[Youmu Konpaku cosplay] Slashing the Spring Breeze, Double Good News of Reitaisai Photobook and Chinese Costume Exhibition

This "Slashing the Spring Breeze" look has finally come to fruition. From fabric selection to pattern making and sewing, it took nearly three months before and after. When drawing the design sketch, I thought that I must combine the dark green jacquard fabric with the Japanese-style cross-collar, and then use a large amount of white lace and champagne gold brocade bows for visual balance. The actual upper-body effect is heavier and more substantial than expected. The shooting day happened to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and as the wind blew, the falling petals landed on the blade and sleeves, making me feel that all the hard work was worth it at that exact moment.

This time, I specially rushed to complete this new photobook before the Spring Reitaisai, with the theme "Slashing the Spring Breeze," wanting to present it from a relatively cold yet slightly soft perspective. The photographer really understood the atmosphere I wanted—looking back slightly with the blade half-drawn. The captured pose in the picture was actually only held for three seconds, but I am very satisfied with the resulting tension.

In addition to the photobook, there is another piece of good news: on the day after Reitaisai ends, which is May 5th and 6th, this costume will be directly sent to the Touhou Chinese Costume Exhibition for physical display. Last year, I visited the first Chinese Costume Exhibition as an audience member. Seeing so many handmade Lolita-style and Japanese-style Western dresses lined up on mannequins made me feel that this kind of exhibition brings a huge sense of belonging. I didn't expect that I would be invited by the organizer this year, and my work could stand on that exhibition stage—it's truly a huge validation.

Of course, challenges followed one after another—this Reitaisai is my first time running a booth by myself in Japan, and it's also my first time printing the books locally. Previously, I always did booth sales domestically, so the cross-border logistics and printing processes are actually very unfamiliar. From contacting the printing house and proofreading color differences, to calculating exchange rates and arranging booth materials, I am learning every step of the way by pushing through the difficulties. The booth number is at ふ11ab. Although the location is not in the most central aisle, I will display the photobooks and postcards properly, striving to leave a good impression on every passing peer.

The skirt hem of this outfit has very dense trapezoidal pleats, plus the bottom layer of lace and 3D flower appliques. It can prop up a very beautiful silhouette on a mannequin, but it's a bit heavy when an actual person wears it and walks around, especially when stepping on the grass in the cherry blossom forest and having to lift the sword—the sense of balance needs to be practiced. However, I really enjoy that feeling of being wrapped in the clothes while having to maintain a sharp posture in front of the camera; perhaps this is the most wonderful experience roleplay brings to people.

Looking back, from when I first got into making cosplay costumes until now, my craftsmanship has indeed improved a lot. Daring to display the full set of clothing to a more professional exhibition evaluation this time also marks a kind of transformation for myself. I am very much looking forward to the wind on the day of Reitaisai, and hope to see more creators who like this kind of mixed style at the Chinese Costume Exhibition. That's all for now; everything is ready, just waiting to open the booth.