The decision to cosplay Haruko from "FLCL" came as a recommendation from a friend who had just come out!

On July 27, 2025, the "Wonder Festival 2025 [Summer]" was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. We featured a photo of Pani Yaake, who participated dressed as Haruhara Haruko from 'FLCL'. We also interviewed her about the aspects she focused on in her cosplay and the characters she would like to cosplay in the future.

——What prompted you to want to cosplay as Haruhara Haruko from "FLCL" this time?

Pani Yaake (hereafter referred to as Yaake): After coming out to my friends about my cosplay hobby, one of them mentioned that there was a character I might suit well. That's how I got introduced to the work and the character. As I watched the anime, I became fascinated by her free-spirited nature, which led me to try cosplaying her for the first time at this year's Wonder Festival.

——Please tell me about the making of this cosplay outfit and accessories.

Yaake: I made the costume this time, and the Rickenbacker bass prop was made by a friend who recommended the work.

In the costume, I paid attention to the material of the fabric and the overall balance suited to the body. Especially, I wondered, "What kind of clothes would an alien wear?" and finally used PU-coated fabric. It doesn't look like regular clothes, but it also doesn't look like a typical cosplay costume. I aimed for a "three-dimensional alien-likeness".

Almost all parts of the base were handmade by my friend. Even the detailed parts and the characteristic recoil starter on the back were made using a 3D printer. I was helped by their sense of modeling, like adjusting the overall size to match my physique.

On the day, there was an accident where parts were damaged, and there was a scene where I had repairs done in between shooting. I made them sad by showing them the state of the base after the event... but that's also a good memory, and it was fun to be able to create together with my friend through this cosplay.