[Kagura cosplay] Onmyoji 10th Anniversary: Playing Go with Seimei in the Heian-kyo

This shoot commemorating the Onmyoji 10th Anniversary fulfilled a long-cherished wish of mine. Preparing for this Kagura cosplay took a significant amount of time; from patterning the costume to trimming the wig, every single step was aimed at getting as close as possible to that nimble yet resolute figure in my heart. For the red kimono I wore in the photos, the patterns and obi coordination were repeatedly refined; in particular, the waist accessories and the layered neckline were intentionally reinforced with thicker padding to give the overall garment rich texture and structure. In selecting the footwear and legwear, I deliberately picked a design incorporating black lattice elements—Black fishnet stockings—which not only added rich visual layers to the lower body but also injected a touch of playful charm into Kagura's persona. Before the shoot, I had extensive discussions with my partner doing fox-eared Seimei cosplay. We decided that beyond basic studio portraits showcasing garment craftsmanship, we would specially arrange traditional Japanese tatami mats and folding screens, incorporating key props like a Go board, paper umbrella, and folding fan.

The photo series where I play Go with my partner is my absolute favorite. Sitting before the Go board holding the stones, it truly felt as though we had stepped right back into that Heian-kyo brimming with spirits and spiritual power. To capture the most authentic match state, we actually played a few genuine rounds before the shutter rolled, which ended up making us burst into laughter every time. Whenever holding aloft the wisteria paper umbrella or unfurling the folding fan, the synchronization of hand gestures and eye line demanded pinpoint adjustments to balance character temperament with visual aesthetic poise. Cosmetically, harmonizing crimson contact lenses with red eyeshadow gradients was the focal point, while the wig underwent secondary layering to give the short bob an airy, voluminous bounce. Because the kimono itself features multiple layers cinched tight with an obi sash, I had to straighten my back between takes to catch my breath, yet for the final visual finish, every ounce of dedication was thoroughly worthwhile.

Every time I do cosplay, it is not merely about presenting a character, but an emotional review of the things I deeply love. Over these ten years, watching the world in the game unfold as Kagura continuously grew, she has accompanied so many through their youth. Being able to record this milestone through such a photo collection at this special juncture is an immensely precious experience for me. The lights on set were quite intense that day, so indoors we calibrated diffusion cloths and reflector panels to ensure the kimono textile colors remained true without distortion, accurately capturing the saturation of the crimson silk. The ribs of the prop umbrella and the tactile grain of the paper canopy also required careful angle adjustments under the lens to sculpt proper dimension. My partner's seamless rapport dramatically boosted our shoot efficiency, driving every phase smoothly from preliminary communication to on-site positioning. All in all, I hope this visual presentation delivers that exact same warmth and moving emotion to everyone.