I live in Seoul, but I am planning to take a trip to Tokyo in late December. I will be staying in Akihabara. One of the things I have wanted to do on my bucket list since I was a little kid was walk around Tokyo in a costume. Specifically being Mario. But at the same time I want to make sure that I am not causing any trouble or breaking the law since Japan is quite strict. Some people say that you need a permit or that it is illegal to cosplay in public because of copyright things and that it disturbs the peace while some say that it’s fine as long as the costume is not too revealing, you’re not wearing a mask, and that you’re not setting a bad image.
The places I am specifically going to are Akihabara, Shibuya, and Harajuku. Harajuku and Akihabara seem fine althoughI am not sure about the stores there, but it’s specifically Shibuya that I am not sure of because I am planning to go inside stores such as Tower and Records, Parco mall, and other malls. I mainly will be just looking around for gifts, nothing more. I am not going to be doing any photoshoots (if people ask for a picture with me, that is fine). All I am doing is just minding my own business and just being Mario.
For the Tokyo subway, I am wondering if I wear my Mario costume would it cause a disturbance? All I am basically wearing is the red sweater, blue overalls, hat, a Mario backpack with my belongings inside, white gloves, mustache, and my star plush. All I want to do is just listen to my music while waiting for my stop.
I will also be going to maid cafes, although I am not sure if I wear my Mario costume will cause commotion there even though the maids are in costume. Plus there is a Maid cafe that is like a Mario theme in Shibuya.
Any tips or suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you. ^^
by VegetableTraffic3371