Meet Sachisenpai, one of the incredible cosplayers attending Comic Con Honolulu. In the hustle and the bustle of the con it can be tricky to get to know people, so we wanted to give you a chance to get to know some of the amazing talent right here on island!
What inspired your first cosplay?
I attended kkon 2011 with my friend and we saw all the people cosplaying. I thought it was so cool to see people dressed up on a day that wasn’t Halloween, and they seemed to have a lot of love and appreciation for the characters. It inspired me to dress up the following year.
What is the hardest part of cosplaying for you?
The hardest part is probably time and money management. It’s easy to procrastinate and to forget how much you’ve spent on one costume. I need to remember to plan ahead.
What are the three most essential things to have with you when cosplaying at a convention?
I would say an assistant (non cosplaying friend), food & water, and a bag with emergency supplies such as glue, tape or safety pins. You never know what’ll happen at a con and it’s best to stay prepared.
What is the best cosplaying advice you received?
From my mother actually, she told me that it’s important to enjoy what I’m doing and to cosplay what I love. There’s no point in doing this for others if it doesn’t make you happy. In the end you only have yourself to please.
What are some of the best things you’ve learned about yourself since you started cosplaying?
Cosplaying has actually helped me open up to people. I was never the most social person, but I was able to connect to so many people and break out of my comfort zone. (Other than that, I learned I’m really bad with procrastination.)
Who is your hero? (real life or fictional)
I have far too many! But since I just saw x men, we’ll go with magneto. Despite his hardships in life, he still fights for what he believes in and has a lot of passion towards his goals. I think we could all benefit from that level of determination. Probably.
A new cosplayer wants some advice – what do you tell them?
Don’t be afraid to do what you love. Even within the community there will always be negativity, but don’t let it get to you. As stated before, you only have yourself to please. Your love for the character will shine through and as long as you’re happy, nothing else matters. (And the classic: don’t procrastinate!!!)
What has been one of the coolest things to come from cosplaying?
I’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful people, some that I’d never thought I’d meet! There are limitless opportunities waiting for you as long as you put your heart into it.
