Cosplay in Hong Kong

06.08.10 / Anime Cosplay Costumes / Author: admin
Tags: Anime Cosplay Costumes

Ani-Com, which is held at the end of July or early in August, manages to bring otaku—the Japanese word for fanboys/fangirls—away from their manga and computers in droves. Each year, over half a million people turn up over the five days of the fair. In 2009, its 11th year, 113,000 people attended on opening day, a turnout that was 6.6 percent higher than the year before. The fair was held from July 31 to August 4 at the spacious Hong Kong Cosplay Convention and Exhibition Center.

Attendees are motivated by the opportunity to get a first look at the latest graphic novels, movies, and toys, and rub against the actors and artists behind it all. It is also a chance for the top anime and manga artists from Hong Kong and the region to showcase their work cosplay costumes.

Over 400 booths displayed sought-after products, from the latest software and games to cosplay costumes, Voltron models and a Michael Jackson figure not available in the U.S.

“We were sold out of some collectibles by the middle of the day,” said Hau Tung-ching of toy dealer, TeensChannel, reflecting the fact that no one there was pinching pennies.

At these conventions, the entertainment and toy industry takes the opportunity to announce upcoming films and other products. Bandai, Microsoft, and Nintendo were a few of the major exhibitors cosplay sale.

It was also a chance for Hong Kong fans to meet their Japanese heroes and heroines in person. For instance, Otaku personaltiy Shokotan Nakagawa gave a concert.