Since last year, China has witnessed a
series of news stories that have sparked controversy among anime fans. Many
cosplayers, passionate about embodying their favorite characters, have been
investigated by authorities for wearing outfits considered “too Japanese” or
“too Western.” This situation has given rise to rumors that China
intends to “control cosplay culture.”
Recently, a rumor has emerged that cosplayers must now
request and register their outfits with the organizers before attending any
event, which has sparked a lot of discussion among otakus in China. It
was an Internet user who reported the situation, pointing out that an official
body had begun to require that cosplayers interested in participating in anime
conventions had to send an application with photographs of their outfits and
accessories, waiting to be approved by said authority.
Unfortunately, there are already several confirmed events
with this new policy, such as an upcoming “Arknights” one. Although the control
program is still in testing and has not been fully implemented, discussions
have already begun on the comment forums. Some still hope that this is
simply a measure to avoid overly revealing outfits.
This move by Chinese authorities suggests an
attempt to impose tighter control over cosplay culture, with a possible focus
on avoiding representations considered too Japanese or Western. The
request for records and photographs of the costumes that interested parties
will wear, with the aim of approving or disapproving them according to these
principles, shows a clear intention to regulate creative expression within the
cosplay community in China.
- « So
will it be okay with some Chinese-inspired character? Like Maomao or
someone like that .
- “ Ah,
it looks like China is finally kicking out the Hololive Production trend .”
- " In
a place where the gap between the upper and lower classes is great and the
number of poor is increasing, trying to regulate entertainment is a bad
idea ."
- « And
what is a Chinese-approved cosplay supposed to look like? I can not
imagine ".
- « Regular
Japanese style of anime and manga too. Don't do things halfway .
- " It's
good, no? He is disgusting. Why don't they do it in Japan? ».
- « The
control that exists today is incredible. Is there any other country in the
modern era that cares so much about the behavior of its people? ».
- « Chinese
animation will never surpass Japanese animation as long as they do this .»
- « But
in terms of animation quality, China is better. Has Japanese animation
changed lately? ».
- « Do
this all over the world, not just in China. Get rid of garbage like the
fucking ani-pigs who are desperate for cartoons, regardless of the country .
- « I
don't care if it's cosplay or not. It seems that we are becoming an
increasingly suffocating society .
- " It
seems unbelievable that we are in the 21st century ."
- " Poor
people without freedom ."
- « It's
like old Japan. Was it a communist state? ».
- « They
should censor and regulate more and more. Because public discontent will
increase ».
Source: Yaraon!
