The term cosplay, pronounced as 'kosupure' in Japanese is an abbreviation of costume roleplay. Cosplay is one of Japanese well-known subculture which is a type of art performance at which the participants dressed themselves with unique and interesting costumes and matching accessories as a specific character or idea which is usually sourced in various Japan, South Korea, China, and Philippines media included manga, anime,tokusatsu, comics, graphic novels, video games, hentai and fantasy movies.
Cosplay participants (cosplayers) form a subculture centered around wearing their costumes and reenacting scenes or inventing likely behavior inspired by their chosen sources. Other than that, the term cosplay in some circles has been broadened to include simply wearing a a costume, without special consideration given to enacting characters in a performance context.
Cosplay can be seen at public events and shows as well as at dedicated cosplay parties. Tokyo's Akihabara district contains a large number of cosplay cafes, catering to devoted anime and cosplay fans. The waitress at such places usually dress as a maid (meido). Probably the largest cosplay event in Japan is the semiannual doujinshi market, Comiket. This event held in summer and winter, attracting thousands of manga otaku cosplayers.
