The shooting details of this Runami Yachiyo cosplay look mainly focused on blending traditional Japanese elements and coordinating rich layered textures. To faithfully recreate the setting from Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, extensive preparation went into the preliminary stages. First, regarding hair and makeup: the wig chosen was a long, straight silver-white wig, styled with blunt bangs and elongated sideburns framing the face. The two signature white ring-shaped headpieces on the crown were custom-made and secured with wooden hairpins; crafted to be remarkably lightweight, they felt comfortable even after a full day of wear. For contact lenses, I opted for clear, translucent blue, keeping the eye makeup subtle while emphasizing the blending at the outer corners and the definition of the lower lashes to capture the character's aloof coolness and innocence for this Anime-style photography.
The layering of the costume was a standout highlight of this look. The deep navy off-the-shoulder top paired with oversized, flowing red sleeves created a visually striking red-and-blue contrast. The lower half consisted of a purple mini skirt layered beneath a long, turquoise-green overskirt; its zigzag hem and dark ribbons lent dramatic tension whenever in motion. Suspended at the waist were white shide (paper zigzag) ornaments, a quintessential hallmark of traditional Japanese aesthetics. On my legs were light blue pantyhose dotted with white polka dots for this Stockings cosplay, paired with yellow chunky-heeled Mary Janes, forming a color scheme that balanced classic heritage with a playful, vibrant bounce.
For props, the pink plush toy was the ultimate weapon for amping up cuteness. Featuring round black eyes and stitched details, cradling it in my arms immediately softened my entire presence. In addition, we prepared a red Japanese wagasa paper umbrella, along with a black ceramic sake carafe and matching sake cups. The shooting scene was set in a traditional washitsu lined with tatami mats, backed by wooden shoji doors, a reddish-orange folding screen painted with cranes, red sun, and crashing waves, and overhead faux pink cherry blossom branches. Grey gravel was spread along the wooden engawa (veranda), making it the perfect spot for capturing the relaxed, leisurely ease of a semi-outdoor Japanese-style photoshoot.
We experimented with a wide variety of poses throughout the shoot. Sitting on the engawa hugging the pink plushie against the red umbrella in the background projected a tranquil, serene presence; meanwhile, kneeling formally before the table with chin resting on crossed hands, or holding up a small sake cup while gazing into the lens, captured a blend of mature elegance and subtle playfulness. When playing with the black folding fan, we deliberately framed shots from the side to utilize the vibrant colors of the painted screen as a backdrop. For standing poses, I opened the red umbrella, allowing the white shide to hang down naturally, which showcased the layered skirt and detailed stockings clearly in full-body compositions.
The temperature wasn't very high on the day of the shoot, but fortunately the costume was relatively substantial, and with the warm indoor lighting, I maintained good energy throughout. During the shoot, I deliberately adjusted my center of gravity—crossing my legs or angling my body slightly—to ensure the leg lines looked sleek and natural. Looking at the finished set, the washitsu setting harmonized impeccably with this styling; both the outfit's vibrant palette and the thoughtful props endowed the photos with rich narrative depth. Going through these photos allowed me to reminisce over every shooting detail, and I hope this series successfully conveys this captivating Japanese atmosphere to everyone.