Convention - Anime Expo 2025: The Cosplay Phenomenon at the Heart of Otaku Culture

By Mulder, Los Angeles, Convention Center, 05 july 2025

Anime Expo 2025, held once again at the iconic Los Angeles Convention Center, confirmed what long-time fans and newcomers alike have known for years: cosplay isn’t just a tradition here—it’s the very heartbeat of the event. On July 5th, the city of Los Angeles transformed into a vibrant dreamscape where fiction and reality collided through thread, foam, paint, and pure dedication. From the moment you stepped through the doors, it was clear that this year’s cosplay scene had leveled up in ambition, artistry, and community resonance. It wasn’t just about dressing up as beloved anime, manga, or video game characters—it was about transformation, identity, and an almost sacred celebration of creativity that pulsed through every hallway and photoshoot space. The energy was palpable, the colors dazzling, and the sheer variety of costumes—from meticulous solo builds to fully choreographed group performances—offered a full-spectrum showcase of fandom in its most vibrant form.

Walking the Exhibit Hall and the outdoor cosplay gathering zones felt like navigating a living, breathing anthology of Japanese pop culture. Legendary characters like Guts from Berserk, the entire Straw Hat Pirates crew from One Piece, or beloved My Hero Academia duos stood shoulder to shoulder with more obscure but passionately recreated characters from indie anime and cult classics. Among the most striking figures was Akakioga, a veteran of the U.S. cosplay circuit whose fame is built not just on her sewing precision but also her armored builds that often defy the laws of physics and comfort. This year, she debuted her dazzling reinterpretation of Princess Mononoke’s San, blending traditional natural textures with futuristic metallic flourishes. In a backstage chat near the WCS USA Finals pre-stage, Akakioga shared a moment of real vulnerability when she described how a critical strap snapped just before her entrance, nearly derailing months of preparation. With help from a fellow cosplayer, she quickly reinforced the piece using backup magnetic fasteners and sheer grit—a testament to how even in such a competitive environment, camaraderie and shared passion prevail over rivalry.

Over in the Entertainment Hall, cosplay found a different but equally immersive stage. At the Yostar booth, known for its hit games Arknights and Azur Lane, a live cosplay casting setup allowed fans to “Headhunt IRL.” Professional cosplayers embodied in-game operators and interacted with guests in-character, deepening the line between promotional event and living fanfiction. This concept wasn’t new for Yostar, but the execution this year reached a new tier of sophistication. According to a press rep, the performers underwent days of brand training and vocal coaching to ensure their portrayals were not just accurate but emotionally resonant. The effect? Guests left with tears in their eyes after speaking to their favorite characters brought to life—not as a gimmick, but as an emotionally impactful bridge between game narrative and real-world connection.

The main cosplay event, the WCS USA Finals and the Anime Expo Masquerade, brought the community together in ways only this event can. On a grand stage bathed in cinematic lighting, teams performed entire dramatic arcs in under five minutes, using nothing but custom-made props, synchronized movements, and voiceovers. It was here that cosplay was no longer just costume—it was performance art. One of the standout acts was a heart-pounding recreation of a Demon Slayer boss battle, complete with timed fog machines, coordinated LED sword lighting, and even a collapsing papier-mâché demon puppet that evoked genuine gasps from the crowd. As judges deliberated, cheers of support echoed through the theater, showcasing how even in competition, the spirit of mutual admiration and shared love of storytelling held strong.

What truly stood out this year was the attention Anime Expo gave to issues surrounding representation, safety, and inclusivity within cosplay culture. From the highly visible “Cosplay Is Not Consent” signage throughout the convention center to dedicated panels on racial diversity in cosplay, there was a clear and intentional shift toward nurturing a safer and more welcoming space for all attendees. Cosplayers of all races, body types, and gender identities shared the floor, unapologetically embodying characters on their own terms. Whether it was a Black Princess Zelda posing regally by the West Hall or a plus-sized Nezuko whose presence lit up social media, Anime Expo 2025 made it clear: authenticity lies in the spirit of the cosplay, not in gatekeeping concepts of accuracy. Several attendees shared personal stories during open mic segments, detailing how cosplay helped them overcome social anxiety, express their gender identity, or simply feel seen for the first time. These anecdotes weren’t just touching—they were a potent reminder of cosplay’s deeper emotional resonance beyond the visual spectacle.

Merchandising also played its role in blending the lines between fan creation and official canon. Crunchyroll made headlines by unveiling a screen-accurate replica of Misato Katsuragi’s red leather jacket from Neon Genesis Evangelion. The drop quickly sold out and soon became a staple piece among Evangelion cosplayers spotted at the con. Paired with replica crosses and voice lines blaring from Bluetooth speakers, this gear wasn’t just merch—it was a gateway for fans to step directly into Misato’s conflicted, battle-hardened mindset. One cosplayer, Cameron Rivera, told us, “When I wear the jacket, I don’t just feel like Misato—I feel like I’m finally brave enough to lead my own fight, just like she did.” That’s the kind of testimonial that can’t be bought or staged—it emerges from genuine fandom lived through fabric and character embodiment.

Behind the lens, Nickolas Logan, on assignment for Mulderville, captured the soul of Anime Expo 2025’s cosplay through a stunning visual gallery that didn’t just highlight costumes but revealed the emotions, intensity, and storytelling behind each subject’s eyes. His portraits of duo cosplayers, candid shots of sewing repairs done on the floor, and dramatic stage moments now circulate across social media as visual proof of a culture that’s both deeply personal and wildly spectacular. Nickolas Logan’s photos told stories that words couldn’t always capture—moments where fantasy collided with humanity, and the result was nothing short of magical.

Anime Expo 2025’s cosplay scene reminded everyone—whether first-time attendees or seasoned veterans—why cosplay continues to be the emotional and artistic core of fandom. It isn’t about perfection. It’s about devotion. It’s about the spark of inspiration when a fan first imagines themselves as a character, and the countless hours that follow as they cut, glue, stitch, and practice. It’s about the moment of awe in a crowded hall when someone turns and says, “Oh my God, that’s amazing. Can I take your picture?” And more than anything, it’s about community—the ever-growing, endlessly supportive, unapologetically passionate family that converges at Anime Expo every summer to celebrate the magic of transformation. As 2026 looms on the horizon, one thing is certain: cosplay isn’t a trend here. It’s a legacy in motion.

Discover our  photos in our Flickr page

Photos : Nickolas Logan / Mulderville