A park in Mabi where nature and Chinese-style buildings harmonize, Makibi Park.
This park is perfect for shooting cosplay of foreign-style anime and manga, and a cosplay event was held.
In Mabi, which suffered significant damage from the heavy rain in July 2018, the cosplay event at Makibi Park was held for the first time in a while.
I will introduce the state of the cosplay event at Makibi Park and share what I learned from the organizer of the "Okayama Cosplay Event Beryl" about the background leading up to the event!
What is Okayama Cosplay Event Beryl?
Okayama Cosplay Event Beryl is an event exclusively for female cosplayers, launched in June 2019 by two women friends who are active cosplayers living in Okayama.
The changing room for the event is equipped with mirrors, tissues, cosmetics, irons, magazines, snacks, and other items to ensure that female cosplayers have a pleasant experience.
“Beryl” is the English reading of the gemstone known as "ryokuchuseki" (green beryl).
Green beryl is not just one color like white or red; it comes in various colors.
The name was chosen with the hope of creating an event where "everyone can fully enjoy fun activities based on their individual personalities," likening the colorful, sparkling gemstones to the cosplayers.
The state of the "Cosplay Event in a Historical Chinese Garden!"
Flow of the event
The "Cosplay Event in a Historical Chinese Garden!" was held at Makibi Park on March 15, 2020.
Of the 20 spots available for female cosplayers, about 10 participated due to cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was a slightly windy and still chilly day, but the calls of the bush warblers heralding spring could be heard here and there.
The weather was just right for shooting.
Registration was done in front of Chikuyuan, located next to the Makibi Memorial Hall, where participants changed into their costumes. Groups of participants and photographers then explored Makibi Park and were free to take photos.
Shooting conditions
A popular spot was the round window at Makibi Park!
Participants took turns following the rules, enjoying various poses and shooting.
Additionally, shooting in front of the pond in the center, which spreads out in front of the hexagonal pavilion, seemed to be popular.
The vibrant Chinese-style costumes stood out, creating a scene that felt like visiting a foreign land.
During a break in shooting, I spoke with some participants and was surprised to learn that they had come from outside Okayama Prefecture, including Nagasaki, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
The staff of Cosplay Event Beryl included male photographers who offered to take photos for groups without dedicated photographers by asking, "Shall we take some pictures?"
Participants appreciated the thoughtful attention to detail.
In a calm and relaxed atmosphere, everyone enjoyed the shooting.
Voices of event participants
When I asked participants for their impressions, I received the following comments:
- “I’m happy to be able to shoot in a Chinese-style garden since there are no places with Chinese-style buildings in my prefecture.”
- “I participate in cosplay events for tourism purposes.”
In crowded places or large events, it can be difficult to shoot, but I felt that the charm of this event was that each group could enjoy shooting at a leisurely pace.
Additionally, the Take-no-ko Tea House offers set meals of udon and soba, as well as drinks like coffee and tea.
Participants could use the café in their cosplay costumes, so some took breaks in between shooting.
Next, I spoke with the organizers of Cosplay Event Beryl.
Data of the cosplay event in a historical romantic Chinese garden
| Name | Cosplay Event in a Historical Romantic Chinese Garden |
|---|---|
| Date | March 15, 2020 From 10 AM to 3 PM |
| Location | Makibi Park |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | Participation fee: 1,000 yen |
| Website | Cosplay Event Beryl |
