Con-Etiquette: The Unspoken Rules of Anime Conventions By: Megan Kennedy

If you can’t handle the cosplayer; you can’t handle the con. Cosplayers have a very specific set of social rules and values—ignore them and a Goku may Kamehameha you right out of the convention center. If you’re attending your first anime convention, you’ll without a doubt encounter cosplayers, weaboos and otakus alike. Being able to identify these nerd “types” so to speak, will help you out immensely. Cosplayers are the most common breed of nerd that you’ll find at a convention–knowing how to approach them is crucial to your con experience.

First of all, you’ll want to be

familiar with con terminology. You might hear the names “otaku” or “weaboo” and they might seem like appropriate words to describe people who are anime-obsessed. It’s important to note that these terms generally have negative connotations. An otaku is someone who has nothing better to do other than watch anime and play videogames. A weaboo is someone who obsesses over Japanese culture and attempts to act Japanese (usually making

an ass of themself). Misinformed anime fans might identify as otakus, which is  basically the same thing as calling yourself a loser in Japanese. With these terms under your belt, you might want to refrain from labeling people as such. But feel free to laugh at the fans who still think being an otaku is cool (even I made this mistake at my first convention). In addition, you’ll need to be familiar with cosplay. Cosplay is a combination of two words—costume and role-play. Cosplayers dress up as fictional characters from an anime series, a videogame, a movie, a television show or just about anything you can imagine. Unbeknownst to the new con-goer, there are quite a few unspoken rules when it comes to interacting with cosplayers and recently they have completely taken over the convention scene. The golden rule is to never touch

Princess  Tutu:  Ahiru  and  Kraehe

 My  Little  Pony  Equestria  Girls

 Fierce  Deity  Link  from  The  Legend  of  Zelda:  Majora's  Mask

a cosplayer without permission. Don’t glomp Ash Ketchum because he was your childhood hero. It’s crucial to remember that the guy dressed up as Ash isn’t actually the Pokémon Master of your youth. He’s an ordinary person, not a trained actor and he might actually value his personal space. Also, someone’s costume might not look fragile, but you definitely do not want to be the person to test that hypothesis. Cosplayers work incredibly hard on their costumes—so if you break the hilt off of Link’s Master Sword, there is no reset button.

When dealing with cosplayers it is generally understood that they want their picture taken, but there are exceptions to this rule. First, if they’re eating, don’t ask them to drop their chicken finger to take a selfie with you. Cosplayers are people too. They need to fuel up and rest just like anyone else! That being said, if a cosplayer is sitting on the floor that means that they are probably tired and you shouldn’t bother them. Remember: they don’t get paid for this, so they have no “breaks.” As a con-goer you need to respect that their energy is limited.

At a convention, cosplayers always appreciate your courtesy. Together cosplayers and con-goers form a very accepting community, as they are traditionally the victims of harsh judgment. Because of this, they tend to be very sensitive; so it is essential to exercise the proper etiquette. In the end, you’ll be thankful you weren’t punished in the name of the moon with no Tuxedo Mask to come to your aid.