Reader’s Question:
How much time and money does it take to start cosplaying? I’m a middle school girl. Is it possible to cosplay without my parents finding out? Am I too young to start cosplaying? How much do I need to spend on makeup and costumes? I’ve always admired cosplay and
want to dress up as an anime character. I’m also trying to lose weight for it. My parents don’t have a good impression of anime, and they look at me strangely just for having merchandise. I get about 15,000 yen a month as my allowance. Is it really too difficult for a student like me?
Understanding the Costs and Challenges of Cosplaying as a Middle School Student
Hey there! I totally understand where you’re coming from with your desire to jump into the world of cosplay. It’s such a vibrant community, and dressing up as your favorite anime character can be an exhilarating experience! However, there are definitely some things to consider, especially since you’re still in middle school.
Time and Money: What to Expect
First off, let’s talk about the financial aspect. Cosplay can range from being relatively affordable to quite expensive, depending on how deep you want to dive into it. As mentioned by other users, if you’re looking to create your costume from scratch, you might spend anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 yen on materials. If you prefer to buy a pre-made costume, you could be looking at 20,000 yen or more. Makeup can add another layer to your budget. Good quality makeup, especially if you’re aiming for that perfect look, can cost you several thousand yen. Don’t forget about wigs and accessories—those can really add up too. And if you’re planning to attend events, there’s also transportation and possibly even an entry fee to consider.
Keeping It Under Wraps
Now, about cosplaying without your parents knowing… That’s a tricky situation. It’s understandable that you might want to explore this hobby on your own, especially if your parents aren’t super supportive of anime. However, I think it’s important to recognize that hiding something like this could lead to more trouble in the long run. I remember when I was younger, trying to keep my interests secret from my family. It often led to awkward moments when they found out. In your case, if you do decide to pursue cosplay, think about ways to approach the subject with your parents. Maybe you could show them some positive aspects of the cosplay community or even invite them to an event to help them understand your passion better.
Is It Too Difficult for a Student?
As for whether you’re too young or if it’s too difficult, you’re definitely not alone in this! Many students your age are involved in cosplay, and while it can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Finding ways to budget your allowance can help. You might even consider collaborating with friends who are also interested in cosplay to share costs and ideas. Lastly, it’s great that you’re focusing on your health as well! Remember, it’s important to embrace who you are at every stage. Cosplay should be about having fun and expressing yourself, not just fitting into a certain image.
Final Thoughts
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect as you think about starting your cosplay journey. It’s an exciting world filled with creativity and community, but it’s also important to navigate it wisely, especially at a young age. I’d love to hear about your experiences or any tips you might have. Have you thought about which character you want to dress as? Let’s chat in the comments!
