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 If you or your child are into anime (Japanese animation), chances are you would have heard of CosPlay, which most simply put, is the hobby (or art) of play-acting in costumes. The term originated in Japan but is based on the English words “Costume Play,” In Japan, CosPlay is not limited to anime/manga, but features strongly in other entertainment industries such as science fiction and horror. In North America, the term CosPlay often refers to anime/manga related costuming, though must of Science fiction and mythology costuming can also be referred to as CosPlay.
More than just Dress-up
CosPlaying can be divided into two categories:  basic CosPlay and Masquerade. While basic cosplay only involves an attempt to look like a particular character, either in the halls of a convention or on stage, Masquerade involved CosPlayers attempting to act as the character would. At CosPlay conventions, you may even see complex skits with memorized lines where the CosPlayers act and speak according to their character's personality.
Some CosPlayers make their own costumes and spend much time and money in the process, while others buy their costumes from professional costume designers. CosPlayers take the chance to show off these costumes at anime conventions and special showcase events at shopping malls, especially those popular with children and teenagers.
 To each their own
Groups of CosPlayers tend to dress up as characters from a certain animation, film or video game series, such as Final Fantasy, Dynasty Warriors, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Wars saga or Star Trek. In many cases, CosPlayers will not just be well-versed in the appearance of their favourite characters, but have detailed knowledge of the various characters, stories and plotlines of the series they represent. In the case of CosPlay inspired by video games, they may be avid gamers who meet to discuss and share gaming strategies as well.
Photo: A group of Dynasty Warriors CosPlayers having a discussion (click for larger image).
If your teen is interested in CosPlay....
Let he or she find out more about this hobby and what it entails - check out websites and online forums such as http://www.sgcosplayclub.org/ and http://www.sgcosplay.com. Look out for CosPlay conventions and performances at public places. Like acting, singing and dancing, CosPlay is also a form of self-expression that requires practice and preparation. Most CosPlayers do a lot of research into the costumes they wear and spend time and money creating a wearable work of art that is admired by CosPlayers and non-Cosplayers alike. One of the attractions of CosPlay is that it can be enjoyed as a group activity. This is one way for youth to socialise with one another through a shared interest that is healthy, as long as they don't become caught up in their passion to the point of affecting their studies or jobs.
 Calling all CosPlayers - take part in the CosPlay@EduCommunity online Contest now!
Dress up as characters from Romance of the Three Kingdoms and win cool prizes from Popular, New Balance and Strategy Entertainment. Click here to find more
Do you take part in CosPlay, and what do you enjoy about it? Do you have advice for those interested in finding out more about CosPlay? Let us know 
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