[Souda cosplay] An Anime Convention Special Forces' Crossover Journey to the Hong Kong Comics & Games Festival with GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE

From the moment I boarded the plane, my identity as part of the "Anime convention special forces" was set in stone. Deciding to do a Souda cosplay from GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE for the Hong Kong Comics & Games Festival took immense courage, as this costume not only features intricate straps and numerous decorative details, but also a voluminous wig—navigating southern hot and humid weather was a dual test of physical stamina and endurance.

Let's talk about the costume first. I originally picked Souda because of her tactical combat maid vibe—the black-and-white color scheme accented by the striking yellow-and-black belt delivers intense visual punch. Wearing it in reality, the trickiest parts were the front zipper design and the constricting collar; although modified to match the comic/game styling, after a whole day, my shoulders and collarbone were still somewhat sore. But for optimal visual results, it was entirely worthwhile. The wig is light green with generous volume, which I specifically tied into double buns, accented with the mechanical black headpiece that instantly brought the character's soul to life. As for the legs, the asymmetrical White thigh-highs outfit design with garter straps was definitely the crowning highlight of this look, and the main reason I chose this angle for photos.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong on the first day, I dove straight into "hardcore special forces style" sightseeing in full gear. On the escalator shown in the photos, passersby naturally threw curious glances my way. Holding the green hard-shell suitcase with a black winter-proofing jacket draped on top, I was actually quite nervous inside—balancing gracefully on a moving escalator in high heels is quite an art form. Especially in crowded Hong Kong, navigating narrow escalators with luggage created a surreal sense of an anime character stepping right into real life.

Hong Kong streets aren't the friendliest to someone in elaborate cosplay. At the outdoor transit stop pictured, I was preparing to catch a ride to the venue. Under the humid heat, surrounded by elevated flyovers, lush tropical greenery, and parked purple double-decker buses alongside tour coaches, the clash between real-world scenery and my 2D look was thoroughly intriguing. I asked my photographer friend to snap this back and three-quarter rear shot because glancing back while my long hair swayed against the suitcase handle created a distinctly cyberpunk composition. Of course, walking across tiled pavements in heels was exhausting on the soles, leaving me practically half-paralyzed by day's end.

Once at the convention venue, the atmosphere changed completely. The Hong Kong Comics & Games Festival venue is massive and packed with attendees. Walking around with luggage slightly hindered mobility, but I strongly advise exhibiting cosplayers to bring a compact rolling suitcase like this. It easily holds casual clothes, water, makeup touch-up gear, and makeup remover—far more comfortable than carrying a heavy backpack and freeing up hands to strike poses.

I brought some props along, but because the costume itself has strong tactical tech-wear elements, many fellow cosplayers complimented the flattering cut. Walking down the convention aisles, I was frequently stopped for photos by fellow fans. Even though it was hot and my makeup started to melt, hearing someone call out "Souda!" instantly revitalized my energy.

My biggest takeaway from this Hong Kong trip is that cross-regional cosplay demands enormous passion and grit. Freezing indoor AC contrasting with the scorching sun outside can easily lead to a cold, so the black jacket on my suitcase truly saved my life. A tip for future cosplayers attending conventions: always pack sturdy flat shoes in your luggage! Slipping into flats after photo ops to stroll around malls and the city is the ultimate survival hack. While walking modern streets in such an outfit might seem unconventional in many settings, that very contrast is what makes cosplay so rewarding. Experiencing the freedom of blending 2D culture into everyday 3D life makes all the running around and joy of the day truly unforgettable.