We are breaking down how to put together a Ryunosuke Akutagawa cosplay from the anime Bungo Stray Dogs. Akutagawa wears the same outfit throughout the series, in both the manga and the anime.
Bungo Stray Dogs is both a manga and anime written by Kafka Asagiri. The manga is illustrated by Sango Harukawa. The characters are named after authors from around the world. Some of them have special abilities, and those abilities are modeled after the works of their name-sakes.
Akutagawa Ryunosuke
Currently, Bungo Stray Dogs has four seasons, a movie, and an OVA. Season five is coming in July, where we will see the return of Akutagawa. Akutagawa is a member of the Port Mafia with a terrifying special ability. His ability is called “Rashomon” after the real-life Akutagawa’s book. This ability allows him to use his clothing to create a beast that attacks his enemies.
His hair is a very specific cut and color. There are pre-made wigs available to make cosplaying Akutagawa a little bit easier. Finding a short, black wig will also work. You can cut and style it so it spikes a little on top, and then dye the tips white. Thankfully, if you make a mistake while styling his hair, no one will notice because his haircut is terrible. (Don’t worry, Akutagawa, we still love you.)
Akutagawa Cosplay
Akutagawa’s outfit is consistent throughout the anime and manga series. First, you will need a long, black coat. A trench coat works the best. Akutagawa wears his buttoned up and closed, so a simple collared shirt or even a t-shirt works for underneath. Cosplay is about comfort, so wear what works for you.
Coats online can be a little bit on the pricey side. The one I am wearing in the photo above can be found on Amazon. However, be sure to check your local thrift or second-hand shops for pieces that could work.
Next, you will need Akutagawa’s white jabot and frilled cuffs. These give him his Victorian-style look and are fairly easy to find. The cuffs are generally used for steampunk costumes or even pirate outfits. They easily velcro or clip underneath a collared shirt. Cosplayers can hide the cuffs on the wrists as the jacket covers where they would begin. Another option would be to find a pirate-style shirt with the frills already attached.
Akutagawa’s shoes and pants are simple. He wears black pants and black shoes. Because cosplay is all about your own interpretation, wear what you think would be best and/or the most comfortable. Personally, I wear black slacks and comfortable black booties. If piecing this Akutagawa cosplay becomes too complicated or stressful, then purchasing pre-made cosplays work just as well. EZCosplay has a great option. Keep in mind shipping times if you are looking for this cosplay to wear to an event or convention.
Temple of Geek is an Amazon affiliate and receives commission based on qualifying purchases.
