Wikipedia describes Cosplay as:

“The term cosplay is a Japanese portmanteau of the English words costume and play. The term was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi of Studio Hard while attending the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Los Angeles. He was impressed by the hall and the costumed fans and reported on both in Japanese magazine My Anime. The coinage reflects a common Japanese method of abbreviation in which the first two moras of a pair of words are used to form an independent compound. Costume becomes kosu (コス), and play becomes pure (プレ).

Cosplay costumes vary greatly and can range from simple themed clothing to highly detailed costumes. Cosplay is generally considered different from Halloween and Mardi Gras costume wear, as the intention is to replicate a specific character, rather than to reflect the culture and symbolism of a holiday event. As such, when in costume, some cosplayers will often seek to adopt the affect, mannerisms and body language of the characters they portray (with “out of character” breaks). The characters chosen to be cosplayed may be sourced from any movie, TV series, book, comic book, video game or music band, anime and manga characters. Some cosplayers will even choose to cosplay an original character of their own design or a fusion of different genres (e.g. a steampunk version of a character).”

Read more HERE

Is Cosplay ART?

We, at Sulu Garden, consider Cosplay an art form, a ‘performance art’ to be more precise. It is an art form that expresses a personal form of view, an alternative vision of one’s self, that is especially open for all to see. For this reason, we celebrate Cosplay as part of the artistic expression that fits the unique ambiance of Sulu Garden.

Cosplay Weekends

Celebrating Cosplay Weekends is our way of participating in this art form that is shared by Cosplayers and photographers alike.

Please click HERE the gallery of photographs show the growing popularity of cosplayers at Sulu Garden and the photographers that document each of their expression of performance art.

For those who wish to have their photos added to this gallery, please email us at suluexplorers@gmail.com with your photographs for consideration. Please use subject heading as (Sulu Cosplay) or join our Facebook group COSPLAY@SULUGARDEN and post your best photos.

Go to Sulu Garden Cosplay