Interview with the organizers of the Beryl cosplay event
What makes the Beryl cosplay event special
Could you tell us what makes the Beryl cosplay event special?
Beryl Cosplay Event
Most large cosplay events are organized by men, but we are women organizers who plan small-scale events exclusively for female cosplayers.
We strive to run events with special touches that only women would understand, and where people can feel at ease.
We started in June 2019. Our first event was at Ikeda Zoo, the next was at Germany Forest, and this event at Makibi Park is our third.
Challenges and highlights of holding the event
Could you tell us about the challenges you faced in planning the event, and what went well?
Beryl Cosplay Event
Events that require setting up tents and the like are challenging for a team of women organizers.
But we provide supplies needed for cosplay, such as cosmetics, wig caps, and makeup remover, so it makes us happy when participants tell us, “This is so convenient!”
We’re also glad when people say that, even if they have a problem or something goes wrong, “It’s easy to talk to you because women are running the event.”
What makes cosplay appealing?
Could you tell us what makes cosplay appealing?
Beryl Cosplay Event
I think the appeal of cosplay is being able to enjoy an extraordinary experience—becoming a character from a work you love or casually wearing an outfit you’ve always admired.
Participants spend an incredibly long time preparing and perfecting every detail for the short time they’ll be at the event.
Being able to pursue your own vision down to the last detail is another part of its appeal.
How do you choose locations for your events?
Beryl Cosplay Event
As we pursued cosplay as a hobby, we began hoping that people would discover the appeal of new places, thinking, “I’d like to go there,” or “I didn’t know a place like this existed.”
We often look for event venues while out driving.
So we choose places with a distinctive character, unlike those used for large events.
How the event came to be held at Makibi Park
You chose Makibi Park as the venue this time. What led you to choose it, and what were your thoughts?
Beryl Cosplay Event
We knew about Makibi Park, but after reading Kurashiki Tocotoco’s article about Takenoko Chaya at Makibi Park, we learned that cosplay was also possible there. That’s what prompted us to contact Makibi Memorial Hall!
We happened to visit Makibi Park for a preliminary inspection during the autumn foliage season. It was our first visit to Mabi Town since the July 2018 Heavy Rain Disaster, which caused damage there.
When we saw the vacant lots and the visible traces of the disaster firsthand, we began to worry whether it was appropriate to hold an event in Mabi Town…
But when we saw Makibi Park with its beautiful autumn leaves, we were moved: “What a wonderful place!”
We think a Chinese-style garden is well suited to cosplay, and that holding an event here could encourage people to visit Mabi Town and learn even a little about what it is like today.
The tweet announcing that we would hold an event at Makibi Park was retweeted more than 1,000 times. It would be great if people who saw it came to visit on their own, too.
We planned the event hoping that people would discover the appeal of Makibi Park, a wonderful place.
After the event
Finally, could you tell us how you feel now that the event is over?
Beryl Cosplay Event
Now that the event is over, my honest feeling is, “I’m glad we did it.”
The abundance of nature and the warmth of the people are what make Makibi Park and Mabi so appealing. The people at Takenoko Chaya and Makibi Memorial Hall are so kind!
We hope to continue running events from the perspective of female cosplayers, so if you’re interested, please join us.
From the Writer
It was an event where we could see the cosplayers’ gestures and attention to detail in their costumes, as well as the photographers’ focused work, and learn about their love for their favorite works and their passion for cosplay.
After learning that a cosplay event was being held, I contacted the organizers. They told me, “Actually, reading Kurashiki Tocotoco’s article made us interested in Makibi Park, and that’s what inspired us to hold the event. We’d love for you to cover it.” That’s how this article came about.
I wrote my article about Makibi Park hoping that people would visit Mabi Town to cosplay, discover Mabi’s appeal, and shop at local stores or eat at its restaurants.
I’m very happy to have helped inspire the event.
I’d be even happier if it brought visitors and people from Mabi Town together and helped make the town a little livelier.
They also warmly welcome people who come to take photos on their own, so why not visit Makibi Park for a photo shoot?
Cosplay event in a Chinese garden steeped in historical romance: Event details
| Name | Cosplay event in a Chinese garden steeped in historical romance |
|---|---|
| Date | March 15, 2020 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Location | Makibi Park |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Participation fee: ¥1,000 |
| Website | Beryl Cosplay Event |
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