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
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Cup Noodle and Columbia team up for a weird and wonderful T-shirt that’s very Japanese
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
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