Sub-Culture

As promised, I will introduce the sub-culture of Japan in this post. However, I must first state that I am using the word 'sub-culture' because, well, it's the closest I can think off. It is also the term commonly used by foreigners over the internet. It is NOT the actual term Japanese people use.

When I say 'sub-cult', I mean things that Japan is famous for or that it is the trend over at Japan now. It also somehow relates to the original cultures and traditions. However, I must say that it is only my observation and what I heard from word-of-mouth.

Ever heard of  'Cosplaying'? 'Cos' is derived from costume. Cosplaying is now a trend not only in Japan, but in many other countries (Singapore too!). Cosplayers are people who will dress and talk like characters from anime, manga or games. I guess with reality being so harsh, there are more and more people who would like to 'escape' to the world or fantasy and dreams (my brother being one of them).

Cosplaying is particularly popular in Harajuku, Japan. Many cosplayers will be all dressed up and walking on the streets of Harajuku like it is normal to cosplay in the middle of the road. Technically, not literally in the middle of a road. I guess that is also the reason why this is considered a 'culture' of Japan, since people behave like this is normal. Anyway, every April, there will be a cosplaying event in Japan where cosplayers from different prefecture will gather in an expo hall, exchanging tips and taking photos. It became such a famous event that many people from all over the world will go to Japan to participate in the event.

"Echizen Ryoma" from the anime "Prince of Tennis". You realise that this is actually a girl playing a guy's role. Cross-playing is also common in Japan.

"Chun-Li" from the game "Street Fighters". Many girls like to cosplay because of the 'cute' element that most female manga, anime and game characters show.













In Singapore, there is the Mid-of-year (MOY) and End-of-year (EOY) cosplaying event which are held between the Suntec Convention Halls and Singapore Expo Halls. Preparations will usually start two months before the event. I know that because it happens all the time at home. At around the month of June every year, I will start seeing 'weapons' and wigs laying around. It used to freak me out, but I got used to it after a few years.

A Singaporean cosplaying "Suzumiya Haruhi" from the anime "The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi" at Downtown East.








Although cosplaying is now very common and also a trend in Japan, it is still not an accepted culture by the more traditional-minded ones. However, many from outside of Japan will take it as a culture of Japan. The reason may be because that Japan is famous for producing anime, manga and video games, therefore many may think that it is only rightful to dress like characters from those. Another reason may be more "common-sensical" - cosplaying originates from Japan. Contradicting but true, there are always the black sheep in the society. I hope I am not confusing anyone.