We've showcased plenty of incredible cosplay work here, and in the world of cosplay, if you can dream it, a cosplayer will try to embody it. That's the ultimate goal: bringing characters to life with stunning costumes that capture their charm and appearance.
Recently, a Japanese cosplayer named "Fuu" took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent her frustration. She received a direct message from a TV show production team asking to "borrow her *Frozen* Anna costume for a celebrity photoshoot." The catch? Their only offer was a "shout-out in the program," with absolutely no mention of compensation, insurance, or even basic loan details. Understandably furious, she publicly called them out, sparking a massive online debate about how TV stations get away with such audacity.
"Fuu" lamented that the TV station showed zero respect for the financial and emotional investment cosplayers pour into their craft, seemingly just wanting to exploit anything suitable they found online. The costume in question was a discontinued *Frozen* piece from the renowned brand "Secret Honey." She had purchased it for a hefty sum – nearly 80,000 JPY for one part and 60,000 JPY for another – earned through her own hard work. It was a cherished collector's item, specifically worn for Disney Halloween events. "How could I possibly lend it to a stranger to wear? Sweat on my precious costume? Absolutely not!" she exclaimed.
She also pointed out that lending the costume for a fee could potentially "tread into a gray area regarding Disney's intellectual property rights." As for the show's promised "credit," she argued it offered "zero practical benefit" for an individual. "If I'm wearing a ready-made costume, even if my name is mentioned, I can't use that as promotional material, can I?"
Other netizens echoed her sentiments, stating: "The TV industry constantly says things like 'let us use your video' or 'let us shoot with your clothes,' treating viewers' property like their own personal storage. Can't they show some basic respect when making a show?"
The incident blew up on X, with the vast majority of users rallying behind the cosplayer. One commenter highlighted the absurdity: "This is exactly like someone suddenly asking, 'Can I borrow your impossible-to-get LV bag? I'll write your name on it!' Where's the logic in that?" They emphasized the need for clear terms: "When will it be returned? What's the rental fee? What happens if it's not returned on time? Are you buying it? If none of these are clear, who would dare to lend it?"
Another user shared a friend's nightmare experience where parts of their costume were damaged, others went missing, and they never even received an apology. "It really feels like the TV industry treats everyone as a disposable item, except for celebrities and superiors... In this day and age, who still sees 'being on TV' as an honor?" they questioned.
While most were supportive, a few voices suggested, "If she didn't want to lend it, she could have just refused directly instead of publicly criticizing them. Her tone is too aggressive and could cause a polarized reaction." To this, supporters retorted: "If you think her tone is aggressive, it's because you don't understand how important these clothes are to her."
The incident once again fueled public resentment towards "TV stations' habitual disregard for amateur contributions." Many urged cosplayers: "No matter how much you trust them, never lend out valuable costumes for free." Whether handmade or purchased, these are the fruits of their hard work and dedication. Such a "free-use" mentality truly leaves a sour taste regarding TV stations.
via： togetter