Otsu! Excitement of Utsuru Fest 8.5 in Malang Filled with Hundreds of Cosplayers and Spectators Despite Heavy Rain

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Angelia Leony Van Augista

Costume play or commonly known as cosplay is an activity where an individual or group wears costumes, makeup, and acts as fictional characters, such as anime, manga, films, and their favorite video games. The term cosplay was first coined by a Japanese reporter, Nobuyuki Takahashi, after attending the World Science Fiction Convention in 1984 in Los Angeles and being impressed by people wearing costumes. From there, the trend of cosplay emerged and has been loved by many Japanese pop culture enthusiasts until now.

According to their Instagram page, Utsuru Fest is a standard Japanese pop culture festival and Utsuru is the standard for Japanese pop culture festivals. This event was held on March 3, 2024, at Rooftop Mall Dinoyo City Malang and took place from 10 AM to 9 PM. The event was attended by hundreds of cosplayers and visitors who continuously entered the venue area.

Curious about the excitement of this event? Check out the story below!

1. Appearance of Venue Utsuru Fest 8.5

Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Angelia Leony Van Augista

Well, on March 3rd yesterday, KapanLagi had the opportunity to come to Utsuru Fest 8.5 held at Mall Dinoyo City Malang. We arrived around 16.00 WIB, where the atmosphere of the venue was already crowded with visitors and cosplayers. Upon arriving at the venue, our eyes immediately focused on the many food booths and merchandise surrounding the venue. At that time, we were also presented with a lively stage performance by Daitoku UB, who held a Henshin challenge that never failed to excite the audience. The stage was dominated by Abel (@sahaabel), an MC who was just as lively as the audience.

2. Super Cute Merchandise Booth!

Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Angelia Leony Van Augista

Among the many booths at Utsuru Fest, this one booth caught the attention of the KapanLagi team the most. This particular merchandise booth sells various Japanese-themed accessories. Starting from cute keychains, stickers, pins, hand fans, and many other accessories. Visitors also seemed to pass by with cute keychains from this booth.

3. The Gathering Place for Hundreds of Cosplayers

Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Angelia Leony Van Augista

Heavy rain did not deter visitors and cosplayers from staying active in this event. They were seen passing by both inside and outside the venue (food court), some were busy during photo sessions, some were excitedly chatting with friends, and some were seen exhausted to the point of falling asleep on the food court floor, KLovers! The cosplayers looked unique and interesting that almost none of them stopped taking selfies with the visitors.

4. Suddenly Want to Cosplay? Totally Possible!

Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Angelia Leony Van Augista

In every Japanese event like this, there is always one booth that offers costume rental for those who suddenly want to cosplay when they are already at the venue. Accessible at an affordable price, you can cosplay just like the others!

5. There are Photographers Ready to Chase Cosplayers

Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Angelia Leony Van Augista

Cosplayers don't need to overthink if no one will ask for a photo. "Utsuru Fest is a big event, you don't need to worry about not being asked for a photo because there will be many photographers at Utsuru," said Aleandro, a cosplayer who attended the event. "Actually, there was another event that was once touted as the biggest, but after its quality declined and it was rarely held again, Utsuru became the best and biggest cosplay event in Malang," he said.

6. Quality Time with Partner

Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Angelia Leony Van Augista

Goals! In this event, the KapanLagi team saw many couples who came and cosplayed together with their partners. They were seen taking photos at many photo spots and spending time together at the event.

Overall, Utsuru Fest 8.5 was so lively and fun! With just Rp. 25,000, you can enjoy this exciting and lively Japanese event. It's really worth it, right? Stay tuned for other Japanese event reviews on KapanLagi.com, KLovers!

(kpl/ony)