acosta! Cosplay Ikebukuro
“It’s a little intense isn’t it?” Yeah. No two ways about it. Going to a cosplay event - my first cosplay event - was pretty intimidating. It is both organized, and free to mingle. Nothing like the portrait sessions or motorsport events that I’ve covered in the past. And yet, it was a great way to get out of my comfort zone and see what these dress-up artists had been working on.
acosta! hosts these events all over Japan, but none are more iconic as Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City park. A terrace perched on the roof of a shopping mall, its scrubs and vistas provide wonderful backdrops for portraits. You pay for a wristband, head outside to embrace the chaos.
At a race weekend, the schedule and media times are very clearly laid out. Come here at 4:00pm to see the autograph signing - the perfect time to get photos of the racing drivers interacting with fans, and ready to smile for a portrait. acosta! is different, much more of an introverts worst nightmare. The cosplayers are just… hanging out. It’s up to you to make an introduction, and request a photograph. Fortunately, despite their meticulous outfits, makeup, and wigs, the cosplayers are just as nervous as you are. They’re just happy to be there, and even more happy to have you want to take their photo.
While I may not know which anime or film these cosplays were paying homage to, the effort that went into them was really impressive. If you get the chance, I encourage you to check out one of these events with an open mind, and see what this sub-culture is all about for yourself.
Shot on June 22, 2024 - Japan, Portrait
