TOKYO (AFP) — With subculture emerging as a top attraction in Japan, the government Wednesday gave an official welcome to foreign cosplayers, hoping to turn the hobby into a diplomatic tool.
Cosplay -- short for "costume play" -- refers to hobbyists who dress as imaginary characters, often from Japanese "manga" cartoons, and act out their fantasies.
The foreign ministry, more used to receiving visiting heads of state than cosplayers, invited two Americans, two French and two Brazilians in full attire.
The six were in Japan to attend the World Cosplay Summit, an annual gathering of cosplayers to be held this weekend in the central city of Nagoya.
Renee Gloger, a 22-year-old American, donned a blue sheet to play the role of schoolgirl-turned-hero Umi Ryuuzaki from the manga series "Magic Knight Rayearth."
"I have always loved manga and anime. Having the opportunity to come to the country where it was created is like a dream for me," she said alongside fellow cosplayers and Senior Vice Foreign Minister Itsunori Onodera.
"Having this dream come true is a great pleasure. Cosplay is a very important part of my life," she said.
Onodera -- who was dressed in a business suit -- said Japan saw manga and animation as tools to win over foreigners, particularly young people.
"Years ago, business was the main motivation for young foreigners to learn the Japanese language. But nowadays, people learn Japanese because they want to read Japanese manga, play Japanese games and read books on games before they are translated," Onodera said.
However, the 48-year-old lawmaker admitted his own shortcomings.
"I don't know what manga characters you're dressed as. But I'm sure my kids and young staff of the foreign ministry would like pictures taken with you," he said.
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