COVID-19 canceled many comic and anime conventions, which put a dent to many of the cosplaying projects we have hoped to showcase in these events. However, the mandated face coverings regulation has permitted us to wear some of our favorite anime character cosplays featuring masks. From subtlety to outrageous, here are some of the best mask-wearing anime characters to cosplay to protect us from infection, lounge around in our houses or, if you dare, in public.

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Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

Kakashi naruto

Kakashi Hatake, from Naruto, has a chill and carefree attitude but is still a responsible and wise “old man” when he needs to be one. He wears a dark green utility vest that screams “dad,” but that's more Konoha-gakure's fault than his own. He also sports the standard black face-mask covering, hiding both the nose and mouth. Kakashi's outfit is something you can wear out while going to your local grocery store without causing an uproar. Only residents of the Hidden Leaf Village will recognize who you are and show their respect.

Celty Sturluson (Durarara!!)

Celty from Durarara rides her motorcycle in Durarara!!

If you see Celty Sturluson, from Durarara!!, patrolling the streets, she’s probably your local Door Dasher delivering take-out to one of your neighbors. Celty Sturluson, also known as “The Headless Rider,” is a do-able cosplay outfit that doesn’t attract too much attention since the cosplay consists of a black skin-tight bodysuit and a yellow cat-like helmet, which hints at her down-to-earth and independent personality. Although she isn’t wearing a mask, her helmet still counts as a cover-up that can protect you and others from infection — just don’t take it off.

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Zero (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

We are living in a time where a symbol of hope is needed and maybe Zero, from Code Geass, is our guy. Zero, the leader of The Order of the Black Knights, is a symbol of change, justice and independence. Now, Zero’s cape may be a bit extravagant to wear in a public outing, but if you just wear his helmet and his extravagant Victorian-like suit, you would look like someone attending a fancy dinner party and happens to own a motorcycle. Similar to Celty Sturluson, Zero wears a helmet rather than a mask, but it still serves as a great facial cover-up.

San (Princess Mononoke)

This is San wearing a mask and protecting the forest.

San, from Princess Mononoke,  is a true warrior. When wearing a mask, San figuratively transforms from a human-being into a forest spirit sworn to protect nature against the humans excessively consuming all of nature’s resources. The term, mononoke, means vengeful spirit and, fittingly, San is divine punishment for those who have hurt the forest. Princess Mononoke is  an iconic film bearing an environmental message. Thus, San’s mask exudes environmentalist vibes but also protects from illness.

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The Kitsune Mask In Yokai-Themed Anime

The kitsune mask or “fox mask” is a popular mask seen in many anime series. Some popular characters that wear this mask include Gin from Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light and Sabito from Demon Slayer. In Japanese folklore and Shinto religion, the fox is known to be the messenger for the god, Inari, the protector of rice, agriculture and fertility. Thus, kitsune masks are usually worn during harvest festivals to honor Inari, though they're now mostly worn for fun. A fox mask isn’t something you want to wear casually unless it’s a festival or if you want to give off a supernatural vibe.

Ichigo Kurosaki and the Visoreds (Bleach)

The Vizards are preparing for battle against Lord Aizen.

Technically, you can cosplay any full-fledged Hollow from Bleach, but Ichigo Kurosaki and the Visored have distinct Hollow masks set apart from even the Espada and Arrancar. Some of these unique Hollow masks include Kensei Muguruma’s flat hockey face-guard mask, Shinji Hirako’s mask that's reminiscent of a pharaoh and Rōjūrō “Rose” Ōtoribashi’s medieval, plague doctor-esque mask. The Hollow masks aren’t exactly an everyday item to wear, but they are great if for a group cosplay photoshoot — while social distancing, of course.

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Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)

Kaneko crying and angry in Tokyo Ghoul.

Alongside Kakashi,  the mask worn by Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul fits the face mask regulations: it will cover up your nose and mouth. However, the creepy, teeth-baring grin and Frankenstein aesthetic put it a bit creepy on the creepy side. This isn’t a mask you would want to wear in broad daylight or on a dimly lit road at night — people might mistake you for an actual Ghoul. But still, it is a great mask to wear in this pandemic because people would voluntarily keep their distance from you because of your frightening appearance. Social distancing must be so easy for real Ghouls.

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