Yokai, cosplay, and the local landscape: Cultivating a place of harmony

If you suddenly see people dressed in colorful character costumes walking around a tourist spot or historic town, some people will be surprised, others will frown. On the other hand, many tourists will be captivated by the sight and take pictures.
The relationship between modern cosplay culture and the local community is a complex topic that fluctuates between excitement and discomfort.

Landscape, culture, and a sense of "discomfort"

In traditional towns and historic places, the issue of "inconsistency with the landscape" is particularly controversial. If a fantasy-like character from another world were to stand on a street corner reminiscent of the Edo period, people would either see it as "charm" or "out of place."
Furthermore, at religious facilities and historical sites, there are areas that are by definition "off limits for enjoyment." For people who value the values and historical perspectives rooted in the local area, the presence of unconscious cosplayers can sometimes be seen as a disregard for culture.

"Freedom" protected by morals, consideration, and rules

On the other hand, cosplayers also have freedom of expression and a genuine desire to play their favorite characters. We cannot ignore the voices that ask, "Why should we have to feel uncomfortable?"
Why do these two positions coexist without clashing? There is a "cushion" of morality, consideration, and rules. And what has provided this cushion is the efforts of cosplayers who have been active for many years, and the careful planning of the organizers.

Creating a "place to welcome yokai"

An example of this kind of coordination is the "Kawagoe Yokai Town Walk." Here, the entire town of Kawagoe became a space where people were welcome to walk around dressed as yokai. Many people in the shopping district and tourists understood the purpose of the event, and the whole town was able to enjoy "Yokai Weather."
Additionally, during the "Tokyo Hyakki Yagyo," over 50 stores in the Koenji Look Shopping Arcade have volunteered to be "Yokai Welcome Stores," and have put in place a system to welcome visitors dressed in yokai cosplay.

Another notable example is the "Aizu White Fox Legend." Now in its second year, this event was started by the local "Aizu Jyuraku" group, who were previously unable to even set up a stall at Aizuwakamatsu Castle, and cosplay itself was even restricted for a time, making for a tough environment. However, through steady efforts to build trust and careful coordination, they were finally able to realize the fox procession project based on the white fox legend connected to the construction of Aizuwakamatsu Castle.

Management's role as a bridge

Of course, it is not often that the general public spontaneously becomes understanding of cosplay, which is why the organizers of events held in public venues have the role of acting as a mediator between participants and the local community.
What we do is hold repeated dialogues with local communities, businesses, and local governments to clearly document rules and operations. Through this process, we are making efforts to ensure that cosplay and yokai are accepted as part of local culture.

To interact, you need to be present in the situation

In order to interact with the local community, it is important not just to "be there" but to have the mindset of "how to behave in a way that is appropriate for the place."
By getting in line with the purpose of the event and the town, and becoming a monster or character as part of a community that will enliven it, this way of having fun will ultimately foster a relationship of trust with the local people.

For the continuation of a world that is doing well

Currently, we are by no means "not doing well." Rather, supported by the morals and efforts built by our predecessors, there are already many "worlds that are doing well."
Even so, consideration is always necessary. It is my sincere hope that through the ancient yet new culture of yokai, we can carefully cultivate a space where local and contemporary expression intersect.