So you want to cosplay in Japan?

Officer Kiratsukai gives us the inside scoop on how to cosplay here in the Land of the Rising Sun!

Kiratsukai has lived in Japan for 5 years and speaks the language fluently. She has a keen understanding of cosplay culture even if she has not been a cosplayer for very long. Heed her advice well =P

Btw, Happy New Years! Did you know its the year of the Rabbit?

Q: How long have you been cosplaying and why did you start?
1) I've been cosplaying since October 2009. I started by getting altogether too serious about a Halloween costume. I enjoyed the process so much that I had to try again... and again... and again...

Q: What is are some rules that cosplayers should follow in Japan?
2) "When in Rome do as the Romans". You don't need to understand or even agree with what it is you're doing, but until you're sure you know how things work and why, do your best to go with the flow and follow others' leads. Look up everything you can in advance, ask tons of questions and be really sincere about your attempts to communicate. So much of your experience depends on what you're willing to put into it yourself. It's really tough to get along at first, but after about 6 months, doors will open much more easily for you.

Q: What is some advice you can share for choosing a cosplay to wear to a Japanese event?
3) It is extremely helpful to fall in love with at least one series with a ton of alternate costumes: VOCALOID, Kuroshitsuji, etc. so you can save money by reusing wigs, accessories and contacts while only changing up your clothing. Remember that everything is a bit more expensive here, but that most of it is also better quality. I've always preferred getting nice wigs and wearing them to death over getting cheap ones and tossing them out afterward.

Q: What are some common mistakes you see being made at events?
4) Bad attitudes toward other fans really get me. The assumption that all photographers are drooling perverts, that all doujinshi fans are closet pedophiles, that the crossdressers are creeps... Remember, just because not everyone can understand you doesn't mean NO ONE can. If you wouldn't say it out loud at an event in your own country, please don't say it out loud here.

Oh, and always change in and out of your costume in the changing room if you can help it! The Japanese are huge sticklers for that sort of thing.

Useful Phrases for Cosplaying in Japan

(added by Celeste)

If you really want to make some friends and a good impression overseas then its always helpful to learn a few phrases in the native tongue to help guide you!

May I take your photo?

Shashin totemo ii desuka?

OR

Shashin daijoubu desuka?

or if you really dont get the Japanese language at all...

Photo please!

 Onegai shimasu!

(guesture to your camera so they know what you are talking about)

Thank you!

Arigatou Gozaimasu!

Thanks!

Arigatou!

Can we exchange cards?

(cards are often used to keep in contact and make friends with cosplayers you meet, they have the cosplayers name, picture and info on them and are also like a nice souvenier from the person!)

Meishi kokan onegai shimasu.

Can I have your card?

Meishi mo ii desuka?

Would you like my card?

Meishi irimasuka?

Your costume is great/pretty/cool!

Cosplay wa sugoi/kirei/kakoi desu!

May I put your photo on my website?
(this is important, if you intend to share the photos online please ask the cosplayer first!) 
Watashi no website ni nosete mo ii desuka?