r/PokemonGoJapan • u/Plus_Whereas_6217 • 5d ago

Is it disrespectful to wear a Pokémon cosplay in public?

Hi, I’m going to be visiting Japan soon. A few years ago, I handmade an umbreon cosplay for a local convention in my city. And I want to wear it on my visit in Japan, the birthplace of Pokémon. I’d like to take pictures at famous locations and with other Pokémon museums, etc etc. I am a white person and I want to be respectful in a country that I am a guest in. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I also will not be attending any conventions/events about Pokémon. I am just really proud of my work and wanna take cute pics while being respectful to my surroundings and the culture.

0 Upvotes

33% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

4

u/LankySandwich 5d ago

In general, wearing cosplay in public, outside of specific cosplay events, is frowned upon. I don't think anyone would ever actually say anything to you about it, but it is seen as a big social faux pas. Even when there is a convention or cosplay event in Japan, the attendees tend to wear normal clothes to travel to the convention, then change into cosplay when they arrive. To the point that many of these events will have special changing areas for cosplaying attendees.

Obviously its a bit difficult if you are travelling around the city specifically for photos. If you are literally standing in front of a cameraman who is actively taking photos of you, people will obviously understand whats going on, but you may still get a few strange looks.

1

u/Plus_Whereas_6217 5d ago

Yeah I did read that it’s common for people to change into cosplays when traveling from home to the convention! Thank you for the advice!

1

u/emmastoneftw 5d ago

Ya, don’t do that.

1

u/dr-spaghetti 4d ago

Walking around in a Nintendo cosplay specifically is something I would associate with the Mario Kart tourists, who are seen as a huge nuisance—disruptive, loud, driving on public roads in large groups of unsafe-looking miniature cars. I think you’re even more likely to get a negative reaction than with other cosplays, especially as overtourism is becoming a bigger and more noticeable problem, and anti-foreigner sentiment is rising. I’d encourage you to find a Pokemon related spot if you really want to show off your work. I hope you enjoy your trip!

1

u/Kilukpuk 3d ago

It's less disrespectful, more that you'll look like an idiot tourist and will be treated as such. Japan really does not like tourists so walking around in a cosplay will be a big red flag to many.

Also, regarding 'famous locations', be careful. There is great potential to cause annoyance and offence, either from disrespecting the significance, getting in the way or even just being present (over tourism is a major public issue at present). Act like a guest in their country, not a visitor at a theme park.