Otaku2 Interview: Ayakawa Yunmao

15.07.2008 by Patrick W. Galbraith

Yunmao, a professional Japanese cosplayer and idol, freelance otaku journalist and author, and the recently appointed vice president of the Maid Cooperative is making an effort to be a part of the global cosplay community. We thought it was time to sit down with her and find out where her drive comes from.


What got you into cosplay? How long have you been doing it?

Ayakawa Yunmao: The first time I cosplayed was in junior high. There was a manga I really loved at the time called Yuyu Hakusho. I guess you could say my otaku life really began with making doujinshi of that series. Although I was going to events, it was kind of a bore just sitting around selling doujinshi, so I got together with some friends and cosplayed as the Yuyu Hakusho characters. That was the beginning. The first character I did there was Kurama. Maybe my friend was Hiei? I can't quite remember. I looked like I had become Kurama, and I remember that I couldn't help being really happy and joyful about that. From then on I was totally hooked on cosplay. Over 10 years have passed since I started cosplaying. I've come to cosplay as so many characters up to now that I can't count them all!

Why do you cosplay? What does it mean to you?

AY: When I went and found out about how fun all this is, I probably just couldn't stop. First of all there is the appeal of becoming the characters you love from the series you love. Then there is the pleasure of being able to wear outfits so different, things you could never normally wear. It's surprising that the second you cosplay you can become someone a little different. As to why I cosplay, I've come to feel it might be because I can be closer to the works I love. I can imagine there are many other contributing factors. It's not just that I want to transform, but more a feeling that every time you cosplay you can meet a new self. No matter how many times wearing how many characters in how many costumes, it is always a fresh feeling. I never really thought much about something like a reason, but at any rate I love cosplay. I still can't stop!

Where do you get your costumes? Are you involved in production and so on?

AY: In my case I usually have them made for me or buy them because on top of being really bad at sewing I just have no time. There are many well made and cheap outfits being sold in Japan, I go to a cosplay retailer and endlessly buy! In producing costumes, there are many cases where I am involved in the design part. Outfits used for TV programs, campaign girl work and race queen appearances, all of these and more I have contributed to. I have been involved in designing and directing the development of various costumes. There have even been cases when the designs have been made into commercial products because of the popularity!

Can you speak a little about the "otaku" fandom in Japan where you are from? Who are they, what do they do and where? Are you a part of that scene? In what capacity?

AY: I think that otaku culture is something Japan can take pride in exporting. In Japan it is like a given that manga and anime and games are around, and not a day goes by that we don't see these things in passing. These Japanese products are at an extremely high level of development and children and adults can enjoy them, too. It isn't just otaku. I am very happy that these things are loved all over the world. Also, especially "cosplay," "doujinshi," "moe," "yaoi" and so on are part of a shared culture that is now enjoyed by otaku in all the countries of the world. And Japan made that. There are probably parts of that that may be a bit, well, you know (laughs). But I love it. There are many otaku all across Japan who love such things. Doujinshi and cosplay, figures and dolls, events are held every week in all corners of Japan for these things and many otaku participate. There are many who buy, there are many who sell. Over the three days of Comike 500,000 people come!

How is cosplay perceived in Japan? Who does it, how why and where?

AY: We are now at a very good time in the history of cosplay because the number of people harboring prejudice for cosplay has become noticeably fewer. As a result it has become much easier to do it and much easier to get into doing it. I think there are many people coming out who have only just started. The amount of media coming to collect information on it and draw support is up, too, and I think people have started to accept cosplay as a fun and interesting culture.

Can you speak a little about the different fandoms in Japan and the world?

AY: I think Japanese otaku culture is a very fun culture! This is like common sense for someone like me who has come to live as an otaku, but I would like to know how it is seen from the other side - the outside world. There are customs of cosplay overseas such as the "masquerade" and Halloween, I strikes me that shouldn't perhaps cosplay be thought of around the world as a natural culture to enjoy? In Japan we have a lot of photographers, or kamekozo, who come to events to take pictures of all the cosplayers and give them back as presents and so on. The cosplayers all enjoy that and use the photos they get of themselves for personal websites or put them into there precious collections. I think we all have a very unique and great relationship!

What do you think about the future of cosplay? Will it be a lasting fandom? Why and how (or why not?) What will be your place in all this? Future goals and projects? International cooperation and so on?

AY: I think that cosplay will from here keep spreading relentlessly throughout the world. There is probably no stopping it now, and this culture will continue on and on. The reason why is that anime and games will keep on existing. Cosplay is of the same mind and body as anime and games. It all shares the same heart. From now on if anime and games will continue to be loved throughout the world, then I expect cosplay will be right there with them working its way into people's hearts. I always want to keep keep on cosplaying for ever and ever. If I can I still want to be wearing cute costumes even when I get older... (laugh). When that time comes, I want to choose a character that fits me exactly me and cosplay. Also, I want to work as a cosplaying missionary spreading the good word of the joy of otaku culture and the joy of cosplay to Japan and the world. If music is a commonly loved culture that can move the hearts of people and untie the world in peace, I think that anime and manga are also wonderful tools, shared products through which the world can exchange ideas. I think it would be marvelous if smiling faces could be born the world over through exposure to otaku culture.