photos courtesy of Sankei/MSN

One of the things people automatically associate with Japan is the fascinating practice of costume play, or cosplay for short. It’s one of the most identifiable pastimes of Japan, the practice of dressing up in various costumes just for the hell of it. It’s even carried on into other countries, where if you walk into any anime convention, you’re bound to see some people that look pretty darn close to your favorite character or just plain wrong in their outfit.

Maids, superheros, and other otaku creations took to the street as hundreds of others looked on. It’s a good idea to bring your camera out to these events because people can get pretty creative:

Got a nice mix of sailor costumes in there and what looks like some kind of knight and redhead. Dunno where that’s from but hey, whatever man!

March of the maids!