Free Magazine for Japanese Cosplay Events Launched
CosPick" to feature nationwide cosplay event listings
Following the debut of Japan's first free manga magazine earlier this year, Japan's first free magazine for cosplayers and costuming enthusiasts has arrived. However, the magazine isn't just another magazine for cosplayers; it's also a guide that many fans have been asking for.
"CosPick", which was launched on August 17 and will be released on a bi-monthly basis, functions mainly as a guide to cosplay-themed events across Japan. Although online guides already exist to promote manga events and doujinshi markets (such as Studio You), a guide to events for Japanese cosplayers has essentially not existed. The magazine, along with its website, were created by the media company Cross Bridge, which also runs the online Akihabara information program Akiba TV.The next issue of the magazine is scheduled for release on September 28.
Traditionally, cosplay events in Japan are organized by local fans. As a consequence, cosplayers in Japan usually learn about events and gatherings through e-mails, blogs and word of mouth. The listings in "CosPick" include events across Japan, along with advertisements for hotels and restuarants in the areas surrounding each event so that cosplayers can find accomodations ahead of time. The idea has been successful so far; the magazine managed to distribute about 6500 magazines at Comic Market 72 in Tokyo last month.
Source: IT Media
