Cosplay Community Finds Confidence and Connection at Geek Days Rennes
A growing number of individuals are discovering the transformative power of cosplay, finding not only a creative outlet but also a pathway to overcome social anxieties and build community. This past weekend, the Geek Days pop culture festival in Rennes, France, showcased this phenomenon, drawing approximately 15,000 attendees and providing a stage for enthusiasts to embody their favorite characters.
From Shyness to Stage Presence
For many, the act of cosplay – dressing up as characters from anime, video games, and other facets of pop culture – is more than just a hobby; it’s a catalyst for personal growth. A 17-year-old attendee, who chose to portray Mayoï Ayase from the Japanese card game Ensemble Stars, explained that her character resonated with her own struggles with confidence. “My character, he’s a bit like me, he has a confidence problem, he’s shy, almost a little relatable,” she shared. Having been involved in cosplay for three years and invested in around ten outfits, she noted that performing on stage, while stressful, allowed her to “come out of my shyness,” with even her teachers recognizing a positive change.
This sentiment was echoed by a 16-year-old fan who opted for a Kasane Teto outfit, and her friend, who chose Hatsune Miku. “I like dressing up. I feel good when I put the outfit on. Usually, I feel judged, I don’t always have confidence in myself. Here, I know people look at me but they don’t judge me,” one of the pair explained. Her friend added that transforming into a beloved character allows for a unique form of self-expression and comfort.
The Art of Creation and Roleplay
While some cosplayers focus on replicating existing designs, others embrace the challenge of original character creation. David, 34, spent three months crafting a fighter disguise inspired by Yoshimitsu from the Tekken video game series. He emphasized the joy of the building process itself, detailing how he fashioned the character’s breastplate from repurposed guttering. “He’s an original character. That’s all I do. I don’t like putting myself in the shoes of an existing character. I prefer to create everything. What I enjoy is creating the outfit,” he stated.
Others find liberation in embodying characters with vastly different personalities. Anthony, 22, chose to portray Art the Clown, a horror film villain. “I like to bring a little horror too. There, he’s a serial killer. You can play the role of someone you will never be,” he explained, noting that cosplay helped him overcome shyness and forge new friendships.
Finding Strength in Shared Identity
The benefits of cosplay extend beyond individual confidence. For 29-year-old Amaya, who portrays the character Phainon from the role-playing game Honkai Star Rail, it’s about connecting with a character’s inner strength. “I like playing characters who are my favorites. I feel like I’m hiding inside. Phainom, he looks a bit like me. He is discreet, but he is very mentally strong,” she said. After six years of participation, she has amassed a collection of around thirty outfits, some of which she has created herself.
Similarly, Elouan, 18, who goes by the alias Woomy and cosplays Fizzarolli from Helluva Boss, finds freedom in exploring different facets of his personality through his chosen character. “It’s a character that I really like. I recognize myself in him and I can explore his facets,” he explained.
The Geek Days festival, which will also take place in Lille on May 9th and 10th, provided a welcoming environment for both seasoned cosplayers and newcomers. Organized by the Epic association since 2011, the event featured both a competitive element and free parades, offering opportunities for all levels of participation. The event underscores the growing cultural significance of cosplay as a means of self-expression, community building, and personal empowerment.
