Serious Craftsmanship Using LEDs! Realistically Shining Mihono Bourbon Cosplay from Umamusume

——What aspects did you want to express with this particular cosplay, and what points are you especially fond of?

Kotone: The outfit has a lot of skin exposure, but I paid attention when making the patterns so that areas like the chest and hips would look healthy rather than fetishistic. Since I participated in a workshop and studied three-dimensional pattern drafting before creating the costume, I think the silhouette fits the body in a satisfying way.

Also, to bring out a sense of a cyborg or robot, I carefully used different materials like iridescent fabric, glossy faux leather, and matte faux leather. For the crafted details, I wanted to replicate the glowing parts seen in the gacha animation, so I incorporated LEDs. For items like the necktie and arms, where there was no space for LEDs, I chose fabric that looks like it’s glowing.

——With so many different characters appearing in Umamusume, what aspects of the series appeal to you, and which characters do you like?

Kotone: I like how the series is linked to reality. When I see the descendants of my favorite characters’ (the racehorses they’re based on) bloodlines working hard in real horse races, I can’t help but cheer for them.

As for the characters, what I find wonderful about all of them is how they each give their all to achieve their goals. Whether they want to be number one, be recognized, or inspire others—everyone tries their very best, and while there are hardships along the way, at the end, after overcoming them, the final race and victory live make you go, “Yes! We did it!”

Rice Shower is my ultimate favorite, and a successful training makes me think, “Let’s be super happy together!” On the other hand, if I fail, I feel like, “Sorry for being such a disappointing big sister...”