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A popular cosplayer, Moe Iori, captivated attendees at Comic Market 106 with a meticulously crafted costume inspired by Ani, a character from the AI chatbot Grok.The event,held at Tokyo Big Sight on August 16th and 17th,drew an estimated 250,000 visitors and showcased Japan’s vibrant doujin culture.
The Allure of Ani and the Challenge of Comiket
Iori, who boasts over 1.5 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), explained her immediate connection to the character. “I use X on a daily basis, so when Ani appeared, a lot of it came out on my timeline and I thought ‘cute!’ at a glance,” she shared. She was drawn to Ani as a recent and memorable character, but recognized a unique challenge: creating a costume that would adhere to the strict regulations of Comic Market. “I would definitely like to go to Comiket with the most exciting character,”
Crafting the illusion: A Focus on Detail and Respect
The key to Iori’s success lay in her innovative approach to recreating ani’s design while remaining within Comiket’s guidelines. “the biggest challenge was how to make it look like the skin tone of her breasts to match her skin tone,” Iori explained.This involved layering fabrics to create shadows and the impression of skin, while strategically incorporating stockings and panties underneath. A large ribbon was added to the back to further address potential concerns about exposure. “The point that I really focused on is that ‘but I don’t feel that way,'” Iori emphasized.
Prioritizing Safety and respect During Photoshoots
Iori also addressed the experience of being photographed at Comiket, noting the importance of fairness and safety. “This time I tried so hard that I left early, so with permission from the staff, I was able to surround myself,” she said, referring to the practice of photographers encircling a cosplayer. Her priority was ensuring everyone had an possibility to capture quality photos. “My goal is to make ‘everyone better photos’ rather than take the same person over and over again,” she stated.
A Lifelong Passion for Cosplay and Otaku Culture
iori’s journey into cosplay began in childhood,nurtured by a family deeply immersed in otaku culture. “My whole family was originally otaku, and since I was a little kid, I spent my time watching anime, reading manga, and listening to anime songs,” she shared. She credits early exposure to Comiket with sparking her interest in the art form.
Maintaining her physique for cosplay and her work in gravure modeling is a consistent effort. Iori focuses on posture, breathing, and light weight training. “I always focus on my waist in my daily life, and I try to do some training to create a waistline,” she noted, explaining how a defined waistline enhances the overall look of her costumes. Her pre-filming routine includes careful attention to hydration and sleep to minimize swelling and dark circles.
Celebrating Freedom of Expression at Comiket
Iori’s Ani cosplay resonated deeply with attendees, sparking praise for its ingenuity and adherence to the event’s rules. “I really enjoyed this costume by creating the ‘pushes’ that was ‘from afar, it looks like the skin is sticking out, but when I actually took a picture, it was a piece of cloth!'” she said. She views Comiket as a space that champions freedom of expression and diversity.
“I believe that Comiket is a space where everyone brings their own ‘love’ to their own, truly freedom of expression and diversity,” Iori concluded. She hopes the event continues to be a welcoming environment where individuals can express themselves authentically and find acceptance within the community. She also cautioned against the increasing prevalence of online slander and emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive atmosphere where passion and creativity can flourish.
Comic Market,established in 1975,remains one of Japan’s largest autonomous publishing and fan culture events,held twice annually at Tokyo Big sight.
