[Ebisu Kofuku cosplay] My 2025 Noragami Dream Group Photoshoot

I finally got to put together Ebisu Kofuku's look this time. Those who have seen the original work will instantly get the 'Goddess of Poverty' joke mentioned in the post. Re-experiencing this character in 2025 and having the chance to bring her to life with her lively yet slightly mischievous personality feels completely different. When I watched this anime as a kid, I saved so many of Kofuku's memes. Who would have thought back then that many years later today, I would actually wear this outfit for a group photoshoot?

As for the styling, it wasn't actually as complicated as I imagined. The iconic cowlick (ahoge) on top of my head was the absolute top priority. To make it look natural and bouncy, I placed a thin steel wire inside the wig as a supporting structure. This way, no matter how I walked or jumped around at the venue, it stood firmly on my head without drooping. I also trimmed the pink bob haircut several times, curling the ends slightly outward and creating a layered fringe that perfectly framed my forehead, making my facial features look softer and more delicate. The purple contact lenses were another key highlight of the look. This vibrant eye color, paired with the eye makeup I specifically adjusted for the character, instantly boosted the color contrast of my entire face.

For the outfit, I went with this basic white shirt. Since the character's daily wear isn't particularly flashy, the focus was on the pink-and-white checkered tie. I spent a long time searching for this exact tie, as its pattern and colors needed to capture that retro Japanese school style while subtly matching my pink hair without standing out too much. In the photos, I intentionally tied it a bit loosely instead of fastening it tight like a standard school uniform. This was to create a more casual, everyday, relaxed vibe while still staying true to the character design.

When taking these two photos, I was actually in a super relaxed state. The first photo is one of my convention photos taken in the outdoor activity area. The lighting inside the venue was actually quite cluttered and cool-toned, but the natural light coming through the glass doors illuminated my face, making my facial features look very dimensional. I just casually made a peace sign—the most genuine, natural moment without over-posing, and the expression turned out quite playful and natural. The second photo was shot in an indoor lounge or hotel room. The background has a white Japanese-style sliding screen door (shoji), and the soft light filtering through the wooden frame and paper door, combined with the black lace folding fan I held as a prop, instantly brought out a traditional Japanese aesthetic. The fan was a last-minute prop choice for a bit of accent, but it turned out unexpectedly well; the translucent black lace created a striking visual contrast with my solid white shirt, adding a touch of elegance.

Actually, when I rewatched this anime before, I already had a deep affection for this character. Years have passed, and being able to bring this character into the 3D world in 2025 feels like destiny. What's more, we finally managed to gather a group of people to shoot a group photo together this time. Although everyone is busy with their daily lives—some working overtime, others taking care of kids—the feeling of coming together and putting effort into our shared passion is incredibly precious and fulfilling. The charm of retro anime lies in the fact that even if it's a work from many years ago, its characterization and core story still stand the test of time. In the process of cosplay, it's not just about changing into an outfit, but also about experiencing a slice of that character's life through their expressions, gestures, and clothing details. Watching her story in front of a screen as a child, and now dressing up in her clothes to portray her as an adult—this time-transcending experience is the biggest motivation for me to keep doing cosplay as a retro anime fan.

For this shoot, I also did some homework, re-reading many of the original settings and classic scenes. When recreating the character, I tried my best to capture her seemingly carefree yet deeply gentle and caring nature. Through subtle adjustments of micro-expressions and body language, I hoped to convey that playful vibe unique to the 'Goddess of Poverty.' I kept the makeup quite light to preserve the natural skin texture, as a heavy base would instead ruin the character's natural vibrancy and make it look fake.

The two photos I posted showcase a casual and comfortable daily state in one, and a fun interaction with a traditional Japanese prop in the other. I believe the pinnacle of cosplay is not blindly pursuing an exact physical resemblance, but capturing the character's unique essence, letting them come alive in reality through our own portrayal. I am so happy to have left such photo records for a retro anime character I love in 2025; it feels like a precious tribute to my youth.