Cosplay Poses

Cosplay is about showing off a character while in costume, and this is something that's undeniable. Whether on a stage or in the street, cosplayers are practically demanded to be their chosen characters in their actions, and that includes poses when photographed or even in stage appearances recorded as movies. Even in my Pokémon cosplay this becomes important as Ash or Red have their own distinct styles and actions that can potentially be abstracted as poses to be utilized in these situations.

Some considerations are in order. Many characters are often shown in a still image and in a particular way, so these would serve as reference "poses" for their characters. It would be obvious to try to mimic or enact these poses, yet it wouldn't necessarily be a trivial matter if the poses are actually uncomfortable or too restrictive to do so. On the other hand, many characters are also animated, so it would be possible, at least theoretically, to infer poses from their animated sequences that can be replicated, with or without a lot of effort. Some effort is still required, of course.

In regard to my Pokémon cosplay, I feel that I've done quite a bit of both. I've memorized as many of Ash's (or Red's) poses as possible and enacted them, which has worked out well, and I've also inferred possible poses from action sequences and enacted those as well. The only problem is that sometimes it's hard for me to decide which one to use if I'm about to be or being photographed, especially if suddenly requested to do so. Moreover, I'm more often than not holding Pikachu with one of my hands since it's not motile. It's kind of both a personal problem and an environmental constraint problem. Sometimes things work out after I see the results, and sometimes they don't. Meanwhile on stage, I just let things happen according to my routine, since I rarely see the results anyhow, though this is very much desirable.

A friend told me that cosplay very much involves elements of theater, and I concur. I would also add that it's a highly visible form of theater, being not only done on stage and recorded in motion, but also done off the stage in various places and recorded as still images (that is, photographs). Poses seem to be crucial in regard of the latter, to capture the feel of the characters being cosplayed. I say it's very much applicable to my Pokémon cosplay as well, and it's something I have to take into account, whether or not things work out in the end result.

One year ago: Cosplay: Japanese World 2017

Pokémon Day 2018 - 22nd Anniversary

In 1996, one game - or rather, a pair of games - totally changed the gaming landscape. In 2018, that game series and all its related media celebrate the 22^nd anniversary. That game is of course Pokémon, and today is that very day for it. For this anniversary, I wish to consider the theme of "stories". Within those 22 years, there are countless memories, feelings, and experiences, but even more than that, they can be strung together into stories. I have mine, and every fan certainly has their own.

I had been chatting this morning with one of the recent readers of this blog, who also happens to be in my local raid group. The reader is also an all-around fan of Pokémon and is currently absorbed in one of the older Pokémon games. We were of the agreement that each day is a new experience, especially where Pokémon is concerned. Interestingly, it was pointed out that the reader considered Pokémon a "savior" of sorts during the teenage years. We concluded that everyone related to Pokémon has their own stories with it. And this led to the selected theme for this post.

As an aside, Pokémon Go has its own story for today. Similar to the Luvdisc special on Valentine's Day, today there is a Pikachu special - more specifically, it's a Party Hat Pikachu special, which is affectionately dubbed as "Partychu", with the special move of Present. The Party Hat accessory is also present on some hatched Pichu and remains on Raichu even after evolution; the move is only for Pikachu, though. I and my group have caught a number of these and witnessed others in action, and we think they're an interesting novelty, even if it's a repeat story - the same Pikachu was also encountered last year for Pokémon Day.

It's stories like these that are worth sharing so that others may know about them. I've written a bit about unknown stories, and it really is true; they're about experiences and feelings. I see why the reader I connected with earlier feels that way; in a way, I have the same feelings, and the similarity helps in the understanding. And then there are the experiences that we may not necessarily have the same of, even given the same circumstances. It becomes great to know and understand them through sharing.

It's been 22 years, and I'm certain that we the fans of Pokémon have many stories scattered in those years. If these stories from today are to go by, then they are as fascinating as much as they are unique. It's not hard to expect that many fans have similar stories, no matter which Pokémon games they play and who they connect with. May we continue to have many more stories in future years with Pokémon.

Happy 22^nd anniversary.

One year ago: Pokémon Day 2017 - 21st Anniversary

Sixth Cosplay Anniversary - From No-One to Someone

Wouldn't you believe it - six years ago, on this date, I formally started my cosplay adventures by attending my first event (or it could also be considered a convention, since many communities were featured as well in it) with the intent to cosplay, of course with my Pokémon cosplay. I've mentioned quite a few of the details in my fifth anniversary post (see below), and I would like to mention a few more, in particular in relation to who I am today: I feel that I have transitioned from a "no-one" to a "someone" with my cosplay efforts.

First, a little flashback. That event that I first attended was entitled "Japan Romantic Festival", which as is expected of many events in February, including yesterday's, is love-themed due to Valentine's Day. Back during that first event, I knew no one, other than several people who I had become acquainted with initially for the purpose of cosplay. No one also really knew that I really love Pokémon nor the fact that it was my impetus to start cosplaying. I was indeed a "no-one" because people didn't know who I am and reciprocally I didn't know many of the people that were related to or attended events or conventions.

This is one of the event entry passes.
The pass is for an exhibitor/performer.

Now, I really am a "someone", since people know of my presence as a cosplayer, and more specifically as a Pokémon cosplayer. I've been to many events in my area and even beyond, connecting with those who attend in part as the character that I cosplay, most often Ash or Red. But most importantly, I've shown my interest in all things Pokémon through the things that I do, including cosplay. As well, I have this blog to help capture all my Pokémon thoughts and experiences, including cosplay, and present them to a wider audience. It's a wonderful thing.

I've come a long way since that first event. To come to the point where I know many people as much as people know about me is nothing short of amazing, and to have gone through this with Pokémon and Pokémon cosplay is indescribable. Everything that has gone on has only served to solidify my relationships to both, as well to every people I meet along the way, shaping me from a "no-one" to a "someone". It's been that way for the past six years; I can only hope it will proceed the same way for a foreseeable time in the future.

Happy sixth cosplay anniversary to me.

One year ago: Fifth Cosplay Anniversary

Cosplay: Japan LovEvolution Vol. 3 - Haruka ni Yoi - Full Japan Day 2018

[AshKetchumMode]

Know what? I love being sent to events or conventions that are around the place where my friend lives. They might be small or in odd places, but if they're popular enough, they might just come back the next year, and again and again. The one I was sent to today is one of those, and this year is the third time for it. I should be glad, and the people who make it happen should too.

As my friend wrote last year in his review, the event is part of the celebration for a group of students; what my friend forgot to write is that since it's in February, it's also a celebration of love, and that's why the name is what it is. But this year, they've also combined it with a community celebration, which was actually its own event some time ago, my friend tells me. So this is pretty much a double event, kind of like last week. I'm still excited - I like the idea of evolving love, and my friend likes the idea of a "Full Japan Day". It's fun for the both of us.

For this one, I came with something special: my outfit is my Kanto outfit, but not my usual one. I wore the outfit that I wear in a very special adventure that appeared a few months ago. My friend even gave a preview a few days back with my cap - I can't blame him, since it is special for us. We also agreed that we should replace the shoes that I wear most often, so this event is also to test that. We got the new shoes just the day before, and it seems pretty good. It's amazing how we're sometimes lucky to get the stuff we need to send myself to the event.

Today I was in the character parade, which was also the only competition. My friend and I had been making sure that I get to get in and do my stuff. But then at the event, the people sent me back and forth, and my time on stage got cut short due to an announcement! Strange things seem to happen. I was one of the 17 characters in the parade, and there were three winners. Sadly, I was not one of them - aw well. I did talk with one of the other characters, who also didn't win, yet I still got winning tips to think about. And I think I may know what to do next.

Pikachu: Pikachu! [cheering]

Of course, Pikachu. You'll help too for that. But I can't say anything more now - you'll have to wait.

When I was here last year, the goodies market had just enough things for everyone, including me. This year was pretty much the same. What was not the same was the place, since it moved a few blocks from the original spot. Honestly, it wasn't too different, and even the new spot was just about as big. I like the performers, even if not much was also really different. But my friend tells me that's the center point of the community celebration, so I guess it's special.

Well, it's mostly special anyhow. I did get a few things for my friend to enjoy, and it's always great to talk to other characters and visitors. Let's hope for a good one at the next big one!

[/AshKetchumMode]

One year ago: Dealing with Cosplay Offerings

Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/24/2018

Today was the day of the February Community Day event of Pokémon Go. There had been a lot of things promised for the event, and they all were realized, perhaps more than we all bargained for. It seems many also put in a good effort as well, which helps in that regard. I myself reaped the rewards of the event, as did many in my raid group, and that has to be a good thing, especially considering what exactly happened.

First is the downsides of today's event. Unlike last month, there wasn't a clear agreement among my group as to where we should meet, so we ended up having separate gatherings at three locations, which isn't exactly the point of this event. Another thing is that there were some connection issues early on, but they weren't on our part, rather on the game's part. And if that wasn't enough, in my locale there was rain, not (just) in the game, but in real life - all morning and all afternoon, and just when you thought the rain had stopped, it started again. These issues really threw all of us for a loop.

Now, the upsides. Because the connection issues were on the game's part, we all (and other players) received compensation: the event was extended to six hours, twice its original length of three hours. This situation is akin to what happened when Shuffle got bugged. That is why I also mentioned "afternoon" previously, because we all spent not just the morning, but the afternoon playing for the event. The upside of not gathering at a specific place was that I could choose which gathering I wanted to participate in, and I chose the one nearest to me, for which I didn't have to expend for transportation and it provided the opportunity to partake in the event with the first person I met from my raid group on one fateful night. And rain or no rain, we were all just eager to play.

Here's the breakdown of what happened on my part. I and my friend participated in the area densely packed with PokéStops; he spread Lure Modules among many of the PokéStops in the area so that we (and others who play) can take advantage of them all and continue to move around to capture Pokémon. In fact, I did meet one person who wasn't in my group that did so - he was an out-of-town player looking to take advantage of the event, and we unwittingly yet graciously provided the opportunity. Of course, the rain put a bit of a damper on this effort, though the end result was very much impressive: in all, I caught 100 out of 112 Dratini I encountered, four of which were Shiny, and I evolved two of the best ones (plus the strongest Shiny) to Dragonite to obtain the exclusive Draco Meteor move. Many of the others had similar successes.

After missing the first one, I intended to make this Community Day a success, and that was what happened. I went outside, met friends and fellows that play the game, and did all the things that made this edition what it is. And this was despite all the troubles that occurred for or concerning the event; they were surmounted and everything worked out very well. Based on this, I'd say things were overall quite successful for me and everyone involved. It makes us eager for the next edition of the event so that we can do it all over again.

One year ago: Memories of Johto

Community Days!

Since January, Pokémon Go has held a special event called Community Day. True to its name, the event is geared to get communities of people that still play Go to get out there, grab Pokémon, and gather up. The mechanism is simple: during a one-day's certain period of time in the daylight, a featured Pokémon with a unique move will be available for capture, along with other special bonuses that make the event attractive for communities. As a lone player who is now involved with a group, I do see the attractiveness and find it neat.

The previous Community Day in January featured Pikachu, and a novel one at that, since it knows the move Surf, so this is the game's take on the infamous Surfing Pikachu. The next Community Day, which will be tomorrow, will feature the Dratini family and the move Draco Meteor. It's important to note that the move will be available only tomorrow (that is, on the event day at the specified time), so only those who partake in the event will get the bonuses. That becomes the incentive to meet up and participate.

I have to say that I missed the previous Community Day, and for a good reason: the event coincided with another event, one that I feel is closer to me as I am to Pokémon. Incidentally, that was the day I almost won the quiz of my local raid group, and the technicality is also because of the Community Day. Regardless, I did manage to catch one of the Surfing Pikachu with the help of an Incense, yet it does seem meaningless that I did it without my "community", which in my case means my raid group. For that, I wish to contribute and make the next one more of a success.

The great thing about Go is that it's a great game for a crowd, even a social game. An event such as Community Day only serves to affirm that, and that's a good thing. Judged by the photos submitted on the game's web site, many people and their communities have come out to make this event a success; it means that the game is alive and well among its players. I'd say, then, that the event accomplishes the three objectives nicely: people do go out, grab Pokémon, and gather with people who do the exact same thing. It's a beautiful sight for any Go player and any Pokémon fan in general.

One year ago: Competitive or Non-Competitive?

Trainer Caps, and a Teaser

Among many Trainers, there seems to be several common fashion items. One of them is a Trainer cap, often in the style of a trucker's or baseball cap. It is perhaps one of the sure signs of a Trainer in the world of Pokémon; if someone is traveling and wearing a cap, that person is most likely a Trainer. Not every Trainer has one, but it is a fashion item that is opted by a good proportion of them, and in some cases also revered.

Most of the Trainers that are the protagonist in the main series games wear a cap of some sort, and these caps often have a specific emblem - at least, this is the default case, as starting in the sixth-generation games, it is possible to customize Trainer appearances so that they may or may not wear a cap. Even in Go, this becomes a possibility, and is almost considered necessary given the different fashion preferences that people have. Whatever the case, caps remain a fashion accessory that some Trainers may desire.

Meanwhile in the Pokémon anime, one person is revered for having a cap, and the cap itself could be considered revered as well. That person is none other than Ash himself. He has almost as many caps for his adventures as he has outfits, and that's a lot. Yet he's not the only one; Richie and Casey from Kanto and Johto also wear signature caps of their own, though obviously not with the multiplicity that Ash has. The distinction is present regardless.

This brings me to the teaser portion of this post. Yes, I already did a teaser post about a week ago, but this is somewhat different from that, which means it won't be the one I will wear then. Still, it's quite related and quite distinctive, but what's important is that it's a Trainer cap. Here's how it looks like:

Those who are up-to-date on recent Pokémon happenings will no doubt recognize where this Trainer cap comes from, and I am (or will be) glad to be wearing it very soon, certainly as the character.

A cap still remains and is affirmed as a fashion item that belongs to a Trainer. It's pretty hard to deny that some Trainers are inseparable from their caps in addition to the outfits that they wear. This is true no matter who and in which realm they are; it becomes a distinct fashion identity for them, in a way. That's a good thing for a world where many of its beings are already distinctive as they may look common.

One year ago: Back in the Park