1970s-1980s (jan 1, 1970 – jan 1, 1980)
Description:
During the 1970s and 1980s in Japan, CosPlay began to take shape as a distinct cultural phenomenon, heavily influenced by the rising popularity of manga, anime, and science fiction. Fan communities started to organize events and gatherings where participants would dress up as their favorite characters from these genres, marking a significant expansion of CosPlay beyond individual expressions of fandom. These gatherings served as platforms for creativity, cultural exchange, and the celebration of shared interests, contributing to the mainstreaming of CosPlay in Japanese society and laying the groundwork for its global spread. All in all, CosPlay starts to gain popularity in Japan, influenced by manga, anime, and science fiction. This period marks the beginning of CosPlay as a global phenomenon, with fans across the world embracing the practice of dressing as their favorite characters.Source Citation:
Runnebaum, A. (2019, August 5). The origins of CosPlay. Japan Daily. Retrieved from https://japandaily.jp/the-origins-of-cosplay-6598/
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1970
jan 1, 1980
~ 10 years