Cosplayer Reveals that Photographer Attacks at Love Hotels After Events Are Common

The most recent Comiket took place in August and brought us many doujins, cosplayer photos, and more. However, one topic resurfaced for some reason: “going to bed with a cosplayer” after the event.

Cosplayer Saku posted on her Twitter profiles about what she knows regarding the practice of “off-pako,” which involves going to a love hotel with a cosplayer after an event to do “that.”

On her cosplay-dedicated profile, Saku kept it short:

“The idea that you can do ‘off-pako’ with cosplayers at events like Comiket is totally fiction. It’s a creation based on situational fetishes, something I’d compare to train harassment stories. I don’t want anyone to think this is real and go to an event saying strange things or touching cosplayers.”

This reminds me that there are some doujins on this exact topic: attending events with a girl cosplaying a character, and then you know what happens next.

Cosplayer Reveals that Photographer Attacks at Love Hotels After Events Are Common

What about Saku’s personal profile, where she speaks more openly? She shared what she’s heard:

“I’ve never heard real stories of anyone doing ‘off-pako’ with cosplayers after Comiket. But stories of someone going to a love hotel for photography and being attacked by the photographer, those I hear all the time. Maybe it’s because we’re in different circles?”

Reading the reactions, people noted that what you see in AV films is fantasy, and others said the reason AV is prohibited for minors is that you should reach an age where you can separate fiction and reality.

More reactions from Japanese users:

• I don’t think anyone would have energy for that after Comiket.
• Obviously, right?
• It’s important to warn not to follow photographers blindly.
• Otakus do have places to meet people; maybe it’s just my lack of effort.
• “Off-pako” might not exist, but I’d love it if someone fell in love and married a cosplayer they supported.
• Cosplayers are well-connected; if you do something weird, it spreads fast. But idiots never end, huh…
• Eat together, plan the next shoot, and then “okay, bye.” That’s enough; that’s ideal.
• The only thing I really dislike is that after Comiket, these tweets always appear.