cartoon-character costume; mascot costume; kigurumi
A full-body costume that completely covers the wearer, often representing an animal, cartoon character, or mascot. The term is widely recognized in Japanese pop culture and is sometimes borrowed into English as 'kigurumi'.
遊園地で着ぐるみのクマと写真を撮った。
I took a picture with a person in a bear costume at the amusement park.
彼女はイベントで着ぐるみを着て踊った。
She danced in a kigurumi at the event.
Standard modern spelling; the kanji 着 and kana ぐるみ together clearly convey the meaning.
Alternate kanji spelling using 包み (wrapping); less common but still seen.
A blend of 着る “to wear” and ぬいぐるみ “stuffed costume or toy,” referring to a full-body costume worn by a person.