[Youmu Konpaku cosplay] Touhou Project: Spring sword-swinging and serene moments under Hakugyokurou

This new release for Reitaisai can finally be presented in the form of official finished photos. Shooting this Touhou Project Youmu Konpaku cosplay involved a level of time and energy from preparation to execution that far exceeded our initial expectations. Our original intention was to use solid costumes, makeup, props, and photography at this point in 2026 to restore an image of Hakugyokurou that is both crisp and filled with spring vibes.

For the costume, a green fabric with subtle patterns was selected for the outer layer, while the white sections feature multi-layered ruffles and lace splicing to balance the crisp feel of a traditional kimono with the magnificent silhouette of a dress. The red tassels embellishing the waist are the finishing touch, and along with the short white hair and black bow hair accessory, these details served as excellent visual focal points during the shoot. Especially with this katana, to recreate the grip of a long sword, we specifically commissioned a prop master to customize its length and weight distribution. When swinging it, the stress points on the hand are highly distinct, allowing the blade's center of gravity and the body's tilt to coordinate perfectly when shooting dynamic frames like single-leg jumping slashes or lunge thrusts.

For the makeup and hair styling, to fit the cool and tranquil temperament of Hakugyokurou, the facial makeup was intentionally dialed back. Rather than opting for rich, vibrant colors, the focus was placed on the layering of the eye makeup and the texture of the hair strands. The reflection of the white hair under the soft light is incredibly subtle, and combined with the highlights in the shadows, it made my silhouette in front of the lens look very three-dimensional.

Let's talk about the shooting location. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom on the day of the shoot, and the air carried the scent of growing plants. We spent quite a bit of time outdoors searching for the right camera angles, especially around that red wooden bridge and the stone lanterns on both sides, which were layered beautifully with the lush cherry blossom trees, greatly enriching the depth of the frame. The photographer @铁板鱿鱼人 is exceptionally skilled at capturing light. When shooting actions like the single-leg lift sword swing and the low-lunge thrust, he used a telephoto lens combined with a wide aperture to successfully soften the cluttered background branches into a beautiful bokeh, making the character in green stand out even more amidst the sea of pink and white flowers. This is the hallmark of great anime-style photography.

In addition to dynamic movements, we also specially experimented with indoor and semi-outdoor static scenery shots. For instance, the shot sitting on the edge of the wooden veranda and the final freeze-frame sitting quietly with closed eyes on the tatami mat both made excellent use of the transparency and natural light of traditional Japanese architecture. The light and shadow filtered through the sliding doors onto the lace of the skirt, softening the costume's contrast between light and dark naturally. Relaxing my legs naturally while sitting on the edge of the veranda, combined with white socks and black shoes, formed a static visual extension that stood in stark contrast to the sharpness of the previous sword swings, showcasing the character's serene side outside of combat.

Many people might ask where the motivation comes from to continue researching and restoring Touhou Project even in 2026. Actually, just like I mentioned in my updates, it is precisely because of my deep affection for this worldbuilding and character that I pursue perfection in the details. Whether it's the karesansui (流木 or dry landscape garden) in the courtyard, the shape of the stone lanterns, or the coordination of the patterns on the clothes with the colors of the accessories, we cross-referenced quite a bit of reference material before the shoot. Anime cosplay isn't just about putting on clothes and striking a few poses; it requires merging with the scene to build a visually believable universe.

Due to platform limitations, the complete story-driven long strips planned for this release cannot be fully posted here at once; they have been sorted out and published on Weibo for now. As visual snapshots of the entire process, this set of unselected photos contains attempts at different states—both dynamic and static. I hope anyone viewing these photos can feel the sincerity and dedication we poured into shooting this new release for Reitaisai.