[Ibaraki Kasen Cosplay] Touhou Project's Afternoon in the Bamboo Forest

This outdoor photoshoot actually required a short period of preparation, and the final result showcases Ibaraki Kasen from Touhou Project. Because the design of this costume is very unique—featuring red Jacquard pattern and white lace splicing on a modified Chinese cheongsam top, a large pink flower decoration at the waist, and layered olive-green and white ruffled skirts—the overall visual balance is very rich. The shooting location was set in a bamboo forest and garden, with the original concept being to capture the character's blend of fantasy and classical charm in the serene environment of a traditional Chinese garden.

Since the character features an iconic chain, I specifically chose a heavy metallic pair of handcuffs and chain props. During the actual shoot, the chain was indeed quite heavy, requiring considerable effort to control its drape when posing—ensuring it fell naturally without obscuring the lace details on the outfit. The white thigh-highs outfit paired with red laced high heels elongated my overall proportions, though walking along garden stone bridges and paved paths was quite a balance test. In Photo 7 especially, sitting on that high arched bridge railing while looking at the bamboo forest's reflection in the water below felt amazingly peaceful, giving off a relaxed vibe of spending a quiet half-day in the bamboo grove.

Special thanks to photographer @Yakumo for patiently trying various angles with me. For example, the framing using the red arched doorway as a foreground completely framed the bamboo forest background and my costume into a natural canvas, with rich color contrast between red walls, green bamboo, red dress, and white socks. In several close-up shots in the bamboo forest, he captured me casually touching bamboo leaves, where the sheer white gauze sleeves on my shoulders possessed a semi-transparent, light, and airy feel under natural light.

Thanks also to my assistant @HecatiaTheSupremeLeaderWeLoveYou for helping carry props, providing fill light, and clearing debris from the ground. However, there was indeed a small regret: during the shoot, there was an issue with the waist belt or shoulder straps not being tied tightly enough. As a result, in a few shots with larger movements, the costume's details shifted away from the original design intention. Seeing the finished photos, I felt it was somewhat OOC (out of character), and I sincerely apologize to fans of the original work and character. But unexpected mishaps always happen during outdoor shoots; this strap failure serves as a learning experience. Next time I prepare a costume with such a complex structure, I will definitely reinforce every structural anchor point in advance.

Overall, this look blended elements of Touhou Project with traditional Chinese style, with long hair and large white flower hair ornaments echoing the character's intrinsic disposition. Despite twists and turns in adapting props, costumes, and the venue, that is precisely the joy of outdoor photography—striving to restore a character's ambiance in an environment one loves. I hope these photos allow everyone to feel a bit of Ibaraki Kasen's charm as she strolls through the bamboo forest.