[Daji cosplay] Still Slays Under the "Deadly Yellow Lighting" on Basement Level 1 of the National Convention Center - Image 1
[Daji cosplay] Still Slays Under the "Deadly Yellow Lighting" on Basement Level 1 of the National Convention Center - Image 2

The lighting at the CHCC anime convention on Basement Level 1 of the National Convention Center is truly every cosplayer's unedited photo nightmare. When I got back the raw, unedited photos sent over by the photographer and saw the overwhelming, high-saturation yellow light, my heart sank instantly. But seeing my state in the photos, I felt I still had to share the authentic vibe of this convention with everyone.

Let's talk about the outfit everyone is most curious about first. Since it was at a crowded convention, the headpiece, wig, and that huge, marshmallow-textured pink tail needed to stay in top shape at all times. The tail was definitely the center of attention—it was ridiculously eye-catching, super fluffy, soft, and amazing to touch. I just had to be careful not to bump into anyone while walking around. The cat ears and headband were secured to the wig all day, which was actually quite exhausting.

The costume features a layered blue-and-white design with lots of delicate ruffles and white tulle on the skirt, while the heart ornament and bow tie on the chest balance the overall color scheme nicely. To match the cute catgirl vibe of Daji, the overall pink tone is super eye-catching. Combined with the white thigh-highs outfit and over-the-knee socks, the photo results radiate a strong 2D anime charm even without heavy editing.

Speaking of props, I held a massive trident-shaped magic wand, with the highlight being the giant pink bow on top. During the con, many people asked me where I made the wand, but what they were most curious about was whether it was easy to carry. Honestly, maneuvering such a long prop in a crowded hall was a hassle, and holding it up for too long made my wrists sore.

Regarding the look of these convention photos, many might feel discouraged seeing unedited pictures. The overhead lighting on Basement Level 1 of the National Convention Center was way too yellow and harsh, reflecting on the pink hair and white thigh-highs outfit, easily throwing off the colors—editing them later will literally pull your hair out! But it's precisely these unedited photos that record the crowds and venue atmosphere most truthfully. Despite the "brutal" lighting, the attendees were passionate, and photographers squeezed through crowded aisles to snap shots from every great angle. Amidst the heat, crowding, and noise, I worked hard to stay in character, hoping to bring out Daji's playful, lively charm.

A few final thoughts: although convention lighting can be disappointing, our love for ACG culture won't be held back by objective conditions. Every anime convention is a mutual dedication between cosplayers and photographers; no matter how harsh the environment, the conviction for the character can't be lost. This experience made me appreciate in-person interactions even more. I hope future convention venues will have better lighting so everyone can get awesome photos comfortably!