Lens: Inside the inclusive world of cosplay at Hong Kong’s annual anime, comics and games fair

Hong Kong Free Press

In cosplay, irrespective of gender, height, or body shape, anyone can embody the character they desire. Sometimes, they do not even need to be a specific character, simply dressing up for fun and posing with others for memorable photos.

Kyle_HKFP_ACG Fair_watermarked-1 — Cosplayers as Hitori Gotoh, a character from the anime Bocchi The Rock. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The inclusive world of cosplay was on display at Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2023, an annual four-day event for fans of anime, comics and games (ACG) held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 28 until August 1.

“This is my third year participating in the ACG fair, cosplaying as various characters. I used to be shy and struggle with social anxiety, but it brings me great joy when someone approaches me and asks for photos,” Forest, 24, told HKFP.

Like many young people, Forest has been passionate about ACG culture since her teenage years. She explained that she had learned to have courage through anime, saying: “Throughout different stages of life, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, and often, I just wanted to escape. Anime and comics have taught me the significance of confronting those difficulties.”