How to Imitate Japanese Cartoon Characters and Comics

Choose character. Most people think it’s easiest to play a character with a similar personality. However, some people consider portraying opposing characters as a fun or easy challenge.

• Consider starting with two types of characters: similarity and opposite personality. For character types that are too difficult to imitate, you can narrow the scope to make it easier.

Study their segments. If you can, try to read both manga and watch cartoons. Remember how the character reacts in each different situation. Notice all of their emotional states and how they react when happy, sad, angry, or scared. Research character behavior when around: family, friends, enemies, strangers. This is a good incentive to watch anime and read your favorite Japanese manga, so cheer up!

• If you are a stoic character, you should pay more attention. This type of person is delicate in expressing emotions, so it needs to be watched closely.
• Don’t just watch movies or read books. If the character appears in the video game, watch the in-game scene (cutscene)!

Find character information online. The Internet contains a lot of information about Japanese anime and manga. Try to find the home page of the movie or story and research the character. The more you know, the easier it is to imitate the character, understand their personality and why they are the way they are.

• Unofficial or fan-created sources can be helpful, but you should only half believe them because many people analyze characters in their own way, which is not always true. author.

Imitate the character’s speech. If you’re not good at impersonating, don’t worry: there’s no need to do the exact same thing, though of course you can! Instead, notice how they speak. Fast or slow? Big or gentle? Is your voice full of emotion or calm and lifeless? Notice how your voice rises and falls. Improve your parody skills and try to mimic smooth intonation when talking.

Learn a few sentences. Speed up by learning a few familiar characters’ sayings. If you can’t copy a particular character, you can learn a few Japanese words or sentences. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with a new language and even learn to speak a little Japanese!

Check posture and body language. Acting isn’t just about talking and mimicking facial expressions–it also includes walking, standing, sitting, lying and everything about the character. Review the character’s passage and notice how they walk, stand, or move. Maybe the shy character will drop his shoulders when walking and use his hands to “cover” his face. Confident or arrogant characters often stand upright, with their heads held high and their chests puffed out. Stick to the silly or overdone characterization and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. That’s what makes cosplay fun!

• Don’t forget their habits! Does your character have a signature move like playing with a curl of hair? Keep that in mind!

Consider owning items associated with the character image. Does the character often carry something? If so, consider bringing a similar item with you! A typical example is the character L in the comic book “Death Note” often associated with the image of a piece of cake. You can bring a slice of fake cake or a piece of real cake as a snack. Another case is that the character Nekozawa in “Ouran High School Club” (Ouran High Schop Host Club) always carries the puppet Beelzenef with him.

• Don’t be too dependent or let things take over your role. Should only be used to embellish and add realism to the acting.

It should be understood that not everything is socially acceptable. The character’s behavior may be normal in his or her world, but not in real life. Even during the carnival, there are still some unacceptable behaviors including punching, touching, excessive swearing and more. Listen to your intuition: if you feel that an action might bring you trouble, it’s best not to do it.

• If it’s a very bad character, consider being less mean or getting the masses to see your actions through a humorous lens to avoid offending others. No one will want to compliment your costumes or acting skills if you’re too cruel!.
• That is not to say that you are not allowed to transform into your favorite character. You should imitate the good and reduce the bad.

Know when to act like the character and when not to. While playing a cartoon character can seem cool and fun, there are times when you need to be serious. If you’re with a stranger to anime or cosplay, it’s best to be yourself.

• For example, “The Alchemist” fans will laugh if you complain about Edward Elric’s height. And of course not your doctor.

Don’t force people to follow. At a carnival, some people will probably interact with your acting and join in, especially if they’re also dressed up, but keep in mind that’s not all. If you imitate the character but other people don’t respond, just ignore them. There will be many other cosplayers who are happy and excited to act with you.

• Observe their body language to behave appropriately. If they seem uncomfortable or confused, such as avoiding, looking around, or evading, leave them alone.