It would be a mistake to believe that Cosplay is a hobby limited to Asian enthusiasts, purely for anime.
Western science fiction conventions have embraced the art of cosplay where fans often pay tribute to their favourite works. Science fiction creations with huge followings including the likes of Star Wars and Star Trek have large enough fan bases dedicated to the open portrayal of their favourite shows that they often display this love through the art of Cosplay. Final Fantasy Cosplay Storm troopers as well as Klingon or Vulcan cosplay representatives are always present in numbers at such conventions.
Lunning once again, states that almost anyone can be a cosplayer as cosplayers are known to have “varied educational backgrounds, occupations, disposable incomes and resources.” The only necessary trait is that one must express a passion for their fandom and the character they wish to portray. Anyone can find enjoyment in cosplay regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
In fact, the spread of anime cosplay has become such a worldwide phenomenon that Fantasy works such as UK based J.K Rowling’s work Harry Potter is also one that is often cosplayed by enthusiasts even at anime conventions. The Hogwarts Robe-uniform is a popular choice where the use of several character props can add to the authenticity of character portrayal.