One of the most “trick-a-la-ti-doo” aspects of being a pirate (aka TV host and production coordinator in Japan) is that you get to access and film the most incredible youth gatherings. The Australian travel TV show wanted to explore the world of otaku, so Naomi an I set up the perfect outing: Japan Cosplay Festival, the largest annual cosplayer gathering in Tokyo.

Maid costume: Sebastian helped me pick out the skimpiest possible maid outfit in Akihabara.
Makeup: Green eyeshadow on the lids and orange over the top. Fake eyelashes. Pink lips and gloss.
Stripey bat knee socks: from Bodyline (300 yen only!)
Purple sandals: We had a 12 hour shoot with constant walking, so comfort came first!

The shoot began at Don Quixote in Shinjuku. (TV crews can’t just waltz in anywhere and start filming; that’s why you need us pirates to make arrangements in advance!) As their guide, I introduced The Two Tims to the costume display. They tried on masks and decided to splurge on Keroro and Pikachu full-body outfits — even though it was sweltering hot out.

The Japan Cosplay Festival takes place every year at Toshima-en amusement park. Once again, the pirates negotiated the filming permits and fee ahead of time. The TV crews generally are new to Tokyo, so they rely on us to take them from place to place.

I love kigurumi (left). Since they refuse to speak, we communicate by writing on a little white board hung from their necks. Some people think kigurumi (animegao dollars) are disturbing, but I hope my coverage here and on the TV show changes that perception. They’re the sweetest, kindest people you’ll meet.

Most of the cosplayers were in front of the carousel, where they posed for photos and hung out with friends.

The outfits are so intricate and bright. Pop quiz: can you recognize the manga or anime that these youths are cosplaying?

Cosplay means emulating a fantasy character in appearance and role. It’s different from Goth Lolita Punk fashion, which most consider to be a way of life.

However, cosplaying is certainly a youth subculture — and a fascinating one. Participants put much time and money into this pursuit.

We interviewed the young Japanese about when they started cosplaying and what they love best about it. (Arr, we pirates provide translation.)

So cute to see friends bond over their shared love of cosplay, anime, manga and video games.

This scary dog-demon is a coin-operated ride; insert 200 yen and he walks at a glacial pace. Do you remember the time I rode a Panda version of this device in Odaiba?

Have you ever cosplayed, or been to a cosplay event like this one? Which character did you emulate? Deep thoughts on my maid outfit?

Japanese Word of the Day: En ga kireru = Cut off relations. (There comes a time, me hearties, when it be n’ecessary to deliver… the BLACK SPOT upon a buccaneer. Send’im to Davy Jones’ locker!)
Song of the Day: South Park – Somalian Pirates We (Let’s take it from bar 14; all together now: With a yo-ho-ho! And a yee-hee-hee!)