Pros and Cons Perspectives of Indonesian and Japanese Non-Weeaboo Towards Cross-dressing Cosplayers

Abstract

In the last decade, the cosplay community has grown rapidly and has become increasingly inclusive of various forms as well as costume styles. In the cosplay community, some cosplayers cross-dress, which is the practice of wearing costumes and acting as characters with different gender identities from their biological sex. This cross-dress phenomenon is common in many countries, including Indonesia and Japan as the topic of this study. Researchers use qualitative descriptive research methods with comparative analysis, data obtained from several respondents from Indonesia and Japan. Based on the results of the analysis, researchers concluded the perspective of pros and cons between Indonesian and Japanese respondents on the phenomenon of cosplayers performing cross-dresses. Japanese respondents supported cross-dressing among cosplayers, indicating that this practice was common in Japan. On the other hand, Indonesian respondents tend to reject cross-dressing, considering it taboo due to religious and cultural norms, although it can be accepted within reasonable limits at certain events. Meanwhile, Japanese respondents believed that crossdressing could affect cultural values and traditions.