DETERMINED to craft authentic anime costumes without breaking the bank, 27-year-old Daxton Ooi, 27, took up needlework.
Armed with little more than resolve, online tutorials and video guides, he taught himself the skill.
Today, he produces many of his own cosplay outfits, slashing the expense of his hobby.
“Buying ready-made costumes can be expensive,” he said.
“Cosplaying provides a welcome escape from the pressures of everyday life and it allows me to escape from the real world for a bit,” said Ooi who works in online sales.
He was among the crowd favourites at the 4th CosWorld Festival 2026 held at the Island 88 in Tanjung Tokong, Penang.
For the event, he transformed himself into the fearsome Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji from the anime Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer).
He was accompanied by his friend Chong Chia Min, 25, who dressed up as Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira from Demon Slayer.
Another popular cosplayer was Ruii Voon, 30, who drew queues of fans eager for photographs and autographs.
Voon, who dressed as Sparxie from the video game Hongkai: Starail, said she has been cosplaying for the past five years while working full-time as an interior designer.
“I enjoy bringing my favourite game characters to life and meeting fellow fans through cosplay,” she added.
Alit Imran, 26, from Alor Setar in Kedah, came dressed as his favourite Japanese superhero Ultraman Cosmos.
The three-day event attracted over a thousand anime enthusiasts, gamers and families. Among the activities held were cosplay competitions besides stalls selling Japanese toys, collectibles, games and various other merchandise.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who opened the event, described cosplay as a positive form of creative expression that helped young people develop practical skills, artistic talent and self-confidence.
“Cosplaying is far more than simply wearing elaborate costumes.
“It encourages participants to develop skills in costume making, sewing, make-up artistry, photography and character performance.
“Many enthusiasts invested countless hours researching characters and painstakingly crafting their own outfits, demonstrating remarkable creativity and dedication,” he said.
Wong said Penang has always embraced cultural diversity while remaining open to emerging creative trends that resonated with younger generations.
He noted that events such as the festival reflected the state’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant creative economy and providing platforms for local talent to showcase their abilities.
“Cosplaying has become a powerful force in bringing together people of different races, cultures and nationalities through their shared passion for anime, games and popular culture,” Wong added.
Also present at the event were CosWorld Festival founder Richard Lim and Island 88 managing director Philip Law.
