The first episode of last weekend's Touhou Project Saigyouji Yuyuko cosplay photoshoot boot camp is finally sorted out now after a backlog of schedules. In the sweltering studio, pursuing character fidelity meant slipping into that wide, heavy traditional Japanese outer robe from the original design. The robe has exceedingly long sleeves that dragged across the floor when moving between takes. Combined with the heavy wooden geta on my feet, walking back and forth during the Cosplay photography session became a genuine dual test of stamina and endurance.
Because it was sweltering, during the halftime break I took off that long, cumbersome outer robe and snapped a quick selfie with my phone for this Selfie sharing moment. The frame reveals just this relatively breathable sleeveless inner top paired with a ruffled bonnet adorned with intricate lace and teal patterns. This minimalist summer-friendly Anime-style fashion actually allowed focus to shift toward makeup and hair accessories. The short pink hair was heat-styled with outward flips, accented by blue butterfly hair clips along both cheeks that echoed the blue-and-white collar choker and the peachy-pink butterfly ring. Although the ensemble looked sweet and layered, standing under the studio lights with layered accessories and that stifling robe was undeniably taxing.
Yet despite the discomfort, every time I portray a Touhou Project character, I feel my understanding of their essence deepen. Saigyouji Yuyuko possesses an ethereal, lingering grace. While executing official Cosplay photography requires managing stamina and enduring heat, stepping before the lens instantly makes me forget about dragging sleeves and pinching geta. After all, capturing fine character details is the most fulfilling part of this cosplay hobby. This selfie without the heavy outer robe captures an authentic, spontaneous self giving everything for the shoot.
Of course, official photoshoots always come with minor regrets and anticipation for the next session. The weekend heat certainly left quite an impression, making me question why I chose such a heavily layered character in the dead of summer. Yet turning around to see the photographer's raw previews and the detail-rich outfit, continuing next time felt like an inevitable conclusion. The geta sandals in the photos were indeed tricky to wear; because this training session included a mix of outdoor and semi-indoor scenes, pacing repeatedly on hard pavement in wooden clogs exerted significant pressure on soles and ankles. Furthermore, the oversized sleeves meant nearly every pose was accompanied by fabric dragging and rustling against the ground.
Reflecting on this Selfie sharing snapshot—wearing that lace bonnet and choker—even though it only reveals partial costume details, it's enough to evoke the immersion and sincere dedication of that moment. Sometimes, a casual mirror or handheld selfie communicates genuine emotions far better than retouched photos. That is why, despite the exhaustion, I still cherish preserving this frame in my photo logs. Although Episode 1 of this training camp was strenuous, it promises that upcoming content will be even more exciting. I hope for cooler weather next time so I can comfortably wear the full flowing robe and completely capture the breathtaking presence of Saigyouji Yuyuko in our Cosplay photography works.