Thai Cosplay Festival, Bangkok 2013, Thailand

Related phenomena
The Internet has enabled many cosplayers to create "social networks" and web sites centred around cosplay activities. Forums allow them to share stories, photographs, news and tips.
The exponential growth in the number of people picking up cosplay as a hobby since 1990 has made the phenomenon influential in popular culture. This is particularly the case in Asia where cosplay influences Japanese street fashion and popular culture. Businesses increasingly seek to cater to cosplayers' interest in apparel, accessories, and collectibles.