2.5 Dimensional Seduction Ep. 3 - Let's Cosplay Together

2.5 Dimensional Seduction episode 3 aired on July 19th after the introduction of a third character, Mikari Tachibana. Episode 2 focused on this new character and her goal to win the heart of her childhood friend, Masamune Okumura, despite him not noticing her (or any 3D-girl) in a romantic way at all. In episode three, Mikari meets Ririsa and the two decide to cosplay together.

While the episode mostly displays raunchy fanservice, there are some plot beats that lead to complicated romantic feelings among the three characters. 2.5 Dimensional Seduction also continues to give us a look into cosplay culture in Japan.

Lili x Miri

Mikari meets Ririsa in 2.5 Dimensional Seduction episode 3 for the first time, and Ririsa is sporting her full Liliel cosplay as Masamune photographs her for what is known as a “cosrom”. Cosroms are CD-ROMS that contain hundreds of photos of a certain cosplayer, and they are well-received in Japan’s otaku scene.

Cosroms are sold in new condition at cosplay events such as Comic Market in Tokyo, but you can also buy second-hand cosroms at specialty stores throughout Japan. Cosplayers usually default to making cosroms because they are more convenient than photobooks due to low production costs and the ability to store hundreds of photos on the CDs. In this episode, Ririsa is desperate to take enough photos for her debut cosrom, and asks Mikari to cosplay as a supporting character with her.

While the majority of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction is pure fanservice (not that I’m complaining), some moments are setting up for a romantic triangle. Mikari’s feelings are clear, as she explained in episode 2 that she wants her senpai, Masamune, to notice her romantically. It hasn’t been until now in episode 3 that Ririsa starts to have some complicated feelings when she’s around Masamune.

Mikari’s feelings are even reflected in Masamune’s favorite anime series, as the side character she is cosplaying also goes unnoticed by the lead male character. I like that 2.5 Dimensional Seduction makes these parallels between the characters’ real lives and the characters’ beloved anime.

Near the end of the episode, Ririsa and Masamune stay at the school overnight to finish putting together a cosrom. They only have a week to do about 40 hours of work, so they’ll need to put as much work into the cosrom as a full-time job if they want to release it for an upcoming event. We’ll have to wait for next week to see if they’ll finish in time.

Watch the episode on HIDIVE
© Yu Hashimoto / Shueisha, Lilysa Production Committee