When I wanted to find out about the burgeoning performance art known as “cosplay,” I knew exactly who to ask; Nikkei is a Video Game Design student and is a student worker at the Columbia College Chicago Library. He is known for his brightly colored goggles and deep love of Japanese Anime. Here are the highlights of our conversation:

“Cosplay” is a phrase that has recently come into the common language but most people still don’t know what it is. What is the difference between a costume and a cosplay?

It’s funny – I guess a costume is a bit more generic – like on Halloween (people dress as) something like a “ghost” or “pumpkin,” whereas with cosplay you are dressing up as a specific character or icon. You kind of role play that person – take on that person’s persona.

How did you get into cosplay?

I have been into Japanese anime for a long time and I’m a gamer, so it was only natural (that I would become interested in cosplay). I remember thinking “You know what? That’s pretty cool!” and I wanted to get into it…it’s the fun of it – escaping for a few days is really fun.

What is it about the human condition that makes us want to dress up like somebody else?

It’s just nice to try something different. I want to dress up, I want to be this other character…and (cosplay) makes a lot of us feel more extraverted than we normally would. I feel more photogenic when I’m in my costume. Cosplay isn’t very popular, but in recent years, people have begun to respect comic book heroes…so it’s cool to be around people (who cosplay) and are like-minded.

If someone wanted to get into cosplay, where would be a good place to start?

We have an anime club here at Columbia called JAM (Japanese Anime and Manga) which is a great resource. YouTube is a great place if you just want to look up inspiration, as is deviant art. People post lots of stuff!

Any upcoming events people should check out if they want to find out more?

It depends on the person – some people don’t like big crowds or conventions – but there is a huge convention happening in Chicago from December 16th -18th called, “Con+Alt+Delete” at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. You can find details online at: https://conaltdelete.com/

Thanks for talking with us Nikkei!

Interviewed by Molly Hart, Student Engagement Coordinator, Columbia College Chicago Library