Unleashing the Power of Harribel: Meet the Canadian Cosplayer Who Brought the Fierce Espada to Life with Handmade Perfection

Anime North 2024: Exclusive Interview with Cosplayer Taira

[Photos] Taira’s Stunning Cosplay of Tier Harribel from “BLEACH” [7 photos]

Anime North 2024, one of the largest anime events in North America, was held at the Toronto Congress Centre and Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre in Ontario, Canada. The event showcased Japanese anime, manga, music, games, and other content, attracting a massive crowd of anime culture fans. We had the opportunity to interview Taira, a talented cosplayer who caught our attention with her impressive Tier Harribel cosplay from the manga “BLEACH.”

Getting to Know Taira

Where are you from?
Taira: Hamilton, Canada. It’s a little way from Anime North.
How many times have you participated in Anime North?
Taira: I’ve been participating for the past three years, and Anime North is my favorite event because it’s a place where I can express myself. It’s very cold around Toronto, so the temperature at summer events is just right, which is great.

Taira’s Experience at Anime North 2024

What are your impressions of today’s event?
Taira: It’s so much fun because everyone comes from all over to show off their cosplay! It’s my favorite cosplay event out of all the ones I’ve been to.

Why did you choose this cosplay?
Taira: The main reason is because I like her. But I’ve never seen anyone cosplaying in her Rebirth Form (releasing her original power that was sealed away). I wanted to see it myself, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Did you make the costume yourself?
Taira: Yes. All the body parts are made from EVA foam. It’s a bit rough, but I personally think it’s the best.
What was the most difficult part about making the costume?
Taira: I still don’t know how to glue the pieces together so that the seams are not visible, so I’m using a stapler this time. I’d like to keep improving it.

Taira’s Cosplay Journey

When did you start cosplaying?
Taira: I cosplayed for the first time for Halloween in 2017.
What kind of cosplay have you done so far?
Taira: I’ve cosplayed as Yoruichi Shihouin and Neliel from BLEACH. I’ve also cosplayed as Bulma from Dragon Ball, Illumi from Hunter x Hunter, and Trafalgar Law from One Piece.
Among them, which cosplay is your favorite?
Taira: I guess it would be Neliel. It was the first time I made a skull motif using EVA foam (a foam mainly made of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer), so it left a strong impression on me.

What are your hobbies and special skills?
Taira: I love games! And cosplay. I want to go on a cosplay journey in the future.
* Is there a cosplay you’d like to do next or an event you’d like to go to?
Taira: I haven’t decided yet. I want to cosplay when I go to Japan, but… The next cosplay I want to try… I think it’ll be another “BLEACH” character.