Creative Expressions and Cultural Shifts: The Impact of Cosplay in Makassar

Abstract

This study investigates the expression of cosplay culture and its influence on local cultural identity among cosplayers in Makassar, Indonesia. In the context of the growing globalization of Japanese popular culture, cosplay has evolved into a prominent form of youth cultural engagement that facilitates creativity, self-expression, and community interaction. Grounded in Henry Jenkins’ theory of participatory culture, the research explores how cosplayers engage as both cultural consumers and producers—manifested through costume creation, performance, and participation in cosplay events. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through participant observation, documentary studies, and in-depth interviews with cosplayers, event organizers, and attendees. The findings reveal that cosplay serves as a medium of cultural negotiation, where global and local values intersect, leading to hybrid forms of expression. While cosplay fosters artistic innovation and social cohesion, it also presents challenges to traditional norms and local identity. However, initiatives such as the integration of indigenous elements into costume design highlight cosplay's potential to support cultural continuity and intercultural dialogue. This study offers insights into the localization of global cultural practices and underscores the dynamic interplay between global influences and local identities within contemporary youth culture.