Consumerism of Japanese Popular Culture in the Cosplayer Lifestyle (Sociological Studies on Cosplay Communities in Makassar City)
Daftar Isi:
- Excessive exposure of Japanese popular culture to cosplayers can erode the identity of the original culture and make them consumptive. This study aims to identify and analyze Japanese popular culture consumerism in the form of a cosplayer lifestyle in the Cosplay community in Makassar City. This research method uses a qualitative descriptive approach. The technique of selecting cosplayer informants was done by purposive sampling based on the established criteria. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique used qualitative data analysis. The results of the study show that the need to look different from others and be the center of attention of others is a cosplayer in their daily lives, so that they become part of the Japanese pop culture lifestyle industry. This is in meeting the needs of their Japanese pop culture lifestyle, such as clothing and accessories, comics, amulet attributes and enjoyment of Japanese food. The high cost of goods and attributes of Cosplayers' collections, both export and import quality, as well as the pleasure of Japanese cuisine, have made some of the Cosplayers live a hedonistic lifestyle regardless of the amount spent. However, for some Cosplayers who have creative and independent souls, to meet the needs of these expensive collectibles, they are anticipated to make their own. And sell it to Cosplayers who are members of several communities. Keywords: Consumerism, Lifestyle, Community, and Popular Culture.