Shiroku, Germany

Photo by Meermiau

Nationality: Fake German potato with rice inside
Beskæftigelse: Singer
Has cosplayed for 14 years.

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How many years have you been cosplaying?

I started cosplaying in 2006, if you can call a completely taped outfit or cat ears a cosplay. I started to craft my own costumes in 2009. So I am more or less a cosplay grandma with 14 years of experience.

What is cosplay to you and how did you get started?

In 2003, some of my friends dragged me to an anime convention. I saw many people in cosplay and it looked really fun. My friends also loved to dress up, so I started to craft my own costumes, to hang out with my friends, and to enjoy a great time.

Cosplay really changed my life. I met so many amazing people nad made friends for a lifetime due to cosplay. It is amazing how much this hobby brings people together, who basically live at the other end of the world or don't even speak your language.

It is such a great feeling to share what you love with friends and to enjoy an amazing time with them. Cosplay made my everyday life richer and I am so grateful for all the chances and people cosplay gave me.

What is your most memorable cosplay experience?

I have so many memorable experiences, I don't really know where to start.

The first was definitely becoming the World Cosplay Summit team Germany 2016.

The World Cosplay Summit is one of the best experiences I ever had regarding cosplay. The amazing time I spent with so many talented and sweet people from all over the world, the events where thousands of people cheered for you during the parades, and the friendships born out of this event.

In that year, we didn't get into the 2nd round of the finals in Nagoya due to a counting mistake in the 1st found. Of course I was sad, but I was still fine with it, because I saw the level of the other cosplayers and knew that I was an absolute newbie. I managed to become a WCS team on my first try with my partner, which is very unusual in Germany. So I kind of expected not to get that far. 

But many cried for us and were super upset. We got so many messages about it and the other cosplayers were so supportive and sweet. I was so overwhelmed with all the support and the kind words of the people.

In the end, we proceeded to the 2nd round and the counting mistake was announced.

I was really happy about it, but I was more happy about the feeling that the whole cosplay community supported us.

Have you been in Denmark/at J-Popcon before, and what are you looking forward to the most?

I have been at J-Popcon about 5-6 years ago and I loved it! I loved the people and the atmosphere. It felt like going to a huge family meeting. Everyone was so friendly and welcomed us potatoes warmly. I cannot wait to meet everyone and to enjoy an amazing time with new and old friends.

I also heard that the food is very good. I was very ppor at the time and only ate instant noodles and bread. I hope to try some delicious and typical Danish dishes.