Gallery: PAW 2004-12

Costume Play (CosPlay), Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

Everybody who has been to Tokyo in the last two decades has noticed the increase in high-school and college kids engaged in CosPlay (kosupurei) or Costume Play. They dress up as their favorite characters from manga comic books; anime (Japanese animation); or TV idols and come to Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, or other centers of youth culture. And have fun.

Unlike the U.S., these street performers aren't interested in money from the audience. They just want to share in the celebration of the stars they're modeled on. And yes, that's a cow doll. And yes, that's an iPod with speakers. And yes, that's a wedding gown and he's dressed as a parody of a high-schooler. He's a fan of a band called 'Kishien' which as an old 30-something fogey, I have no idea what it's about.

Note: Americans are also into CosPlay too (thanks Richard!).

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Equipment: Leica M7, 35mm f/2 Summicron, Kodak Portra 400UC / Fuji Superia 400