Cosplayers Take Over New York City At Highly-Anticipated Hatsune Miku Look-Alike Contest
If you ever found yourself looking to go to a convention, meet cosplayers, gamers, or pop culture enthusiasts, look no further because look-alike contests are all the rage. Celebrity look-alike contests took 2024 by storm, starting off with fans of Timothée Chalamet. These contests have since found their homes in a host of fandom spaces, yet cosplayers have seemingly made these contests their own.
Across the country, organizers are posting guerrilla flyers promoting these events for their favorite characters. And with hundreds to thousands of fans in attendance, and millions of impressions and interactions online, it’s hard to exist within fandom and not come across conversations of these events. On March 29, thousands took to Japan Village in Brooklyn, New York, to compete in the Hatsune Miku (A Japanese Vocaloid) look-alike contest. EnVi was on the ground to give you all the details.
bbno$ Makes a Virtual Appearance
As cosplayers and cosplay take up more space within the cultural zeitgeist, musicians are finding new communities and audiences through this hobby. Major artists like Megan Thee Stallion and now bbno$ are making waves within the scene — and redefining what it means to mix music with pop culture. For those who have yet to hear the name bbno$, he’s a Canadian rapper bending genres with cheeky lyrics. Earworms like his 2021 track “edamame,” sees him collaborate with 88rising’s very own Rich Brian. And if that doesn’t ring bells, then you may also know him for “Lalala” with Y2K, which was inescapable on TikTok.
If the bombastic kitschy music wasn’t enough, his cosplay diversity is nothing short of impressive. Breaking the bounds of gender with cosplays of Hatsune Miku to opulent drag makeup, he proves that he can do it all. It only made perfect sense that he would sign on to be a special guest at the Hatsune Miku Look-alike Contest in New York City. Though he was unable to attend the look-alike contest in person, he called in through Discord. Holding a phone, host Zander Smalls introduced the crowd of thousands to the Canadian rapper who, at the time, was preparing for his SUNY Canton set. But it wouldn’t be bbno$, without taking a moment to express gratitude toward his fans. “Thank you guys all for accepting me into the cosplay world, I’ve been having an unbelievably fun time doing cosplay… I love you guys.” But when you’re as engaging as bbno$, it should come to no surprise that he’s become so welcomed in the tight-knit cosplay community. Keeping his regards short, he left fans with a final note right before hanging up. “Cosplaying cures depression… I appreciate every single one of you.”
Cosplay? Cosplay.
Most cosplay competitions at conventions — and online — generally compare how well-built and complex each cosplayers’ outfits can be. But look-alike contests pose a real dilemma: How do you tow the balance of celebrating cosplay and its participants, while also finding a cosplayer who looks most like a character? It dives into a slippery slope of comparisons, bullying, and much more. Particularly, anti-Black prejudice toward Black cosplayers who are just trying to exist within fandom spaces. I would know — because I am a Black cosplayer myself. Even with these very valid concerns, cosplayers like Zander Smalls and Gale are stepping up to the plate, stressing inclusion and celebration for cosplayers of all types. You may also remember Smalls from the now-iconic Gojo look-alike contest which drew hundreds of Jujutsu Kaisen fans to Washington Square Park in December.
Let The Games Begin!
After receiving a fine for hosting the Gojo look-alike contest without a permit — the look-alike contest found a more fitting home in Japan Village, Brooklyn. This cozy plaza brings together a number of Japanese food, home goods, and culture vendors with a sprawling courtyard.
Japan Village has previously welcomed anime conventions and competitions, such as the Anitomo and the BOOKOFF cosplay contest to its space. The courtyard of Japan Village was filled body to body with onlookers and cosplayers. Participants of varying races and genders all presented their own interpretation of Hatsune Miku.
Before the contest started, fans were able to enjoy a short performance from Pearlhime, a New York-based cosplayer. Incorporating trending dances in her immersive cosplays, she’s become key to New York’s cosplay scene. Cosplayers like ornacosplays and Maniacosplays took part in the fanfare, taking turns on the mic and offering support on the backend.
The contest accommodated 100 participants with audience members cheering to vote. Showing support to each member of the crowd, cosplayers made their way across the stage showcasing their work. When there were ties, participants had to engage in a rock, paper, scissors game, leaving the crowd in suspense with each round. Of course there were some crowd favorites who made it far through the competition, such as The Helltaker Guy as Eggman Miku and Neeka as Jamaican Miku.
Meet The Winner and Runner Ups
After two hours of audience votes, three participants were left. Each cosplayer brought their own unique take to the character of Hatsune Miku, pulling inspiration from memes or alternate universes.
WINNER – Mikusagi as Furry Miku
1ST RUNNER UP – Shaboops as Shiesty Miku
2ND RUNNER UP – Wormprty as Muppet Miku
As cosplay continues to find a home on the global stage, cosplay events grow bigger and more mainstream.
Want to dig more into cosplay events around New York City? Read our recap of Anime NYC 2024 here.
