{"id":20741,"date":"2023-08-16T15:01:05","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T06:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/?p=20741"},"modified":"2023-08-16T15:01:06","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T06:01:06","slug":"20230816-20741","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/news\/20230816-20741\/","title":{"rendered":"Student\u2019s “nazi cosplay\u201d at Comiket in Japan sparks controversy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Japanese user recently became the center of attention on social media after they posted a photo of themselves cosplaying as a Nazi at the recently held Comiket in Tokyo, Japan. The controversial choice of costume has sparked a discussion among Japanese users, with some asserting that it crosses the line in how inappropriate it is, and others trying to defend it as a form of freedom of expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/senkenHQ\/status\/1690516976580665344\n<\/div>
Post Translation:<\/font><\/strong> Setup completed! Looking forward to seeing you.<\/font><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the photo in question, a person can be seen attending an event booth while wearing what resembles a Nazi SS military uniform. The post was supposedly made by a Senshu University student under the account name \u201cSenshu University\u2019s War History Research Group.\u201d The student was apparently wearing the costume while selling their club\u2019s books as part of their university\u2019s club activities, though whether or not the club is truly school-affiliated is questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/senkenHQ\/status\/1690561674615586816?s=20\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many users condemned OP\u2019s cosplay as well as the presence of Nazi uniforms at the comic convention in general. One user posted<\/a>, \u201cNot only did the Senshu University\u2019s club fail to learn from their study of military history, but they also succumbed to the allure of Nazism and turned into an SS-like organization. Perhaps they should consider requesting special lectures from @AuschwitzMuseum and @simonwiesenthal.\u201d Some users were alarmed at the nonchalant nature of the cosplay, commenting<\/a>, \u201cIt’s scary how someone could just thoughtlessly cosplay as a Nazi!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, there were a lot of users who were in strong disagreement with the idea of disallowing such cosplays, defending the act using the excuse of freedom of expression. One user asserted<\/a>, \u201cThis is Japan, not the West. Moreover, it is not a public place. There are no laws against it.\u201d Another upset user posted<\/a>, \u201cWearing a Nazi cosplay is a matter of freedom of expression. Comiket is all about the freedom to wear any kind of attire you want. Labeling something as forbidden just because it’s Nazi-related goes against the fundamental principle of Comiket (freedom of expression).\u201d Additionally, there were numerous comments praising the group\u2019s cosplay, with many expressing how cool they thought it looked. It seems that a portion of the public has put admiring the stylish design of the uniforms above respecting historical circumstances and the suffering of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, this isn\u2019t the first incident concerning Nazi costumes at Comiket. Over the years, there have apparently been many sightings of Nazi cosplays at the convention. It appears Comiket had previously introduced some restrictions concerning military uniforms, albeit only after receiving complaints from an embassy staff member. A previous announcement<\/a> by Comiket meant to address the issue reads \u201cThe organizing committee requests the removal of armbands, insignia, and similar items from uniforms.\u201d Based on the notice, it seems that currently the uniforms alone are still allowed to be worn at the event. However, in the case of the groups’ cosplay, various Nazi-related accessories including a swastika can be seen, making it questionable to what extend the restrictions are being enforced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to the backlash regarding the costume, the group\u2019s account issued an apology. The post mentions that the group deeply apologizes for posting inappropriate promotional photographs and regret the significant inconveniences they caused. The apology doesn’t appear to include any mention of feelings of regret for actually engaging in the cosplay however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Senshu University's War History Club has posted an apology for several tweets that promoted their booth at Summer Comic Market with photos of a club member wearing a Nazi SS uniform.
It's unclear if they plan to stop their Nazi cosplaying, or just stop sharing pictures of it. https:\/\/t.co\/VNGOj2HM4j<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/63I9n5F2Te<\/a><\/p>— Jeffrey J. Hall \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@mrjeffu) August 14, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>