Tell us about your first cosplay experience.

My first cosplay was as Ryouga. A friend made the costume for me and it came out bad. I decided that I could do better... and I did. After a while I needed more of a challenge, so I started 'Crossplaying'.

How do you pick your characters?

I try to pick something cute... yet something that fits my body style. I seem to typecast myself as cute, bratty pre-teen girls.... but since I look SD, it works! Otherwise I try to do costumes that people will notice.

As a cosplay judge, what are things you look for in a winning skit?

A skit has to have three things:
1. good costumes.
2. the audience's favor.
3. it has to make sense.

I don't like the crossovers that make no sense, or where people are just fighting onstage. But if they can get the crowd into their performance either with humor, action or drama, then that is what I will favor as a judge - especially humor.

Thinking about how cosplay has changed in the last 5 years, what points would you encourage new costumers to focus on to be show-ready?

The quality has imporved greatly, along with the variety of costumes. In the 'old days', a simple Ranma 1/2 skit could win with a few lame jokes. Now the competition's getting fierce, the costumes are getting more elaborate, and the skits are becoming better acted and more professional.

For new costumers... don't be afraid to be weird and have fun. That's what it's there for. Be prepared for long waits before the competition. Make sure you have your details done on your costumes and your skit ready. And the MAIN things... don't be too competitive and don't get upset if you don't win. Having fun is the MOST important thing, not the competition.

Name one thing besides cross-playing that makes you unique.

I have a good sense of humor and tend to cosplay silly things. All of the skits I have been in have involved some strange joke, or a play on words or music. I like to keep things light and fun while cosplaying... I hate it when people get too serious.

Personal questions:

As a teenager, if you knew what you know now, how would your life be different?

I would have started cosplaying (and crossplaying) earlier. And I would have picked a better college to go to and graduated.

To whom do you look to for strength and inspiration in life?

My friends. You can tell a lot about a person by the kind of company they keep.

What are the specifications for the perfect spousal unit?

She'd have to be cute, a cosplayer and not mind my crossplaying. I love long, straight hair... Like Rei from Sailor Moon. She should be feminine and wear skirts or dresses. Must like kids and be a good role model. No smoking, drugs or heavy drinking! And be honest, respectful and most of all have a sense of humor.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

As a judge and guest at cons... Still having fun and promoting cosplaying and anime.

Any rumors you'd like to publicly dispel?

I'm not gay. I'm not insane. It wasn't me on the grassy knoll.

Thanks Mara-chan for helping to strengthen the cosplay community. Your wacky choice in costumes has certainly inspired us to put more effort into our costumes and skits. Good luck with the fan club and finding your Pyocola.

Prof.Tomoe