All dressed up for a trip to the museum

Kyoto's International Manga Museum aims to exhibit the history of manga, one of Japan's main cultural exports.

Cos to celebrate: Cos Joy brings out the creativity in its participants.

Another crucial aspect of the museum is to provide a place for manga fans to celebrate their favorite stories and characters. Cos Joy, a cosplay (costume play) event the museum holds every month, is a great opportunity for both novice manga fans and old hats to animate their day a little.

Cos Joy will also take place in Osaka before hitting Kyoto. But with the museum being one of Japan's manga meccas, dressing up there may even be a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts. Participants can dress up as their favorite characters, bring swords and wands, and have fun taking pictures. Visitors will also have manga from over 50,000 collections at their fingertips.

Prior registration is required for cosplay participants, and others may bring cameras to take photos of the madness as long as they ask the characters for permission before they shoot.

Cos Joy will take place July 17 at Osaka's ATC and July 18 at Alfic Osaka. It will run from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. at the Kyoto International Manga Museum on July 19. Museum admission is ¥500 for adults and ¥1,000 for cosplay participants. For more information, call (075) 254-7414 or visit www.comicon.co.jp/cosjoy/kmmindex.htm

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