Cosplaying as Sankarea: Undying Love, the biggest joy comes from that gap-moe contrast between frailty and refreshing innocence. Although we didn't go to an elaborate location and just used a simple indoor backdrop, the combination of the costume, wig, and red contact lenses was more than enough to recreate the character's unique 2D atmosphere. Speaking of the outfit, the Sailor suit was custom-made; the purple-and-white collar paired with a large blue bow tie features a crisp, structured fabric texture that doesn't feel baggy, capturing an authentic school uniform aesthetic. The straight long black wig with blunt bangs took some time to groom, but the photographic result was fantastic. The red contacts served as the finishing touch, revealing a deep, nuanced shade even under indoor lighting.
The most surprising prop was the giant leaf in my hand. Seeing comments saying "Who said this leaf doesn't look good? It's amazing!"—it really was. Using the leaf to cover my mouth helped flatter my facial contours, adding a playful sense of concealment that, paired with a cool and detached gaze, worked far better than just standing plainly. As for how that mood came together, it was about finding the right groove during the shoot—adjusting my eye contact and head tilt slightly, and the expression instantly locked into place, surprising even myself.
Every time I do cosplay, aside from worrying about messy wigs or oily makeup, the biggest headache is actually figuring out what to eat before and after the shoot. Talking about what to eat next without spending too much money is probably something many cosplayers relate to. Finishing a shoot is always when fatigue hits hardest; with sweat drying and energy completely drained, there's simply no stamina left for elaborate meals. Usually, I'll stop by a convenience store for oden and onigiri, or find a budget ramen shop where hot broth instantly restores my energy. Cheap and filling, it fits everyday life after conventions or outdoor location shoots perfectly.
To me, cosplay is mostly a way to unwind and enjoy a hobby. Not every set needs to be extraordinarily lavish or hardcore; wearing clothes you love, capturing great photos, and creating keepsakes is meaningful in itself. Shooting Sankarea: Undying Love this time was all about experimenting with new angles and expressions—especially using the leaf to partially conceal the face, which actually made the gaze much more focused. I hope to showcase this natural state and let everyone feel the charm of this character and costume. When opportunities arise, I'll definitely try more Japanese-style cosplay looks, switching wigs and makeup styles to keep exploring all kinds of cute or gothic characters.