[Sakiko Toyokawa cosplay] Arknights x Ave Mujica collab: Troublesome yet team-spirit-filled gothic daily life

This collaboration project was filled with anticipation right from the preparation stage. The five characters each have distinct characteristics, and the differences in hair color and accessories allowed our team to present vibrant blocks of color even against a black-and-white base tone.

Speaking of this outfit, it truly is a love-hate relationship. The black gothic foundation, combined with an abundance of lace trim, strap structures, metal chains, and a unique neckline design, is visually gorgeous to the extreme, but the hassle it brings is also doubled. Just putting it on takes quite a lot of time, not to mention managing the wigs and securing those tedious accessories. Especially those large black leather gloves, black stockings cosplay straps, and intricate leg designs—wearing them is genuinely troublesome, and mobility is somewhat restricted, meaning you can't move as freely as in casual clothes. So when I saw everyone looking so effortlessly cool in the photos, I truly felt that all the hectic adjustments behind the scenes were completely worth it.

For this shoot, we chose a retro scene with a red curtain, which nicely sets off the dark gothic atmosphere. I played Sakiko Toyokawa cosplay, whose overall look featuring black feathers, horns, and blue sapphires is both magnificent and instantly recognizable. Wakaba Mutsumi cosplay with mint-green hair, Uiika Misumi with blonde hair, Nyamu cosplay with purple hair and cat ears, as well as Umiri Yahata—everyone's traits were meticulously recreated. On the day of the shoot, we not only smoothly completed the full set of final photos, but also snapped many heartwarming group photos during breaks and dinner. For instance, at the hot pot dinner, everyone gathered around holding their respective character trading cards; that feeling of breaking through the 2D wall was truly wonderful. There were also group shots in front of the mirror behind the studio that included the photographers and staff, creating a relaxed and authentic vibe.

When talking about these photos, I have to mention our team's 'team spirit'. Wearing such extremely complex cosplay outfits, issues like slipping shoulder straps, messy wigs, or crooked accessories happen frequently. But as long as someone calls out for help, several hands immediately reach over to help adjust. During those days of non-stop shooting schedules, everyone constantly reminded each other about makeup conditions and helped arrange skirts and props. It was precisely because of this tacit understanding that this work could finally be presented in a perfect state.

Although taking off and putting on this outfit is exhausting, and the shooting process was filled with little episodes, being able to cosplay these collaboration characters together and experiencing that feeling of bridging virtuality and reality brings an irreplaceable sense of accomplishment. Finally, we placed all our Polaroid photos together to keep as a souvenir. These laid-out moments mark both an end and the starting point for more future collaborations. I hope we'll have more opportunities to gather together and create wonderful memories in the future.