#1

With the myriad of cosplay costumes available in Japan, first-time cosplayers must be overwhelmed with all the choices. Luckily, Cospa, a major cosplay costume company in Japan, has narrowed down the choices, releasing the 2012 costume sales rankings. Coming in at number one is everyone’s favorite vocaloid, Hatsune Miku.

Check out the rest of the top ten cosplay costumes of the year:      

#1 Hatsune Miku

#1 Hatsune Miku #1

Picture source: Rakuten

#2 Steins Gate

#2 Stein's Gate

#2

Picture source: Rakuten

 The parka worn by Steins Gate’s main character, Kurisu Makise, came in at number two.

#3 Hyoka

#3 Hyoka

#3

Picture source: Rakuten

Hyoka is a Japanese mystery novel that was adapted into a manga and anime.

#4 Rurouni Kenshin

 #4 Rurou ni Kenshin

#4

Picture source: Rakuten

Also known as Samurai X, Rurouni Kenshin’s assassin protagonist came in at number 4 in this year’s list of the most popular cosplay characters, likely thanks in part to a live-action film released earlier in the year.

#5 Yuru Yuri

#5 Yuru yuri #5

Picture source: Rakuten

Schoolgirl uniforms were very popular this year and the junior high school costume from Yuru Yuri is just the second on the list.

#6 K-On!

#6 Kenon

#6

Picture source: Rakuten

 At number 6 is the costume of the high school students/pop group members from K-On!

#7 Dragon Ball Freeza

#7 Dragon Ball

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Picture source: Rakuten

Freeza, the villain from Dragon Ball Z.  Proper usage of the costumes can be found here.

#8 Evangelion

#8 Evangelion

#8

Picture source: Rakuten

Yet another school girl uniform, this time from Evangelion.

#9 DC３

#9 DC3

#9

Picture source: Nandemo

Whaddaya know, another schoolgirl uniform.  This one’s from DC 3, a “love adventure game” for Windows and PSP.

#10 To Aru Majutsu no Index (a certain magical index)

#10 To Aru Majutsu no Index

#10

Picture source: Stage Pimps

The school uniform from A Certain Magical Index, a light novel series turned anime and manga, is the last costume on our list.  Surprise, surprise, it’s a schoolgirl uniform.

Source: NicoNicoNews