Nepal’s annual ‘Otaku Jatra’ festival brought together dozens of enthusiastic cosplayers, turning the streets of Kathmandu into a colorful tribute to anime and pop culture. Participants dressed as their favorite anime characters celebrated their shared passion for Japanese animation, marking the country’s growing connection to global pop culture.
Since its humble beginnings in 2010, ‘Otaku Jatra’ has transformed from a small fan gathering into a major cultural event, with thousands of fans now attending. Although cosplay culture began to gain significant momentum in Nepal only after 2016, it has quickly established itself as an eagerly awaited celebration each year. It’s not only a festival for costume play but also a platform for fans to bond over anime, manga, and video games.
“Events like this help people understand pop culture better,” said Arun Limbu, a devoted fan. “My sister, who didn’t know much about anime, joined me here and learned so much. It’s a platform that introduces people to the characters and stories that mean so much to us.”
Cosplay, or “costume play,” involves fans dressing as fictional characters from anime, comics, and video games. In this subculture, fans often embody their characters fully, interacting with each other in character, bringing the anime community to life in a playful and immersive way. “It feels like I’m in an anime world,” shared cosplayer Prapti Aryal. “It’s exciting to be part of a community where everyone shares this passion.”
The tradition of cosplay has roots in early 20th-century science fiction conventions in New York, and it was later popularized in Japan, where the term “cosplay” originated. Anime itself, typically thought of as Japanese animation, covers diverse genres and often explores complex human emotions, making it especially appealing to Generation Z. Many young fans find anime relatable, appreciating its themes of friendship, courage, and determination.
“Anime offers so much beyond just entertainment,” Aryal noted. “There’s so much to learn about life skills, hardships, and teamwork. You can feel the characters’ emotions beyond what you see on screen.”
Alongside the vibrant costumes, fans at ‘Otaku Jatra’ enjoyed displays from popular series and novels, bridging interests in anime, comics, and literature.
(Inputs from ANI)