Interview with the organizers of the cosplay event Beryl
The commitment of the cosplay event Beryl
Please tell us about the commitment of Cosplay Event Beryl towards the event.
Cosplay Event Beryl
Most large cosplay events are primarily organized by men, but we are planning small-scale events exclusively for female cosplayers, organized by women.
We strive to create an event that has a calming atmosphere and a commitment that only women can understand.
We started in June 2019, with the first event at Ikeda Zoo, followed by the German Forest, and this time, Makibi Park is our third event.
The struggles and good things about holding the event
Can you talk about the struggles or good things you experienced while planning the event?
Cosplay Event Beryl
Events that require setting up tents and such are quite challenging when organized by women.
However, we provide items necessary for cosplay, such as cosmetics, wig nets, and makeup removers, so it makes us happy when participants say, "This is really convenient!"
Also, even when there are troubles or issues, we hear that "it's easy to talk to the organizers because they are women," which I think is a good thing.
What is the charm of cosplay?
Please tell us about the charm of cosplay.
Cosplay Event Beryl
Being able to become your favorite character from a beloved work and wear admired outfits casually is the charm of cosplay that allows you to enjoy the extraordinary.
Participants spend an incredibly long time preparing for the short duration of the event.
The ability to thoroughly pursue your own commitment is also one of the charms.
How do you choose the location for the event?
Cosplay Event Beryl
As we engage in cosplay as a hobby, we started to think, "I want to visit this place, I didn't know such places existed," and we want to discover the charm of new locations.
We often look for event venues while driving around.
Therefore, we choose places that have a bit of a unique character, different from large events.
The background of the event being held at Makibi Park
This time, you have chosen Makibi Park as the event venue. What was the background or thought process behind this choice?
Cosplay Event Beryl
I knew about Makibi Park, but after reading the article about the Takenoko Chaya at Makibi Park by Kurashiki Tocotoco, I learned that cosplay could also be done there, and that prompted me to contact the Makibi Memorial Hall!
The first time I visited Makibi Park for a preliminary inspection was during the autumn foliage season. It was my first visit to Mabi after the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.
Upon visiting, I witnessed vacant lots and remnants of the disaster, which made me anxious about whether it was okay to hold an event in Mabi...
However, when I actually saw the beautiful autumn foliage at Makibi Park, I was moved and thought, "What a wonderful place this is!"
I believe the Chinese-style garden is suitable for cosplay, and by encouraging people to come to Mabi through the event, it can serve as an opportunity for them to learn a little about the current Mabi.
The tweet announcing the event at Makibi Park received over 1,000 retweets, and I hope that those who saw it will come individually.
I hope that people will get to know the attractive place that is Makibi Park, which is why I planned this event.
After the event
Finally, please share your thoughts after the event.
Cosplay Event Beryl
After the event, my honest feeling is "I'm glad we did it."
The richness of nature and the warmth of the people are the charms of Makibi Park and Mabi that I felt once again. The people at Takenoko Chaya and Makibi Memorial Hall are very kind!
In the future, I would like to continue organizing events from a female cosplayer's perspective, so if anyone is interested, please join us.
Conclusion
It was an event where I could see the dedication of cosplayers to their actions and costumes, as well as the serious scenes of photographers capturing moments, allowing me to understand the love for the works and the feelings towards cosplay.
When I learned that a cosplay event was going to be held and contacted the organizers, I was told, "Actually, I became interested in Makibi Park after reading the article on Kurashiki Tocotoco, and that was the trigger for holding the event. I would love for you to cover it," which led to this interview.
The article I wrote about Makibi Park was written with the hope that "people will visit Mabi-cho for cosplay, learn about its charm, and shop or dine at local establishments."
I am very happy to have been able to create an opportunity for the event to be held.
I would be even happier if interactions between visitors and the people of Mabi-cho could lead to a little more vibrancy in the town.
Since individual photography is also warmly welcomed, why not visit Makibi Park for a photoshoot?
Data on the cosplay event in the historically romantic Chinese garden
| Name | Cosplay Event in a Historically Romantic Chinese Garden |
|---|---|
| Date | March 15, 2020 From 10 AM to 3 PM |
| Location | Makibi Park |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Participation fee: 1,000 yen |
| Website | Cosplay Event Beryl |
