Preparing this Marisa Kirisame costume took a lot of thought—from the fabric texture and details of the witch hat, to the skirt's layering, and that weighty broom prop. Before the shoot, I checked my look repeatedly in front of the mirror to ensure every detail, like the purple ribbon in the blonde hair and the white lace, was sitting in the right spot.
The weather on the day of Guangzhou Anime Convention was lovely; although sunny, the dappled light under the outdoor trees was comfortable. To faithfully recreate the character's confident and slightly mischievous aura, I experimented with various poses. When holding the broom, it had to feel like a flying tool; when lifting the skirt hem, angles had to be considered; and when looking back, the gaze needed precise control. Interacting with that plush doll wearing a red hat brought out the character's spirited energy even further.
The photographer's chosen angles were very professional—the leaves in the background were blurred into gorgeous circular bokeh, making it feel as if I were standing in an enchanted forest. Because it was an outdoor real-world location, we constantly had to adjust angles to avoid the crowds, making the shoot quite challenging. Wearing a relatively heavy long-sleeved dress and platform shoes in warm weather drained a lot of energy, but seeing how the photos turned out made every bit of effort worthwhile.
This shoot also deepened my understanding of the character. Marisa is not just a witch who flies on a broom; her hardworking, confident, yet approachable personality requires precise expression through motion and facial nuance. As a longtime fan of the Touhou Project series, having such a dedicated cosplay endeavor was an unforgettable experience in itself. Given the opportunity in the future, I will continue striving to bring out even more nuances of this character.