SUBCULTURE

what is a subculture?

A subculture is a smaller cultural group within a larger society, characterized by shared interests, values, or lifestyles that set it apart from the dominant culture. These groups often develop their own identity through distinct behaviors, beliefs, and expressions that differentiate them from mainstream society. (Hebdige, 1979)

Reference - Hebdige, D. (1979 p. 101) Subculture: The meaning of style. London: Routledge. 
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COSPLAY

The Cosplay Subculture

Merida from Brave (Cosplayer: Callesto -- http://callesto.deviantart.com/ | Photographer : Vincent E. Milum Jr. -- http://darkainmx.deviantart.com/)

Chun Li from Street Fighter (Photo: Martin Wong | Cosplayer: Yaya Han -- http://yayacosplay.deviantart.com)

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Cosplay is a global hobby where people dress up as characters from anime, manga, video games, movies, and comic books. While the tradition of dressing up at conventions began in the United States in the late 1930s, the term “cosplay” itself wasn’t coined until 1984 by Japanese journalist Nobuyuki Takahashi, who came across the phenomenon at the World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles.

The 1983 June issue of "My Anime"

In Japan, the cosplay culture had already started to take shape in the 1970s. One notable event was the "Big Manga Parade" in 1977, organized by Tokyo Big6 University. As the Comic Market (Comike) moved to Harumi from 1981 to 1983, cosplay began to grow further, with participants dressing as characters from popular anime such as Lupin the Third and Urusei Yatsura. These events helped to establish cosplay as the global phenomenon it is today.

Uruseiya Tsura Vol. 1

Cosplay offers an escape from the norms of mainstream society. It provides a way for individuals to explore and express their identities in ways that may not be possible in their everyday lives. Cosplay allows for freedom of gender expression, creativity, and the opportunity to step into the shoes of powerful, idealized, or even magical characters. ​Like other subcultures, cosplay has its own set of norms, practices, and rituals that members adhere to. These include attending conventions, participating in cosplay competitions, and engaging in cosplay photography. Online platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit further support cosplay culture by allowing people to connect globally, share photos, and exchange tips on costume-making.​