Attending this Shanghai RD-Sounds Only event allowed me to complete my Usami Renko cosplay experience, while also marking my very first time performing two Hifuu Club songs live on stage. From the moment I started preparing this outfit, I kept contemplating how to capture her character essence authentically. The brown braided wig took considerable styling to make the hair flow naturally without feeling rigid. While the white button-up shirt and black necktie are character staples, maintaining visual harmony between the hat and shoulder line during live movement required continuous angle adjustments for the best photos.
Upon arriving at the venue, my strongest impression was the sheer passion of the crowd. The RD-Sounds fan devotion was through the roof, creating an amazing vibe surrounded by fellow Touhou Project enthusiasts where conversations flowed effortlessly. Special thanks to the organizer Extra for their warm hospitality—not only gifting generous amounts of free fan merch, but also patiently walking me through various RD-Sounds lore and thematic intricacies. As I am still building my deep knowledge of this creative universe, their detailed explanations gave me a multidimensional understanding of the story contexts, teaching me so much and deepening my appreciation for this subculture's unique charm.
The live stage performance was undoubtedly the highlight. Standing on stage to sing two Hifuu songs—especially 'Himegoto Club'—felt entirely different from practicing a cappella at home despite countless rehearsals. When the backing track kicked in, the immersion was immense; I focused on breath control and rhythm to channel my interpretation through the vocals. Despite minor imperfections, resonating with such a knowledgeable audience was pure joy.
Looking back on this trip, the vibration of vocal cords on stage and the cheerful exchanges with fellow fans below are unforgettable memories. I look forward to reuniting with everyone at future RD-Sounds doujin music events, having archived these valuable performing experiences to deliver an even better rendition next time.