Action figures (Cosplay) found in the Trash.
Before coming to China I knew about the Cosplay culture, also because my hometown Londrina has a strong influence from Japan where a lot of Japanese immigrants settle. When I arrive in China I had the opportunity to see students wearing Cosplay costumes in University events (in zhuzhou) as show in the pictures below:
Yesterday before going to the English Corner activity I found in the trash of my building a type of an action figure I was wondering to buy, but never did, maybe the price was too high or I thought it would be another thing just to increase the weight of my luggage, witch is not very desirable for someone who is travelling a lot because of many location transfers do to my job as a teacher. Now I am on my 6th location since I came to China.
I am very happy, and as I have heard before, someone's trash can be another person's treasure, even thou it wasn't in perfect state (lost one wing) still in very good condition, after a good cleaning, it is now on my desk.
I did a little bit of a research on this topic, here is what I have found out:
Cosplay has become an increasingly popular hobby in China in recent years. The art of dressing up as a character from a favorite anime, manga, movie, or video game has taken the country by storm, with enthusiasts flocking to cosplay conventions and events to showcase their costumes and skills.
Cosplay is not a new concept in China; the country has a long history of costume play that dates back to ancient times. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD),people would dress up in colorful costumes and perform dances to celebrate the harvest season. This tradition evolved over time, and today, cosplay has become a subculture that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of cosplay in China is the rise of anime and manga culture. Japanese manga and anime have been widely popular in China since the 1990s, and the country has also developed its own unique anime and manga scene. This has led to the creation of a vibrant cosplay community in China, with fans dressing up as their favorite characters from popular franchises like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan.
Another factor that has contributed to the growth of cosplay in China is the country's booming entertainment industry. Chinese movies, TV shows, and video games have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and fans have been quick to embrace cosplay as a way to show their love for their favorite characters. Cosplay has become a key part of many promotional events, with fans dressing up as characters from upcoming movies and TV shows.
Cosplay events are now a common sight in major Chinese cities, with conventions like the China International Comics Festival and the Shanghai Comic Convention attracting thousands of attendees each year. These events offer fans a chance to showcase their costumes, participate in competitions, and meet other like-minded enthusiasts. Some events even feature special guests, including popular cosplayers from other countries.
However, cosplay in China is not without its challenges. While the hobby has gained a lot of mainstream acceptance, some people still view it as a childish or even perverse activity. Cosplayers are often subject to ridicule and discrimination, and there have been cases of harassment and bullying at conventions. In addition, some cosplayers have faced legal issues due to copyright infringement, with companies cracking down on the sale of unlicensed merchandise.
Despite these challenges, cosplay remains a beloved hobby in China, with fans continuing to create stunning costumes and attend conventions. As the country's entertainment industry continues to grow, it is likely that cosplay will only become more popular in the years to come. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or just starting out, China's cosplay scene is definitely worth exploring.
Article by Marcelo Gameiro
Published 04 May 2023
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