IN FOCUS

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A youth takes a “selfie” as she takes part in a cosplay competition at Saya San Plaza in Yangon on Aug. 3. Yangon was abuzz during August with the arrival of new SIM cards from telecoms firm Ooredoo, hailed as the start of a communications “revolution” in the country. Youth in particular are excited, as many look to international trends as the country opens up.

Hugely popular in Japan for decades, cosplay is increasingly taking off among Myanmar’s youth who are entranced by the colorful costumes of Japanese anime and manga. Hundreds of fans came out at the competition dressed as their favorite characters.