Step into the enchanting universe of cosplay, where fantasy leaps from the screen and pages into the real world through elaborate costumes and boundless creativity.
Born in Japan in the 1970s, this effervescent art form has travelled far beyond its origins, capturing hearts worldwide. In Brunei, a nation rich in culture and tradition, the cosplay scene has flourished spectacularly over the past decade or so.
What started as a whimsical pastime has blossomed into a dynamic and growing profession, reflecting the community’s passionate embrace of this dazzling dimension.
MISSION OF JOY
Among the spirited cosplaying communities in Brunei is The Allegiance Brunei, on Instagram at @theallegiance_bn.
With a playful mission to ‘fight the forces of evil by creating happiness everywhere they walk,’ this close-knit group of friends embodies the joy and camaraderie found in the world of cosplay.
Their recent event, Coswalk, was a showcase of this enthusiasm, inviting cosplayers to come together and bring beloved characters to life.
Coswalk wasn’t just a competition – it was a celebration of the craft and creativity that define the cosplay community. It provided both seasoned veterans and newcomers with a platform to display their skills, forge connections with fellow enthusiasts, and dive deep into their shared passion for pop culture.
During my exploration of Brunei’s dynamic cosplay scene, I had the pleasure of meeting several talented individuals, including Faeza binti Mohd Idrus, who is known in the community as Mystika Fae.
Affectionately known as Mama Fae, Faeza binti Mohd Idrus is a revered figure in Brunei’s cosplay community, having embarked on her cosplay journey over 15 years ago, back in December 2009. Her deep-rooted passion for dressing up began in childhood, long before she knew it had a name.
It was through the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association at Universiti Brunei Darussalam that she discovered cosplay as a cultural phenomenon and has since devoted herself to this vibrant art.
Throughout her extensive cosplay career, Faeza has brought numerous iconic characters to life, from Lady Loki and Alastor from Hazbin Hotel to Spider Gwen, Shinobu Kocho from Demon Slayer, and Aerith Gainsborough from Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
However, the dazzling appearances she creates come with their own set of challenges.
One of the hurdles is sourcing and crafting the elaborate props and costumes necessary to authentically represent these characters.
As Faeza puts it, “Searching for specific materials like fabric, makeup effects, and other essentials is one of the challenges. We often need to get creative with what we have.”
This struggle is common among both seasoned veterans and newcomers.
Mohammad Syafiq bin Haji Souyono, known in the cosplay world as 02/0two_cos, echoed this sentiment.
He highlights the difficulty of finding the right materials, often resorting to online platforms to track down what he needs.
His dedication is evident in his portrayal of the Halo Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (ODST) Helljumper from Halo 3, a cosplay he crafted himself for a public event.
“This Halo ODST cosplay is particularly memorable for me because it’s the first one I made myself rather than bought,” Mohammad Syafiq shared, proudly.
Such dedication and creativity not only enhance the cosplay scene but also inspire emerging cosplayers like Nur Dalili binti Mohamad Taha, who goes by Lyven Shiroxa.
Although new to the world of cosplay, she is driven by a desire to embody her favourite characters and showcase her creativity.
Her first cosplay, Nezuko Kamado, incorporated a unique local twist with a hijab to emulate the character’s flowing hair.
“I was inspired by cosplaying because we can dress up like our favourite characters and show our creativity to everyone,” she added.
Lyven Shiroxa described her challenges, saying, “Finding the right items for my props and adjusting my hijab to match Nezuko’s hair were some of the difficulties I faced.”
RANK DOESN’T MATTER
In cosplay, status and rank are inconsequential; what truly fuels the growth of Brunei’s animated community is the shared passion for beloved characters.
Faeza explained, “The community here is expanding as we celebrate our love for various franchises. It’s not just about crafting costumes; even those who may not excel in costume-making can shine through talents like dancing, acting and voice acting. These are art forms in their own right.”
This spirit of self-expression has fostered a natural evolution within the local cosplay community, bringing together enthusiasts from all walks of life who share a common love for the craft, irrespective of their background or skill level.
She continued, “Cosplay is often seen as mere dress-up, but it’s much more. It’s about bringing characters to life and expressing yourself creatively. Sometimes, even using items you have at home can be part of cosplay. Events in Brunei play a crucial role in showcasing this art form and encouraging creativity.”
Mohammad Syafiq resonated with this, noting, “A common misconception is that cosplay is only for hardcore fans. In reality, anyone can join in and enjoy it.”
Nur Dalili also praised the Bruneian cosplay community, highlighting how its members are eager to share their knowledge and inspire newcomers. This generosity and camaraderie are what make Brunei’s cosplay scene not just a hobby but a thriving and supportive community.
PASSION-PACKED PARADE
As Brunei’s cosplay community flourishes, its cultural influence becomes increasingly significant. The regular showcase of cosplay at events and gatherings highlights the community’s creativity and dedication to the craft.
Cosplay in Brunei is evolving beyond a mere hobby. It has become a vibrant celebration of art, creativity and self-expression.
The local community’s collective enthusiasm transforms these events into a rich tapestry of inspiration, connection, and transformation, underscoring the profound impact of their shared passion. – Daniel Lim
