WAKA
My most beloved character from one of my most beloved games, this cosplay was made with a focus on cleansing my creative palate and enjoying the process of creation. To match the watercolor style of the world of Okami, I learned how to ice dye to create all of the custom fabric on this costume. I am so pleased with the vibrant colors and incredible textures, and as a bonus he is so comfortable to wear!
Completed: October 2024
Tamagushi-hairei, the Shinto offering of a sacred branch to the kami (divine spirits of heaven and earth) is typically performed on special occasions or during private ceremonies. Tamagushi is able to be offered by anyone.
I have been learning sahou (ritual movement, lit. manners/etiquette), from Rev. Koichi Barrish of Kannagara Inari, a Shinto priest with over 50 years of experience, and he helped me “choreograph”/ instruct proper movement and prepare for this live ceremony.
The tamagushi (sacred branch) and sanbou (offering tray) I use in my performance are real sacred objects graciously offered for use by Kannagara Inari.
All of my video artwork is hand-drawn by myself inspired by the art style of the game
Used in-game font for subtitles and recreated in-game scroll transition to make skit feel like a real cutscene.
The script is written by myself, and is inspired from a flash animation on the original 2006 Japanese promotional website.
My stage prop is hand painted referencing the statue in this animation.
Performance:
The Prophet’s Prayer
I am honored to have won 2nd Runner Up for both my craftsmanship and performance at the Metrocon Cosplay Championship 2025!
