October 09, 2015

COSPLAY MANIA 2015: Keeping Japanese Pop Culture Alive in Manila

Judging from the number of excited attendees and participants from the recently-concluded Cosplay Mania 2015, it’s evident that the Japanese pop culture continues to have a strong following among Manila’s young and not-so-young set.

For two days, all streets leading to MOA saw be-suited, wigged, winged, creatively-dressed participants and challengers on a mission to be named as the best cosplayers in the land. However, more than cosplay – the event showcased a growing community of Japanese pop culture aficionados: from the young set who enjoyed cosplaying and dressing up as their favorite characters to the mom and pop types on the look-out for their favorite manga or action figure.

Japanese anime band Loverin Tamburin was one of the featured guests for Cosplay Mania 2015

With a solid line-up which featured top-notch cosplayers in Asia including Japanese voice actress and cosplayer Pile, famous duo Hana & Baozi and the funny LadyBeard, among others, cosplay enthusiasts formed long lines to meet their favorite idols. But more than the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest gatherings of cosplayers in the country, Cosplay Mania also provided an opportunity for game, manga, anime, toy and collectibles enthusiasts to see the latest line-up of toys currently available in the market. From the latest Funko Pop figure to an exhibition of ball-joined dolls (BJD), there is definitely something to pique the interest of any pop culture enthusiast.

The latest releases on toy collectibles to complete your set

Dainty looking Ball Jointed Dolls (BJD) always attract enthusiastic responses from the female attendees

The event also served as the launch of Filipino JPop idol group, Kawaii5. The team currently serves as “ambassadress” for “AmaChan,” the breakthrough Japanese comedy-drama which swept the 2013 Galaxy Awards. Kawaii5 sings in an interesting mix of Japanese, English and Tagalog songs. Similar to idol group activities done in Japan for the likes of AKB48, Kawaii5 also conducted a meet-and-greet with attendees and performed on stage songs written based on “AmaChan.”

The warm response to the event, which drew huge crowds during the 2-day activity, highlighted the reach and intensity of the country’s love and fascination for the Japanese pop culture. And for as long as new fascinating film, print or video game characters are created, we can be sure of the emergence of more elaborate costumes and more enthusiastic participants in future cosplay events.

–

Article and photos by Melanie Suzon