[Kumiko Omae Cosplay] Playing the Movement of Sound! Euphonium Under the Autumn Maple Leaves

Just wrapped up this autumn Kumiko Omae Cosplay shoot, which went from the afternoon straight into dusk; the light during the final ten minutes truly gave soul to this photo set.

The shooting location chosen this time was a garden landscape featuring hills, water, and wooden bridges, right when the autumn maple leaves were at their peak. To find ideal angles, we circled the water's edge several times. A large rock beside the water proved to be a fantastic camera spot, capturing full reflections across the surface. Standing on the rock in the brown sailor uniform, I could feel the crisp, cool autumn breeze. Waiting for that final ten minutes of sunset, we stood on the bridge for quite a while. When the sunlight slanted through the treetops, striking the bell of the golden euphonium and reflecting softly onto my face, every moment of waiting felt entirely worthwhile.

Regarding the styling, this pairing of a deep brown sailor uniform and red bow tie is iconic, complemented by white Stockings (over-the-knee socks) and black uniform shoes as standard gear. To better match the character's image, I dedicated considerable effort to adjusting the wig's curl and volume, especially around the bangs, striving to keep them looking natural even in the breeze.

The euphonium in my hands is a massive instrument with substantial weight. To strike playing postures, my arms and shoulders had to remain tense while keeping facial expressions relaxed, which was quite a test of core strength. Especially when standing on the rocks by the water, not only did I need to balance my center of gravity, but I also had to take great care to prevent the instrument from bumping against the stones or getting splashed by water. Every adjustment of posture required careful caution. Yet when the instrument radiated a stunning metallic luster under the light, that texture was truly irreplaceable.

The photographer captured many frames from various angles—some playing sideways on the wooden bridge, others facing the lens directly by the water. I personally love the composition of the second shot leaning against the railing sideways, where the curved lines of the instrument harmonize perfectly with the lines of the body. Autumn sunsets are fleeting, and being able to seize this transient interplay of light and shadow was immensely lucky. I hope this photo set conveys both the tranquility of autumn and the power of music.