Cosplay Photography: 4 Essential Phrases

"I really love Shingeki no Kyojin, and a while back I went to an event where someone was cosplaying one of my favourite characters. I really wanted to take a photo with them, but I had no idea what to say so I ended up secretly taking a photo from a distance and going home... What are you supposed to do in that situation?"

This is a story I heard from someone I met who had recently moved to Japan from abroad. To have an amazing cosplayer right before your eyes, only to not know what to say and miss your chance to take a photograph before they move on... No one wants that, right?

Cosplay events are a common occurrence in Japan. If you get the chance to go to one, you'll want to know at least some basic Japanese so that you can talk to the cosplayers. That's why in this article, we teach you four essential phrases so you can politely ask for photographs and make the most of the event.

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Ask and You Shall Receive

Most cosplayers aren't celebrities, but regular folk like you and I, who enjoy cosplay as a hobby. It's important not to take photos of them without their knowledge - treat them how you would want to be treated, and make sure to ask permission.

1. Shashin wo tottemo iidesuka? Can I take your photograph?

Say this when you want to take a photograph with a cosplayer. If you're there alone, don't be afraid to ask someone to take the photo for you. Simply say this short phrase: "Shashin wo totte moratte ii desu ka?".

3. Shashin wo blog ni nosete mo iidesuka? Can I post your photograph on my blog?

It's bad manners to post your photographs of cosplayers on your blog, Twitter, or other social media without permission, so make sure to ask the above. If you give the cosplayer in question the URL to your blog, this will reassure them and make them more likely to agree.

4. Meishi wo itadaite mo iidesuka? Can I have your business card?

There are some cosplayers in the community who carry meishi (business cards) which have their name, email address, etc.

Often, these cards will also have the URL to a website with photographs of their other cosplays. If you post a photo with a cosplayer on your blog, it might be a nice idea to email them a link to it in case they want to use it.

These are the very basics of how to communicate with Japanese cosplayers, but it's important to show this much consideration in order to avoid any trouble and enjoy the event to the fullest! Next time you're at an event, why don't you try out these phrases and chat with the cosplayers?

Pictures from Pixta