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Japan's 1st Non-Profit Cosplay Organization Formed

posted on by Egan Loo
Group to raise public awareness, support cosplaying victims of crime

Cosengokai, the self-described first non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cosplayers (themed costumers) in Japan, will begin operations in November to "raise public awareness of wholesome cosplay culture and provide consultation for cosplayers who have been victims of crimes."

In its press release, Cosengokai described the prejudice and discrimination caused by the general public's misunderstanding and stereotypical view of cosplayers, based on the minority of the cosplayers with sexually explicit costumes. According the organization, those perceptions have led to some cosplayers being the victims of voyeurism, stalking, criminal indecency, and other illegal activities that have been gone ignored. The organization intends to address these issues with public awareness campaigns and organized support for cosplayers who have been affected.

Cosengokai is co-sponsoring a November 11 cosplay event with the independent group Japan Students Services Organization (JASSO) and the cosplay event periodical C-NET in JASSO's Tokyo International Exchange Center. Cosengokai is also planning to publish "the First Japanese Cosplay White Paper, the first of its kind in the cosplay field," next March. The organization officially registered its founding on August 31.

Image © 2007 Cosengokai. All rights reserved.


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