At the moment, everyone in Japan can dress up as their favorite character. It will most likely stay that way, but there could be big changes for those who make money cosplay – and possibly even for those who don’t.
As a writer and translator Matt Alt mention, thatThe Japanese government is currently considering changing the Country’s copyright laws so professional cosplayers would pay to use characters.
Cosplay can be big business. Japan’s most successful professional cosplay Enako (pictured) was taken over $ 90,000 per year Month of public appearances, goods, photo books, chat sessionsand notes. Other cosplayers too to earn Cash for selling photos or clips dressed up as famous characters. Creator currently not Get a cut, and the A change would correct this. In addition, it is specified that a standardized A number of rules would help avoid problems with the creators.
According to Kyodo newsJapanese copyright law is unclear, but it does suggest that no-profit cosplay is not an infringement. So for many Cosplayers in JapanThings are unlikely to change. However, Kyodo news adds that even cosplay photos are uploaded to social networks Websites like Instagram could constitute a copyright infringement. If so, the effects would be felt throughout the cosplay community.
On Twitter (about SoraNews), Enako discussed the issue, stating that when she goes on TV or appears at paid events, she disguises herself as original characters to avoid copyright infringement. On top of that, she adds that she also gets permission when starring as other-created characters
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Enako, a Cool Japan ambassador, discussed the possible changes with the Japanese government but wrote that they had not heard that uploading cosplay photos to social networking sites could infringe copyright laws.
“I am unable to make a spontaneous statement,” said Enako tweeted, “But for me personally, I really hope the charitable activities of fans are not regulated on social networking sites. “
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