Cosplay In Nepal

In the heart of Kathmandu's bustling streets, within the beautifully complex fabric that is Nepali culture, I found a unique yet delicious form of self-expression: cosplay. It was 2014 when I walked into the first-ever cosplay event, “Let's Cosplay,” hosted by Otaku Club Nepal at the Irish Pub in Lazimpat. I was in costume as Sakura from Naruto, minus the wig, but it was so exciting to be a character and connect with other fans. This was the beginning of a journey that would combine my love of anime and pop culture with Nepal's vibrant cultural landscape.

In the years since, cosplay culture in Nepal has changed drastically. From little conventions to big conventions, the level of organisation has been growing and conventions like Otaku Jatra are helping to push that organisation, allowing fans to celebrate their love of anime, comics, and games. Otaku Jatra 2024, held at Silver Oak Banquet, Gairidhara, Kathmandu, presented itself as a sign of growth and possibility. It offered cosplay contests, K-pop routines, and screenings of anime films, with participants from all over the country. 

Throughout my life, I've been lucky enough to portray many different characters, and each character has had its own challenges and benefits. The biggest one among all was the experience of watching the Fluid S2 Kurukshetra Tournament & Cosplay Event in 2019 at the Chhaya Centre, Thamel. Dressed up as Guinevere from the game: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, I gained experience in costume design, performance, and audience interaction.  

Photography has always been associated with my cosplay history as well. The photos I collect, from casual shots at events to planned photo shoots organised carefully, are my visual diary of my journey and growth as a cosplayer. These same photos I share through my blog, "Cosplay Moments in Nepal", enable me to connect with a larger community and also encourage others to participate in cosplay.

Although cosplay is gaining traction in Nepal, the cosplay scene faces some challenges, with the biggest one being the lack of designated spaces for cosplayers to work and conduct events. While events like Otaku Jatra provide temporary stages for showcasing cosplays, there ideally have to be some kind of permanent venues accommodating the growing number of fans and events. Besides, the cost of materials and costumes can often be too high for most wannabe cosplayers to afford. 

Looking forward, I really believe that the future of cosplay in Nepal is bright. Firstly, due to the ever-increasing numbers and support of fans, event promoters, and society in general, which can make cosplay a mainstream art form in the country. Events such as cosplay workshops, educational tie-ups with schools, and foreign convention partnerships can provide the framework and boost in visibility that the scene needs in order to greatly propel the standard. Additionally, with the use of digital channels, it is now more possible to connect fans from different regions together as one family to ensure a sense of diversity and inclusion.

Looking back on the journey I have taken and the way cosplay has evolved in Nepal, I remain extremely grateful for the experiences and friendships that this community has offered me. Cosplay has so many lessons in connecting people, creativity, working with others, and sharing cultures. Cosplay has opened doors for me to express my passion and share my excitement with others like me. If you are an aspiring cosplayer and want to learn more and participate, there is space for everyone to be involved.