing a costume.


Cosplay is a hobby, a lifestyle - Likeminded people gather to see others' costumes, show of their own elaborate handmade creations, take lots of pictures, and possibly participate in best constume contests.

The Singapore Cosplay Club (SCC) was first set up in 2002; which organizes gatherings and events. Cosfest is the annual event of Singapore Cosplay Club and it is the biggest cosplay event in Singapore. The starting of such a Club in Singapore thus signals the societal's growing acceptace towards this lifestyle and hobby. (http://www.sgcosplayclub.org/)


Cosplay is a product of globalization. It has spread first to parts of Asia, and then around the globe, through mediums such as mass media and the Internet.

Cosplay; a lifestyle of Japan subculture has now been adopted by Singaporeans.
They actively participate in Cosplay events and also interact socially and competitively within the community. The Premier Singapore Cosplay Kingdom is an online community where Cos-members socialize, create Cosplay Teams, organise outings, share photos etc.

Although the registered Cosplay community is still relatively small (approximately 650 registered members); the social response has been positive. The existence of an online forum and community and also Cosfest, an annual event indicates that Singaporeans are accepting this lifestyle and their participation in such activities, competitions and events signal their keen interest in this growing phenomena.