Cosplayer Spotlight: REIKA

Reika is an international cosplayer currently based in Tokyo, who’s been perfecting her craft for years in Japan. With over 30 confirmed guest appearances at conventions around the world, over 1,500,000 followers on Facebook, and 230k followers on Instagram, Reika has continuously proven that she holds a permanent spot as one of the world’s top cosplayers year after year. 

I’ve been following Reika for a very long time; from my early days in cosplay while in high school, she was always someone I go to when thinking about trying new techniques for wigs and what more I can add to a costume for some extra oomf. Seeing what she’s accomplished and how she has grown as a costumer, how she uses her different makeup techniques to match the personalities of the characters she cosplays, giving tutorials and glimpses of her life on YouTube, and always working hard to perfect her vision has been inspiring. She always goes above and beyond to bring characters to life; from having on set installations to riding horses, there are no limits for Reika. 

I was lucky enough to interview Reika, and asked her some questions to get to know her and her experience with cosplay better!

How did you start liking anime & video games?

I have an older brother. He loved anime and games very much. That’s why I started to see them naturally.

How did you get into cosplay?

I lived in a small town. When I was a child, I went to a nearby comic book convention with my friends.

The cosplayer I saw at that time seemed to be having a lot of fun, so I became interested in that.

Do you have a favorite cosplay you have made? 

I don’t like my work. I’ve never thought my work was perfect, but I’d like to make great work someday.

What is a specific part of cosplay that makes you love it so much!

I think people will feel happy when they make something by themselves.

I’m always very happy when my outfit is finished.

And you can meet friends from the same work. I’m very happy about that.

What was your first international event? When was it? How was that experience?

I went to a convention in China about 10 years ago.

That was my first overseas convention in my life. It was a very exciting and good memory.

Do you have your event you really enjoy going to and don’t mind going to again? (This can be international or local)

Please come to the World Cosplay Summit in Japan. Cosplayers from all over the world gather in Nagoya, Japan. There’s a lot of excitement there. We were unable to hold the event this year due to a virus problem, but I believe it will be held next year.

Are you working on any cosplays currently? Or wish you can make?

I am not planning anything now.I started a new job. So I’m a little busy. Also, it is difficult to go to photography because of the virus.

Do you have a favorite video game? Why do you like it?

I bought a remake of Final Fantasy 7. But it’s still in the middle. I want to clear it as soon as soon as possible. All characters are attractive and I love them.

Do you have a favorite anime? 

My favorite animation is Psycho-PASS. The story is really interesting. I went to see its movie.

What are things you like about the cosplay community?

Even if you don’t say anything, you can see which works you like visually. That is effective when you make friends.

What are things you don’t like about the cosplay community?

The best way to enjoy this hobby is to enjoy it yourself. Recently, however, many people do it just to be evaluated. I think it’s very unfortunate if it’s stressful. I feel very sorry that it is becoming such a world.

For any fans of yours that might be doing cosplay for the first time, what advice would you like to give to them?

Please feel free to cosplay so that you don’t feel stressed.

If you would love to see what Reika is up to and see her future projects, you can follow her over on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.