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What got you into cosplay?
Going to Fanime 2000 and Anime Expo 2000 for the first time opened up the cosplay world to me. I didn't know that fans would dress up as their favorite anime, manga, or game characters at these kinds conventions. It was awesome to see how people would express their hobbies and interests through such creative means.
The intense fan atmosphere at conventions really makes everything ten times more fun too ^^ It's an experience unique to only conventions I'd say.
What was your first costume and why?
Lucca from Chrono Trigger was my first serious costume. At Halloween of my 6th grade however I tried to piece together a Sailor Mercury outfit which didn't go too well. I ended up looking like a generic RPG character, and I was crushed when I saw one of my friends show up in a beautifully made Sailor Mercury costume that same Halloween. In any case, Chrono Trigger is a fantastic RPG and I thought that for my first real cosplay I would want to do someone I had always admired and would remember forever: Lucca! Also, her costume appeared to be pretty manageable in terms of construction, much thanks to my mom and dad for helping me.
What is your favorite costume and why?
My Final Fantasy XI (FFXI) Red Mage costume made me extremely happy because I love that game and being able to dress up as my character was really fun. Also, in making this costume I think that I really grew in terms of personal skill, being that all the costumes I made after my Red Mage were considerably higher in quality. I would say that my latest costume, Guy Cecil is my current favorite. I adore his character in Tales of the Abyss and all the fond memories I have from Anime Expo 2006 are represented in this costume as well.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
When I was in 7th grade I used to always think, "Wow maybe when I grow up I can dress up as Tifa or Aeris." Now that i'm pretty much 'grown up' I no longer have such desires, though I still love the two characters! Now, in terms of a 'dream costume' I would say if someone gave me buckets and buckets of money and I was able to buy the finest sewing machinery, fabrics, etc, then anything I would crank out would become my dream costume.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
I will never forget the 2006 Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival during March 9th - 12th in Santa Monica, CA. I dont think I've engaged in live action role-play so whole heartedly as I did at this convention. I also liked this event because I got to meet my Final Fantasy XI friends in real life. Having already a strong attachment to the game along being in a convention atmosphere has definately made this my most memorable cosplay experience.
Do you participate in masquerades?
Once at Anime Expo 2002, our group, 'moshiMoshi anime' participated in the masquerade where I wore my Rena Lanford costume.
What was your best masquerade experience?
At Anime Expo 2002 we got to make great fools of ourselves in front of swarms of people, which I would classify as mighty grand.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
The Red Mage Artifact Armor (Hume) that I made got into the top 10 costumes at the Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival 2006 costume contest. Needless to say I was very, very, very happy because this was the first and only award to be given to any of my costumes.
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm into RPGs (especially Final Fantasy XI), drawing, anime, manga, sewing, cosplay, flute, tenor saxophone, cooking, martial arts, cute things, animals, hanging out with friends, listening to people, and bouldering. I graduated with the class of 2003 at De Anza Senior High School in Richmond, CA and graduated with the class of 2007 at the University of California at Los Angeles, with a bachelor degree in East Asian Studies with an emphasis in Japan. I currently am employed as an assistant language teacher of English for the Aichi Prefectural Board of Education in Japan. In the future, I'd like to do something in the video game and entertainment industry.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
~~ Final Fantasy XI ~~
Server: Ramuh
Handle Name: neoPootling
Character Name: Shiina
Race: Mithra
Ethnicity: Windurst
Linkshell: HighQuality, HelloCompany
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My favorite anime
Without listing all the titles I love: ... Speed Grapher, Lucky Star, Yakitate!! Japan, Gankutsuou, Utena, Ouran Host Club ...
My favorite game(s)
Again, without listing all these awesome games: ... Xenogears, Final Fantasy XI, Final Fantasy VI, Grandia II, Tales of the Abyss, Tales of Phantasia, Legend of Heroes IV ...
My favorite book(s)
When I was in middle school I enjoyed Tamora Pierce's old works. Recently I've picked up Elizabeth Haydon's books and liked those too. The Harry Potter series is super fun.
My favorite character(s)
Konata from Lucky Star is simply wonderful. Anna from Shaman King, Elly from Xenogears, Freya from Final Fantasy IX, and Haruhi from Ouran Host Club are all my role models; they embody everything I like to see in strong female characters. I've also grown to love my dear Final Fantasy XI character, Shiina.
My favorite movies(s)
The Boondock Saints, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast
My favorite actors/actresses
Oguri Shun
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