The chances are high you’ll meet them if you go to an anime or gaming convention. People dress up as characters from a game, anime, or manga, and wow the crowd with their in-character acting and poses. And that’s when they’re off the stage. Once they’re on, they perform - through skits, song and dance.

However, cosplay isn’t limited to conventions and events. In Japan, certain Tokyo streets come alive with a costumed throng of cosplayers, goths, punks, and visual kei fans meet up wearing different fashions among the casual crowd. And they willingly smile and pose for pictures if asked. Omotesando of Harajuku is a popular hang out for teenagers, while the Akihabara districts have cosplay cafes catering to fans of the genre.

Cosplay is one of the more popular ways to express your love for a series or personality. It’s a way to step into a favorite character’s shoes and just pretend you live in a world where your everyday routine doesn’t exist, and exciting, unusual events can change your life. Some cosplayers like to dress up for the attention they garner, while others do it for the love of dressing up. After all, nothing can be more fun than finding a quiet spot in the middle of the bustling city and re-enacting favorite scenes in a private photo shoot with friends. Most Japanese cosplayers have private home pages devoted to their best ensembles and photo shoots.

Cosplay has spread across the world, becoming part of the attraction of going to conventions and events. Cosplaying singly or in groups is a fun way to meet new people who share your interests.