Name: Terumi Hanabi
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Terumi_Hanabi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/terumihanabi
City: Raleigh, North Carolina
Photographer(s): Yenra Photography, ZeronXepher, Obscura Vista, Fang, Viscous Juice, Aria Photography
What was your first Cosplay Experience?
In 2001 I attended my very first anime convention, Animazement, as Sakura Kinomoto. I was overwhelmed with the amount of excitement, friendliness and special comradery I experienced because of cosplaying at a convention. The experience and friends I made because of a mutual love of shows, games and comics is what convinced me to continue cosplaying. I will always remember that day and the people that I met there!
How long have you been Cosplaying?
I have been cosplaying since 2001. However, I didn’t have the chance to really commit to my hobby until recent years.
Who or What inspired you to take up Cosplaying?
Years ago, when the WB network announced they would premiere a show titled “Card Captors”, I bolted from in front of the television, plopped down in front of my bulky desktop computer, and instantly began researching. I had watched other anime, but Card Captor Sakura led me to discover my very first memory of a Cosplayer. She was gorgeous, standing outside a convention center, beveling a knee to pose for the camera and smiling brightly. I instantly thought, “I want to do that.,, I want to be like her!” I don’t remember who she was, but later I discovered other cosplayers who inspired me, such as Amazon Mandy and Tristen Citrine.
If you had to pick a favorite Cosplay you have worn or have seen someone else wear, what would it be?
One of my favorite costumes is Amazon Mandy’s rendition of Ryoko from Tenchi Muyo or her Saber from Fate/Stay Night. I’m also currently loving Melody Monogatari’s Levi of Attack on Tittan.
If I had to choose a favorite costume of my own, it would most likely be my Shinoda Mariko the 8th, of AKB0048. I think often times we cosplayers can get blinded by always wanting to cosplay something bigger and better, so it’s great to simply cosplay a character that we really love. I find Mariko inspirational, and she is a character I feel very close to, so to represent her through cosplay made me incredibly happy.
If you had unlimited funds and resources, what Cosplay would you create?
That would probably result in a list! There are so many wonderful costumes I wish I could create. A few would be Queen Nehelinia or Kakyuu Hime of Sailor Moon, Princess Hinoto of x/1999, as well as a few armor sets from Tera Online.
What advice would you offer others who are aspiring Cosplayers?
The number one thing I would say to an aspiring cosplayer would be, Cosplay because you love it, and cosplay because you have fun doing it. So whether you’re pushing yourself to complete a really difficult dream cosplay, working hard to finish a piece for a great group, or just making a costume because you’re head over hills in love with the character, remember to have fun and smile. Otherwise, what good is it? When it comes to craftsmanship, take your time! Rushing will ultimately result in errors you wish you hadn’t made, but patience will yield your very best work!
To learn more about Terumi Hanabi feel free to follow her on Twitter: @Terumi_Hanabi or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/terumihanabi
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