Official duties on Watatsumi Island are always detailed and tedious, so today I decided to take a short break, leave the paperwork behind, and be a carefree fish for a day. This set was shot last weekend; the photographer and I worked from early morning until afternoon just to recreate this dreamy and sacred texture. As a fish swimming in water, this look took considerable effort in choosing materials, ensuring that the white and blue light gauze worn from top to bottom matched not just in appearance, but also in spirit.
First, regarding the headpiece and hair: to present a streamlined and ethereal feel, two rounded hair buns were created on top, paired with lightweight butterfly wing headpieces and pale pink floral hairpin accents. The silver-white long hair was voluminous, creating a beautiful rim light in backlit shots. Managing such extra-long wigs poses real challenges for care and styling; we used specialized wig care spray to maintain smoothness and combed it with a wide-tooth comb during shooting breaks to prevent tangling and frizz.
The costume design cleverly merges elegance and softness. The off-the-shoulder neckline highlights the collarbone line, while lantern puff sleeves visually elongate the shoulder and neck area. The skirt features abundant high-transparency thin gauze alongside hand-sewn glittering diamond sequins, which under studio lights create a layered shimmer like sunlight on water. To preserve the skirt's flow, I paid close attention to its direction when folding or sitting, avoiding sharp creases. For footwear, we deliberately avoided conventional flats or small leather shoes, selecting clear heels with silver platforms instead. High platforms and ultra-thin stiletto heels extend leg lines under wide-angle or eye-level camera shots while giving the overall look a stronger structural presence—a touch of fantasy beyond everyday wear.
During the shoot, we focused on close-ups from various angles. For example, when crossing legs, adjusting the ankle angle allowed the clear straps of the high heels to outline the foot gracefully. Meanwhile, utilizing the skirt's volume created a soft framing around the legs, capturing elegant curves without being overly direct.
Set design was another highlight. Milky-white drapes hung from the studio ceiling, building a hall-like enclosed space flanked by white plaster sculptures and dry branches. The ground featured vintage frames and golden trays, adding story depth without clutter. Regarding lighting, I requested large diffuse softboxes, eliminating harsh direct lights to lock the color temperature into a warm, soft golden hue.
On a fun note, holding the golden fallen leaf prop had a small twist. Because its stem was slender, I had to control my arm power continuously; a slight twitch would tilt the leaf and throw off the visual focal point. Fortunately, after trying a few sitting poses, I found the most effortless support point. Similarly, the wing headpieces made of light metal and gauze required careful fastening, as turning too quickly caused them to wobble, disturbing the tranquil demeanor.
After doing Anime cosplay for a long time, I value embodying a character's serene, unfazed mindset in a specific setting far more than pure physical resemblance. Watatsumi Island life isn't just about heavy paperwork; it should also include the right to enjoy quiet moments. Throughout this set, I felt like a fish resting peacefully in a harbor. The fabric colors under soft light, the hair silhouette, and the photographer's control over spatial lighting together crafted the final image.
I am very satisfied with the final photos—they avoid over-the-top luxury and rely instead on light and shadow to firmly support a light, clean aura. I hope this immersive atmosphere conveys a sense of visual lightness to everyone.