In cosplay, irrespective of gender, height, or body shape, anyone can embody the character they desire. Sometimes, they do not even need to be a specific character, simply dressing up for fun and posing with others for memorable photos.

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Cosplayers as Hitori Gotoh, a character from the anime Bocchi The Rock. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The inclusive world of cosplay was on display at Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2023, an annual four-day event for fans of anime, comics and games (ACG) held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 28 until August 1.

“This is my third year participating in the ACG fair, cosplaying as various characters. I used to be shy and struggle with social anxiety, but it brings me great joy when someone approaches me and asks for photos,” Forest, 24, told HKFP.

Like many young people, Forest has been passionate about ACG culture since her teenage years. She explained that she had learned to have courage through anime, saying: “Throughout different stages of life, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, and often, I just wanted to escape. Anime and comics have taught me the significance of confronting those difficulties.”

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Crowds of ACG fans gather at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for the last day of this year’s ACG fair. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Security guards watch over cosplayers. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers as Gwar Gura, a famous virtual YouTuber. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Amateur photographers shooting a cosplayer in the exhibition hall. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Photographers take pictures of cosplayers outside the exhibition hall. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers as Hoshino Ai, a character from the anime Oshi no Ko. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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A cosplayer applying makeup to another cosplayer. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers having lunch in the restaurant. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers acting as Anya Forger, a character from the anime Spy x Family. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers acting as Spiderman, a famous superhero character from the Marvel series. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers take a rest outside the exhibition hall. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers posing for photos in the exhibition hall. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers acting as different characters they love. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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A cosplayer sleeps during the ACG fair. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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Cosplayers dressed up as whatever they want at the ACG fair. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

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Kyle Lam is a Hong Kong Baptist University graduate who has worked as a photojournalist and reporter since 2013. His work has been published by HK01, the European Pressphoto Agency, Bloomberg and Ming Pao. Lam is the recipient of several prizes from the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and Human Rights Press Awards.