From capital to cosplay photos: Chanthaboon Waterfront cultural communication

Abstract

This study explores the use of capital in cosplay photography to communicate Chanthaboon Waterfront culture. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, data was gathered from documentary sources and other relevant media, followed by a systematic analysis and synthesis of the obtained information. The findings reveal that both the cosplay and the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community possess distinct forms of capital. When integrated through the medium of photography, a process of reproducing new meanings within the cultural space is generated. These photographs serve as a medium bridging traditional and contemporary cultures while preserving the unique identity of the locality. Although the cosplay characters lack a direct contextual connection to the local setting, the projection of the cosplayers' identities onto the space reflects freedom of expression and a negotiation of meaning regarding the cultural landscape. This phenomenon demonstrates the cultural flexibility of the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, promoting animage of contemporaneity and accessibility to the younger generation. The success of cosplay photography is achieved through the mobilization of four types of capital, including: 1. economiccapital invested in cosplay; 2. cultural capital derived from knowledge and cosplay character understanding, role-playing performance, history, architecture, cuisine, and official certifications; 3. social capital stemming from the cooperation of community members who open their spaces to cosplayers; and 4. symbolic capital represented by the community's renowned landmarks. These elements facilitate the transformation of existing capital into future economic capital by attracting new tourist groups and participatory of user-generated content. If communication is systematically planned, it can prevent the distortion of the original meanings of local culture and enhance the management of cultural communication along the Chanthaboon Waterfront, leading to sustainability and broader benefits at the macro level in the future.