Tokyo Comic-Con Bans Male Crossplayers To Avoid 'Visual Terrorism'? Rule Ignites Controversy
J RoseThe annual Tokyo Comic-Con has caused controversy after announcing a ban on male crossplay during its two-day event in December.
According to Anime News Network, the organizers of Tokyo Comic-Con have included the "no male crossdressing" rule on its official cosplay guidelines, which includes other rules which prohibits excessive skin exposure, real military costumes and transparent attire.
The rule has raised eyebrows among the community, especially abroad, as the rule only specifically applies to male crossdressers, not female ones. Surprisingly, this rule is nothing new in Japan, as there are some organizers who have already banned male crossplay during their respective events.
Why are organizers banning male crossplay? Photographer Naoko Tatibana, who has worked with lots of crossdressers, both male and female, and has a cross-dressing studio in Tokyo named Taiyodo, has written a post about this long-standing issue on Rocket News 24.
"Despite all the exposure transsexuals and cross-dressers are given on TV and in magazines in Japan, men are forbidden from dressing up as the opposite sex at the one place you would think it would be most acceptable: cosplay events," Naoko wrote.
Naoko then went on to say that these organizers are afraid that middle-aged men in schoolgirl uniforms will attend their events, which they perceive as "visual terrorism," as the photographer puts it.
The organizers have since lifted the ban on male crossdressing, and has released this announcement on the official Tokyo Comic-Con Facebook page (translation via Anime News Network)
As a result of committee consultations, we will remove the ban on male crossplay. However, to accompany this, we will have different colors for men and women on the on-site cosplay registration IDs. Cosplay registration IDs will be checked at the entrances to bathrooms and changing rooms, so please bring them with you. We kindly request your understanding and cooperation.
This is not the first time where this issue has occurred in Japan. In 2013, the Osaka government has placed a similar ban on male crossdressers during an event which took place at the Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building. The ban was eventually lifted due to pressure from the residents of the town.
Despite this, male crossplay is widespread in the country, with popular Japanese male crossdressers Hideaki Kobayashi, better known as Sailor Fuku Ojisan, wrestler Ladybeard, and a lot more leading the crossplay scene in Japan.
most read
more stories from Culture
Get ready to prank! Explore 10 easy and entertaining April Fools’ social media post ideas. Spread laughter and fun with these creative suggestions. Dive in now!
ernest hamiltonSquid Game Season 2 'The Challenge' out now! Discover where to watch and join the mobile game. Let the games begin!
Dive into the clash of streaming giants! Crunchyroll challenges Netflix in gaming. Read the showdown now!
It's not easy to win a customer. These simple methods will help you improve the experience for new clients and loyal customers.
At this point, Netflix has become a streaming giant available in almost 200 countries. And if you're reading this article, there's a good chance you also have a Netflix account.
Receiving a tax refund could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. When you get this unexpected lump sum, you may be eager to start spending. However, before you head out on a spree, it's worth taking a step back and considering your options. If you're smart about how you spend this money, you may be able to make it go further.
If you haven't heard of the Raspberry Pi, this device represents one of the best and most handy innovations of the previous decade. If you haven't heard of the Raspberry Pi, this device represents one of the best and most handy innovations of the previous decade.
The only obstacle to the success of the IoT (the internet of things) has been security and capacity. But now there's 5G with its reduced latency, a high data rate, cost reduction, energy savings, massive device connectivity and improved system capacity. This unleashes the blockchain's potential. Let's take a closer look at 5G's implication on blockchain technology.