While classic anime and video games from the 90’s such as Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z, and more recent popular anime and manga such as Attack on Titan and Naruto have made it into mainstream culture and are plastered on t-shirts and phone wallpapers—this eccentric subculture from Japan that has influenced children, youngsters and adults alike from all over the world has yet to be localized. Otaku Next, Nepal’s first and only community that promotes anime, manga/comics and video games alongside Marvel/DC, was established by anime enthusiasts or “otakus”, who are now introducing to the public one of the most enthused practices that is popular among otakus— cosplaying. Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a film, book, or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga or anime. Otaku Next Cosplay Convention is the first cosplay convention of its magnitude organized in Nepal, and is a most anticipated event for anime/manga and gaming enthusiasts alike. Tickets are Rs. 100 and the venue is Chhahari Services, Baluwatar. As the event draws near, The Post caught organizer and co-founder of Otaku Next, Shalini Rana. Excerpts:

How many years has it been since you have organized Otaku Next Cosplay Convention? Who is the main driving force behind the event?

This is our first year organizing a cosplay convention. But we have been doing similar events on a smaller scale for the past year and a half. 

Can you please mention a few highlights of the event?

We will be having a cosplay competition, and will be launching our fifth magazine. We are also going to have a few performances, and we might be having a flash mob. We have all sorts of anime/manga/video games-related, and even Marvel/DC related stuff. All these people who are interested in such things are putting up stalls.There will also a gamer’s meet at the event where participants can play games such as Clash of Clan, Dota and League of Legends.

What new things can people anticipate at the cosplay convention this year that are different from previous events?

Everything else we have organized so far has been really small, and we’ve been doing events at our own venues. This time we’ve booked a larger place that can accommodate more people. We also sold pre-tickets prior to the event, which have been completely sold out, so 500 people are definitely going to be there. We are expecting a total of 1000 people. There’s also going to be more room for bigger stalls and stage performances.