The world of cosplay is constantly evolving, with iconic characters capturing the imagination of fans around the world. This year, certain characters continue to dominate conventions and social media. In this article, we'll give you the 10 most popular cosplay characters, detailing why they're so beloved and how cosplayers manage to embody them brilliantly.
What is cosplay?
The term cosplay is a contraction of "costume" and "play", it designates the art of disguising yourself as a fictional character, often taken from the world of manga , anime, video games, or comics. This cultural phenomenon took root in Japan before spreading globally, becoming a central part of fan conventions and pop culture gatherings. Cosplay is not limited to simply reproducing costumes; it also encompasses character interpretation, involving performances, thematic photography, and often in-person interactions.
For many, cosplay is a form of artistic expression that allows you to show your love for a character or series. This often involves varying skills such as sewing, creating accessories, makeup, and even making prosthetics or armor. Cosplayers' dedication to their art can be impressive, with hours of work and preparation to create authentic and detailed costumes. Cosplay competitions, held at conventions, provide a platform for these artists to show off their creations and compete for prizes and recognition.
10 must-have cosplay characters
Discover without further delay which are the 10 favorite characters of cosplay fans this year.
Nezuko Kamado - Demon Slayer
Nezuko Kamado, the young demon protective of her brother Tanjiro, remains a favorite character among cosplayers. Her distinctive pink kimono and bamboo mouth are key elements of the costume, and her sweet but determined personality attracts many fans. (Click on the image below to check out the cosplay).
Deku - My Hero Academia
Izuku Midoriya, known as Deku, is the brave and persevering hero of My Hero Academia. Cosplayers love his green costume and determined expressions, reflecting his journey from powerless hero to one of the greatest defenders of justice. (Click on the image below to check out the cosplay).
Mikasa Ackerman - Attack on Titan
Mikasa Ackerman, the fearsome warrior from Attack on Titan, is a popular choice for cosplayers. Her three-dimensional maneuvering gear and iconic red scarf make her cosplay impressive.
Tanjiro Kamado - Demon Slayer
Another popular character is “Demon Slayer” protagonist Tanjiro Kamado. Her green and black patterned haori and Nichirin sword are must-have items that cosplayers love to recreate with precision. (Click on the image below to check out the cosplay).
Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki, the iconic ninja of the village of Konoha, continues to be a timeless favorite. His orange, red and black outfit, forehead protector and whisker marks on his cheeks are instantly recognizable features. (Click on the image below to check out the cosplay).
Sailor Moon
Usagi Tsukino, aka Sailor Moon, is a cosplay icon. His colorful sailor suit, long blonde ponytails and lunar scepter make this character a classic and ever-popular choice.
Levi Ackerman - Attack on Titan
Levi Ackerman, the stoic and efficient captain of Attack on Titan, is adored by cosplayers for his charisma and style. His military uniform is a key part of cosplay.
Goku - Dragon Ball Z
Goku, the legendary Saiyan from Dragon Ball, remains an essential choice. His orange gi, his spiky black or blonde hair (Super Saiyan) and his energetic and optimistic character attract cosplayers from all over the world.
Todoroki Shoto - My Hero Academia
Todoroki Shoto, with his unique appearance and his powers of fire and ice, is a very popular character. Cosplayers appreciate the complexity of her costume, which includes details of her elemental powers and personal history.
Eren Yeager - Attack on Titan
Eren Yeager, the central character of Attack on Titan, is a popular choice thanks to his complex development and spectacular action scenes. His soldier uniform and transformation into a Titan offer many creative possibilities for cosplayers. (Click on the image below to check out the cosplay).
FAQ about cosplays
The My Japan Clothes team decided to answer the most frequently asked questions about cosplays.
How to start cosplay?
To get started in cosplay, it is recommended to choose a character that you like and have a personal connection with. Look for detailed visual references of the costume, then decide whether you want to purchase a ready-made costume or create one yourself. If you opt to make, start with online tutorials, cosplay forums, and social media groups for advice and support.
Where can I buy cosplay costumes?
There are many online sites specializing in cosplay costumes, we logically recommend our Japan Mood online store. Our cosplays will offer you quality, durability and comfort that you won't find anywhere else. So if you want to shine at your next convention, no more time to waste, go directly to our cosplay collection!
How to make a cosplay costume?
Making a cosplay costume can involve several skills, including sewing, leatherworking, prosthetic making, and makeup. Start by gathering materials like fabric, thread, EVA foam, and paints. Use sewing patterns for clothing and watch tutorials to learn how to create accessories and armor. Practice and experimentation are key to improving your skills.
What are the makeup essentials for cosplay?
Cosplay makeup can vary depending on the character, but essentials include long-lasting foundation, eyebrow products, colorful eye shadow, lipsticks, and makeup setting spray. Colored contact lenses are often used to match the characters' eyes. It is important to practice makeup application in advance and use quality products to avoid allergic reactions.
How can I enter cosplay contests?
To enter a cosplay contest, find out about events and conventions in your area. Most conventions have cosplay competitions with different categories. Register in advance, prepare a presentation or performance if necessary, and make sure your costume is ready. Judges will generally evaluate authenticity, build quality and performance. Among the most popular conventions in France, we notably have the Japan Expo in Paris, the Japan Expo Sud in Marseille and the Japan Matsuri in Montpellier
What are the best tips for posing in cosplay?
To pose in cosplay, familiarize yourself with your character's iconic poses. Practice in front of a mirror or take test photos to see what works best. Make sure your facial expressions match the character's emotion. At conventions, work with photographers to capture flattering angles and details of your suit.
How do I maintain and store my cosplay costumes?
To care for your suits, clean them according to the fabric's instructions after each use to avoid stains and odors. Repair any tears or damage immediately. Store your costumes in a dry place out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. Use hangers for delicate pieces and storage boxes for accessories and small parts.
Cosplays allow fans to bring their favorite characters to life in spectacular ways. This year more than ever, iconic characters like Nezuko Kamado, Deku, and Sailor Moon continue to dominate convention stages, demonstrating the lasting impact of these figures on popular culture. Whether you're a curious novice or a seasoned cosplayer, there are always new techniques to learn and new characters to explore. Cosplay remains a unique form of artistic expression that celebrates the ingenuity, passion and connection between fans around the world.
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