[Wakasagihime cosplay] Touhou Project Mermaid Fitting: Thoughts on the Limitations of Indoor Shooting

A mermaid fitting without water inherently lacks a bit of aquatic vivacity. However, when assembling this Wakasagihime look, every detail—from accessories to color palettes—was designed to get as close as possible to the aquatic fairy vibe in Touhou Project. The dark green jacket is made of a jacquard-patterned fabric with a subtle vintage feel, creating a striking visual contrast with the white ruffles and lace. Even without a flash, the three-dimensional layering remains clearly visible. The short skirt and mermaid tail underneath both incorporate scale elements. In particular, the long tail shown in the second image uses a pearlescent-coated silver-gray translucent material; it feels silky smooth to the touch, fully wraps around the legs when worn, and offers subtle changes in reflection when walking around. Standing upright in the first photo shows how flattering the tailoring is to the silhouette, with a cinched waistline, dangling tassels, and colorful hanging ornaments that elevate this outfit beyond a simple costume into a complete character symbol.

The wig features a highly saturated bright blue with slight curls. Paired with white bows on either side of the cheeks, it instantly makes the overall head styling look light and lively. During the shoot, I kept experimenting with different poses in hopes that indoor lighting could create the illusion of shimmering water ripples, but away from water, static standing always falls a bit short. Speaking of which, I have to mention the regret noted in the post: I haven't found time to get my diving license, and underwater photography poses high demands on equipment and collaborators—it requires not just skilled photographers, but partners with underwater experience; holding your breath while posing gracefully significantly raises the difficulty. I previously considered trying large aquariums or artificial facilities, but coordinating such venues usually involves endless delays and exorbitant costs.

Returning to the outfit itself, during the fitting phase, I placed great importance on its flowiness and allowance for movement. Wakasagihime is portrayed as light and agile in the original work, so if the fabric were too rigid, it would severely restrict movement and look stiff. Fortunately, the skirt hem and jacket in this outfit are quite loose. In the second image, as I sat on the floor, the tail naturally draped to one side due to its material properties, giving off a fluid illusion even without water. Documenting the fitting process like this is actually a great way to gradually familiarize oneself with the character's posture and bearing. Reviewing these shots helps reveal which angles look best and which accessories might get obscured.

Although practical constraints currently prevent me from completing the final underwater vision for this character, every time I put on the outfit feels like a deeply personal, immersive roleplay experience. Without fancy sets—just simple indoor white walls and sheer white curtains—paired with this mermaid attire steeped in Eastern fantasy, the eye naturally focuses on the intricate tailoring details of the costume itself. Details such as the neckline gather, the drape of the waist belt tassels, and the scale pattern cut at the hips can only be truly appreciated when worn, offering something visual imagination alone cannot replace. Capturing the pose in photo 2 during an indoor fitting session feels like a very satisfying record.

For the Touhou Project series, many character designs center around a mix of heritage and modern adaptation. This Wakasagihime outfit clearly follows that approach, combining traditional Japanese coat silhouettes with modern Lolita-style ruffles and translucent scale materials. The result preserves the character's charm while adding a distinct anime style appeal. As for the obsession with underwater shooting, I now feel it's nice to treat it as a wonderful long-term goal. Rather than rushing, I will focus on making the most of this indoor try-on shoot and finding the best lighting angles for each texture. If I ever get the chance to shoot underwater in the future, today's indoor lighting experience might even come in handy. After all, a mermaid's charm isn't limited to swimming in water—that spirit of leaping above the surface can be reflected in any environment as long as you find the right form. While this fitting didn't fulfill 100% of my wishes, it is more than enough to leave me excited for the next full project.