[Insert some sort of witty segue into “the word of the week” here]

[コスプレ] cosplay- n./v. – dressing up in costume, usually in the likeness of characters from manga, anime, games or tokatsu

Supposedly, the term “cosplay” was coined by Nov Takahashi at the ’84 SDCC, but might also be the result of Japanese word spliceage to create a pop culture hybrid. (The same sort of logic that leaves Morning Musume fans eagerly gushing about “MoMusu.”)
Cosplay, at it’s very basics, is exactly what it sounds like; dressing up as a character. Yet it’s also a social event; cosplayers swap techniques with one another, are photographed by spectators and compete for costume prizes. Generally, cosplay venues in the US are limited to conventions, although occasionally cosplayers attend other Japanese events in costume [such as a concert.] More recently, convetions have begun branching out in their cosplay events, offering new contests like Cosplay Chess. In Japan, cosplay has reached a regulated, almost businesslike level- cosplayers, or “reyazu” as they call themselves, pose for “cameko” photographers who’ll swap prints for poses. In recent years, aggressive behavior on the part of the cameko has led some large Japanese cons like Comiket to crack down on the system. The most famous cosplay venue may be a bridge near the Harajuku train station, where cosplayers, gothic lolitas and other youth subcultures turn out in full costume, primarily on Sundays.

Note: Next week’s Phrasebook may be on or off schedule, depending upon how fast I can find an internet connection/manga kissa in my area.