We sent one of our Japanese reporters, “Rei-chan,” to the “RAAR’s Night” crossplaying event in Shinjuku. Here’s his story.
“RAAR’s Night” isn’t exactly an eye-catching title for one of the biggest crossplaying events in Tokyo, featuring dozens of men in effeminate cosplay attire, but you’d be missing out if you gave the event a pass on name alone.
Our very own Go Hattori (heretofore “Rei-chan”), fresh off his crossdressing makeover at RAAR Salon in Shinjuku and craving some Halloween action, decided to attend the event while still in his feminine garb on the weekend of October 22. Rei-chan reported that, while feeling confident in her feminine appeal before attending the event, she was stricken by the sheer volume of beautifully dressed dudes at RAAR’s Night and quickly lost her conviction in her otherwise stunning attire.
In fact, RAAR’s Night proved to be one of the greatest gatherings of immaculately dressed crossplayers in all of Japan. Viewing Rei-chan’s photos of the event, it’s clear a lot of attendees put a huge amount of love and care into their costumes, and it definitely shows. If the ideal for a crossplayer is to look as much like a real woman (or man, in other cases) as possible, most of the RAAR’s Night contestants crossed that line and then some.
Yeah, we said “contestants,” because, of course, the night culminated in a runway contest that it seems our ill-fated Rei-chan had no possible chance of winning, despite a quick pregame tequila shot on the streets of Shinjuku to psych herself up for the proceedings.
Sure, we feel bad for Rei-chan, who visibly resembles a late 30-something guy despite RAAR Salon’s best efforts, but she says she had a great time anyway at RAAR’s Night.
The annual RAAR’s Night also features singing, dancing, general mingling and all manner of Halloween fun, so if you’re interested in checking it out next year, you can find details here.
Also, if you want to check out Japan’s crossplay culture any time of year, you can head over to Girl’s Club in Shinjuku, which we’ve covered before and is open to first-timers all year round.
Images: RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Our male reporter cross-dresses for second time, learns more about how hard it is to be a woman
Our male Japanese-language reporter gets a professional makeover, becomes pretty cheerleader
We test out wax hair removal strips from the 100-yen store on our hairy, manly legs
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]