Cosplay Culture Shines at TGS2024
Ah, cosplay! That magical realm where a simple trip to the convention center can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s like walking into a fancy dress party where everyone forgot it was optional. At the recent Tokyo Game Show 2024, held from September 26th to 29th, cosplay wasn’t just a sideshow; it was the main event! With over 274,739 visitors attending, you could practically smell the excitement—or maybe that was just the leftover ramen. Either way, TGS2024 had it all, and you could take a selfie with your favorite character in glorious, over-the-top fashion. Brilliant, isn’t it?
Held at Makuhari Messe in beautiful Chiba, the event showcased 985 companies from around the globe. So many exhibitors, some products yet to be revealed, and a horde of enthusiastic fans who probably camped out in costume for days—talk about dedication! The outdoor cosplay photo area was a resounding hit, allowing fans to flaunt their meticulously crafted costumes, ensuring even Mother Nature couldn’t rain on their parade.
The Commitments of Cosplayers
Now, let’s dive into the minds of these crafty individuals who dedicate serious time and effort to become their favorite characters. It’s like method acting but with more sequins and less therapy. We interviewed a few cosplayers to discover their “commitments to cosplay.” Oh, and by commitment, I mean spending more money on fabric than on student loans. Classic!
Riv as Aura Tribe from “Final Fantasy XIV”
“Along with the latest expansion package ‘Golden Legacy’, I decided to embody the sleepy-eyed Aura girl before the update,” Riv said. “I didn’t want her to look too bright—after all, ennui is in! It’s all about capturing that casual look, like I just woke up late for class and still made it to the convention!” Isn’t that just poetic? To nail the ideal ‘sleepy’ aesthetic at a show that’s buzzing from morning to night. Bravo!
Apple Candy as Neve from “Goddess of Victory: NIKKE”
And then we have Apple Candy, who faced the monumental task of finding the perfect eye mask for her Neve costume. “I searched everywhere!” she lamented. “Who knew that getting the right accessories would feel like hunting for a unicorn? But after a series of online adventures, here I am—tearfully clutching my eye mask!” A classic tale of necessity breeding artistry, or perhaps just sheer stubbornness!
reo as Tokiharu from “Genshin”
Then there’s reo, who practiced masterful poses to accentuate his wedding dress. “If you’re going to wear a wedding dress, you better own it!” he quipped. True words for any occasion, and especially when photographers are lining up to capture your ‘this is my big day’ moment at a gaming convention!
Shion as Kira from “Genshin”
Last but not least, we have Shion, ensuring that every wig hair and false eyelash screamed “Kira-chan!” with authenticity. “If you think I was going to let a wig fall flat, you’ve got another thing coming,” she declared confidently. Craftsmanship at its finest, folks—so much effort for a character who mostly bounces around collecting treasure. Truly, the community is nothing short of fabulous!
Looking Ahead: More Cosplay Events in 2024!
As if TGS2024 wasn’t already spectacular, the cosplay festivities don’t stop here! Upcoming events include the dazzling “Tokyo Comic Con 2024” from December 6th to 8th and the magnificent “Comic Market 105” from December 29th to 30th. You’d better believe the cosplay will be front and center once again. What’s the betting odds on whether we see more imaginative takes on everyone’s favorite anime heroes and villains? My money’s on the floofy wigs, and lots of glitter!
As these events roll around, it’ll be intriguing to see which trends spark—because in the world of cosplay, the only constant is change, and maybe the occasional costume catastrophe. Make sure to keep a sharp eye out; after all, what happens at Comic Con, definitely doesn’t stay at Comic Con!
So there you have it, straight from the vibrant floor of TGS2024! What a celebration of artistry, fandom, and absolutely bonkers creativity. Who knew a love for games could lead to such outrageous costumes and a community bustling with life? If you’re not onboard the cosplay train yet, I suggest you grab your wizard hat and jump on—it’s going to be a magical ride!
[Photo]Ringo Ame cosplays Neve from “Goddess of Victory: NIKKE”
Cosplay, an artistic expression that merges manga, anime, and gaming culture, has become a renowned aspect of Japanese culture that resonates globally. The famed Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS2024), running from September 26th to 29th at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, embraced cosplay as a vibrant element designed to enhance the exhibition experience. Attendees were treated to an outdoor cosplay photography area that captivated many, adding to the event’s allure.
Over the course of four days, a staggering 274,739 enthusiasts flocked to the show, making “TGS2024” a more thrilling experience than its 2023 counterpart. A record-breaking 985 companies and organizations from 44 countries participated, solidifying its status as the largest TGS to date. Among the event’s multitude of highlights were cosplayers, who brought a dazzling array of characters to life. We had the opportunity to converse with these dedicated creators about their unique “commitments to cosplay.”
■What are the commitments of the cosplayers who decorated “TGS2024”?
■“Final Fantasy XIV” Miqo’te tribe (female)/Eto Mizuba
It was my first foray into crafting animal ears, presenting me with a host of new challenges. The wig was meticulously styled to emulate the texture of animal fur. Pasted onto the COS board, I can confidently say that I achieved a high level of authenticity, and I am thoroughly pleased with the outcome.
■“Final Fantasy XIV” Aura tribe (female)/Riv
With the recent launch of the latest expansion package, “Golden Legacy,” the game’s graphics saw a significant upgrade; however, I have a soft spot for the lazier-looking Aura girl prior to the update. I oriented my makeup towards that aesthetic, purposely avoiding overly bright eyes to cultivate a sense of dreamy ennui. As I crafted the wig, I found myself imagining how my character would appear in the real world—focusing particularly on the natural bounce and casual look of the hair as I refined its shape.
■“Goddess of Victory: NIKKE” Neve/Apple Candy
In my hunt for a distinctive eye mask, I discovered that the brand associated with the design was unfortunately sold out. Nevertheless, through thorough online searching, I successfully located and purchased it.
■“Genshin” Tokiharu/reo
To truly capture the essence of the wedding dress, I devoted time to practice and refine the poses that would showcase its features most beautifully.
■“Genshin” Naheeda/Mr. Kirino
My goal was to replicate the character’s soft silhouette, which led me to incorporate a slightly larger pannier into the costume, giving it more volume. The angle of the elf ears was crucial too; I secured them by taping from the back and worked on thickening the braid of the wig, paying meticulous attention to even the smallest of details to enhance accuracy.
■“Genshin” Kira/Shion-san
The primary focus was on the wig and eyelashes. We dedicated ourselves to reproduce the lively bounce of the wig to mirror Kirara-chan’s signature hairstyle. Additionally, we aimed to achieve that distinct sparkle in her eyes, such as through the use of false eyelashes that replicate the long sets seen in the character, hoping to convey her personality even in the minutest details.
■Large cosplay events will continue to be held across the country in the second half of 2024
Even after the successful conclusion of “TGS2024,” the cosplaying community can look forward to numerous large-scale events in the upcoming months. Notable among these are “Tokyo Comic Con 2024,” scheduled for December 6th to 8th at Makuhari Messe, and “Comic Market 105,” happening on December 29th and 30th at Tokyo Big Sight, both of which are anticipated to draw huge crowds.
As we approach these events, it will be fascinating to see which manga, anime, and game cosplay trends will emerge. Analyzing these trends and debating their appeal among attendees will prove to be an engaging endeavor.
◆Interview and text: Somtam Tai
*The official notation for Riv no V is hiragana.
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[Photo]Riya dressed as Aura tribe (female) from “Final Fantasy XIV”
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[Photo]Mr. reo dressed as Tokiharu from “Genshin”
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[Photo]Mr. Kirino dressed as Naheeda from “Genshin”
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[Photo]Shion dressed as Kira from “Genshin”
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[Manga]I couldn’t help but get irritated by the insane comment…Reaction to the “haggling man” I encountered at Comiket: “I was relieved by the punch line”
Art to Change the World
are not just a platform for showcasing creativity; they serve as a melting pot for cultures, ideas, and passion. As designers and artists pour their hearts into their garments, the atmosphere becomes electric with inspiration. Each costume tells a story, connecting fans not only with the characters they love but also with each other, fostering a sense of community that transcends borders.
With exciting events on the horizon like “Tokyo Comic Con 2024” and “Comic Market 105,” we can only anticipate even more stunning showcases of imagination and artistry. Whether it be through intricate sewing techniques, innovative makeup artistry, or magnificent wigs, cosplayers continue to redefine what it means to embody a character.
The Importance of Community in Cosplay
The magic doesn’t solely lie in the costumes; it’s also about the connections made along the way. From the shared excitement in online forums to group meet-ups at conventions, cosplay cultivates an environment where individuals can express their true selves without restraint. Many cosplayers share tips, tricks, and stories, helping each other grow in their craft—there’s an intricate web of support that underlies it all. It’s heartening to see people bond over their shared interests, navigating through challenges together.
Weaving New Trends
As we move further into 2024, expect to see new trends emerging. The evolution of character designs, a renewed focus on sustainability, and technological advances in costuming are some areas to keep an eye on. Cosplayers might start using more eco-friendly materials, using 3D printing technology to create intricate parts for their costumes, or even utilizing augmented reality to enhance their presentations. The sky truly is the limit!
In Conclusion
In summation, TGS2024 was not just an event; it was a celebration of everything that makes cosplay so enchanting! With boundless creativity, supportive community vibes, and a riot of color and character, it sent an undeniable message: the love for anime, gaming, and manga is alive and well. So, whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or a curious onlooker, don’t miss out on the opportunities to explore this vibrant subculture. Grab your fabric and get ready for more magic in 2024!
