Halloween is all about dressing up and Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan theme park is adapting the concept to suit the new normal that’s dictating our lives right now. So instead of the regular costumes, USJ is asking its visitors to have fun and go crazy with the year’s most essential accessory – the face mask. It’s a brilliant idea that’s perfect in the time of Covid-19 coronavirus.
This face mask cosplay competition has three different categories, each with its own set of costume rules.
Category 1: Decorate a common mask with stickers, lace and other items of your choice
Category 2: Incorporate a character-themed mask sold at USJ into your costume
Category 3: Don a full costume with a matching DIY mask inspired by your favourite park character or a topic of your choice
To enter the contest, you’ll have to post a photo on your Instagram or Twitter account using three hashtags: #マスクコスプレ選手権, #USJ, and the specific hashtag for your chosen category. So include #マスクアレンジ部門 for category 1, #USJマスク部門 for category 2 and #全身コスプレ部門 for category 3.
You can enter the contest with different masks as many times as you like, but keep in mind that for safety reasons, you’ll have to wear a mask at all times during your visit. So keep your pimped-up mask as comfortable as possible.
For some DIY inspiration, see these fun videos by USJ.
This video above shows you how to decorate a mask with stickers and lace for contest category 1.
For category 2, here are some ideas on how to transform into Elmo, Cookie Monster and other characters using official USJ face masks.
Watch this video to learn how to decorate a mask to pair with a zombie costume for contest category 3.
You can submit your photos until November 8, 11.59pm JST. USJ will select 27 winners, with prizes including USJ tickets, souvenirs and more. Winners will be notified at the end of November via DM on Instagram and Twitter.
For more information on USJ’s Halloween mask cosplay contest, click here (in Japanese only).
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