In our report yesterday of Comicup10, Shanghai’s largest dojin convention which took place on May 27, we mentioned that the impressive turnout of both dojin circles and fans suggests a bright future for otaku culture in China.

Yet it was the coplayers—or “cosers” as they call them—that stole the show. Not only did they seem to make up roughly half the attendees, but the quality of their costumes expressed a devotion to and adoration for Japanese pop culture that made us feel proud to be neighbors.

Check below for a collection of our favorite cosers photos from Comicup10!


There was no changing room or designated area for cosplay, which meant cosers had complete freedom to roam around, pose and have epic battles.

And that is exactly what they seemed to be doing everywhere we went, drawing crowds of paparazzi who snapped away at enthusiastic cosers. Bishoujo cosers in particular seemed to have a posse of male photographers following them constantly.

Most of the cosers we spoke with told us they’ve been cosplaying for only 1-2 years; the most experienced of them only about 4. If Chinese cosplayers are able to recreate this level of detail after only a few years, we can’t wait to see what kind of costumes will appear at future Chinese conventions!

Photos: Rocketnews24.
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