Igniting the Flame: Miomayo’s ‘Will of Fire’ Cosplay Picture Book Blazes a Trail for the Next Generation

On August 3rd, the World Cosplay Championship 2024 was held in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture to determine the best cosplay in the world. Representatives from 36 countries and regions competed in the quality of their work and performance, and Japan’s representative cosplay performance unit “Miomayo” took on the world-famous work “NARUTO” and was crowned grand champion. What was the story behind the victory that made Japan the first team in 12 years to win a gold medal? Mamemayo and Mioshi spoke passionately in an exclusive interview with Sponichi Annex’s “Cosplay Encyclopedia.” In the fourth and final episode, we will explore the future prospects of the two.[Miomayo’s World’s No. 1 Trajectory – Hints for overcoming challenges were found in Kabuki’s “Bukkaeri”! ]

Aichi Prefecture is the hometown of master master Akira Toriyama, who passed away in March of this year. Masashi Kishimoto, who was influenced by Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, created “NARUTO.” At the tournament held in Aichi, Miomayo, who competed in a Naruto-themed cosplay, won the world’s number one title for the first time in 12 years as a representative from Japan.

When I asked Mamemayo frankly about what she felt was a strange coincidence, she told me about an unexpected connection.

Mamemayo: “Actually, I’m also from Toriyama-sensei’s neighborhood.I was born next door to Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture (where Toriyama-san lived).Nagoya City and the surrounding areas have a strong spirit to overcome hardships.” I feel that there are many people who have the same spirit.Through cosplay, we have always maintained the spirit of never giving up.There were times when we were asked, “Is it really necessary to try so hard?”, but we never gave up. This is what I learned from the characters of Naruto and Dragon Ball.My mother is a manga fan, and I grew up under that influence.On the day of the competition, my mother also supported me by cosplaying as Naruto. My mother’s favorite work was “Dragon Ball,” and she was the one who nurtured my otaku spirit.”

Just as the fire lit by Toriyama has been passed on to manga artists and creators around the world, Mio Mayo also has a strong desire to give back in the world of fan art. “I think the way to repay that favor is to spread the word to the next generation.I feel that Japan’s cosplay culture is currently in the process of developing, and I think it will continue to grow even more. I would be really happy if we could light a little bit of a fire for this.I want to keep this fire alive and continue to support everyone so that they can do their best. I can’t say anything, but I want to continue to be someone that many people can rely on.”

About a month after the tournament. Mamemayo and Mioshi were seen at the cosplay event “Ultra acosta!” held in Ikebukuro, Tokyo for three days from September 6th. The two of them have set up a booth as the cosplayers-only workshop “Monozukuri Lab” (X account: @monodukurilabo), and are teaching workshops for kids, bringing the joy of cosplay to a wide range of people, from children to fans. I was telling you.

After the tournament, Mioshi, who says she was playing games that she had put off, is constantly receiving requests to make wigs for events. “I’m really grateful to have been given the title of world champion.I love making things, so I sometimes take on production-related jobs such as wigs and costumes.I also really like the atmosphere at the event site, and I love creating things like hair, make-up, and costumes.” I can also fix hair, so I would be happy if I had the opportunity to be a special supporter as a hair and makeup artist.”

Mamemayo is determined to travel anywhere in Japan or abroad through her cosplay activities. “The title of being the best in the world is not something that comes easily.This challenge was my last challenge, so I will never participate in the World Cosplay Championship again.That is why this past year has been marked as a “winning year”. ”, we would like to firmly spread the culture of cosplay.In particular, we would like to travel with “Nebuta” to various parts of Japan and overseas, and of course, to spread the charm of cosplay to many people. Although we are worried about whether or not we will be able to transport it, we have a strong desire to go on a new cultural journey with Nebuta, just like Sasuke goes on a journey after the battle. is”

While interacting with cosplayers and creators from around the world, he says he strongly hopes to pass on the techniques and performance tips he has cultivated to the next generation. The two likened this to Naruto and described it as the “will of fire,” and felt a sense of mission to develop cosplay culture derived from manga.

(Cosplay Encyclopedia Reporting Team)

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