Cosplay is the art of imitation; it allows fantasy to take shape. Cosplay allows things that are in the realm of imagination to momentarily become living beings. A cosplayer who’s mastered their craft is no different than a magician using an isekai spell to summon someone from another world. And much like those magicians, cosplayers spent an untold number of hours and a herculean amount of effort to refine their craft. Luckily for us at Anime Corner, we had the opportunity to interview someone who’s wholeheartedly intimate with the trials and rewards of cosplay. We had the chance to interview the internationally recognized cosplayer, Ryukku-k!
A Malaysian native, Ryukku-K has graced the stage at some of otakudom’s greatest events. Her appearances as either a performer or exhibitor range from conventions like Anime Expo (US), Comiket (JP), DoKomi (DE), and a slew of SEA events. She even boasts collaborations with Elden Ring and miHoYo! We had a chance to talk to Ryukku-K about her cosplay journey, creative process, and life.
⚠ Anime Corner edited parts of this interview for brevity. ⚠
Q: Could you give us a brief introduction?
Hi! I’m Ryukku, a cosplayer from Malaysia. I create cosplay content because it genuinely brings me joy. I love storytelling, photography, and the challenge of transforming into someone completely different. I’m not a full-time creator, so everything I do comes from passion and the little pockets of time I steal from real life.
For new fans: I hope you’ll feel the sincerity and heart I put into every project. I cosplay characters I love, and I try to express a bit of their soul through my work.
My favorite anime include Umamusume: Pretty Derby, THE iDOLM@STER, K-ON!, Steins; Gate, and MONSTER. I watch a bit of everything, but I’m especially drawn to series with emotional depth, psychological elements, and stories that create strong connections and linger in your mind.
Q: What drew you into cosplay? Do you remember your first cosplay?
Cosplay started for me because I’ve always loved anime and visual expression. Cosplay became a natural extension of wanting to live in those worlds, even for a moment.
My first cosplay was Yuuki Cross from Vampire Knight. I remember how exciting it felt to put on the uniform and feel like I had stepped straight into the series. Even though I knew nothing about proper wigs or makeup back then, the joy of the experience stayed with me.
Looking back, it’s been almost 20 years since I started cosplaying, and what keeps me going is that same sense of wonder, just with more experience, intention, and love for the craft.
Q: Of all the characters you’ve cosplayed, who’s your favorite?
My favorite cosplays are usually the ones I connect with emotionally, usually the Umamusume characters.
Q: Can you tell us about your favorite cosplay experience? Was there any cosplay that didn’t turn out the way you expected it?
My best experiences always come from those moments where everything aligns: the costume, location, emotions, and the people around me. But what stands out most are the interactions with fans, especially when they recognize the character instantly and want to share their favorite scenes or stories. Those moments remind me why I cosplay in the first place.
Of course, not everything turns out perfectly. Sometimes wigs don’t cooperate, or costumes arrive looking very different from the product photos. I see those moments as learning experiences that help me grow.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the cosplay creation process?
The transformation moment: when the makeup and wig finally come together, and I look in the mirror and feel the character “arrive.” I also really enjoy the storytelling aspect: creating moods, scenes, and emotions through photos.
Q: Do you prefer to make your own costumes or buy them? If you make them, can you walk us through the costume’s creation process?
I do a mix of both. I usually buy base costumes due to time constraints, but I enjoy styling, modifying, and crafting accessories to improve accuracy and fit.
My process involves researching the character, breaking down costume details, planning wig and makeup work, conducting test runs, and adjusting everything to look good on camera. Details matter a lot to me, from textures to how a costume moves and photographs.
Q: How do you prepare for photoshoots? Is there an aspect to them that cosplay fans wouldn’t know about?
I prepare quite thoroughly. I take time to research poses, plan storyboarding and locations, do makeup tests, and create detailed packing lists. I usually have a clear idea of the mood or story I want to convey before stepping in front of the camera.
Something fans might not realize is how physically demanding shoots can be, especially outdoor ones. Heavy wigs, layered costumes, heels, heat, and dynamic poses (especially for Umamusume) can be exhausting.
That said, I’m incredibly grateful for the photographers I work with. Many of them are not just technically skilled but also deeply respectful, patient, and passionate about storytelling. They help guide poses, watch out for safety, and capture moments that feel alive rather than just visually pretty. A great photographer–cosplayer dynamic makes a huge difference, and I’m very thankful to have worked with people who truly understand and support my vision.
Q: You travel frequently for conventions; do you have a favorite? What convention would you recommend to international otakus?
I’ve been lucky to attend conventions around the world, including Anime Expo (US), AFA Singapore, Comiket (Japan), DoKomi (Germany), SMASH! (Australia), and CosCosSuki / AniEx (Thailand).
Each event has its charm, from the people to the culture, and it’s been incredibly enriching to connect with fans across different countries.
That said, I always recommend Comic Fiesta in Malaysia to international otaku. It has a stellar mix of content and a strong sense of community that makes you feel welcome very quickly. As a bonus, you can also enjoy delicious Malaysian cuisine while you’re here, making the entire experience even more memorable.
Q: Is cosplaying widely accepted in Malaysia? How would you describe the anime scene there?
The anime and cosplay scenes in Malaysia have grown over the years and are generally well accepted.
The community is warm, talented and passionate, from cosplayers and photographers to artists and collectors. There’s always something happening, and it’s exciting to see how fast the scene continues to evolve.
Q: How come you have so many Umamusume: Pretty Derby cosplays?
I was drawn to Umamusume because of its character writing, emotional depth, and beautifully designed characters. Each girl has her story, struggles, and charm.
Cosplaying them feels like bringing a small piece of their journey into the real world, and I love how expressive and dynamic they are as characters.
Q: I have to follow up by asking who your favorite Uma is.
There are honestly too many to choose from. But my top favorites are Rice Shower and Almond Eye. Oguri Cap also holds a very special place in my heart.
Q: Have you participated in any of the cosplay racing or horse track events that are becoming increasingly frequent in SEA?
Yes! I wasn’t just a participant. I was part of the main organizing team for the first Umamusume-themed race track cosplay event in Malaysia, organized by Umamusume Circle MY (Instagram: @umacirclemy) at Selangor Turf Club, a top-grade turf facility.
I’m also currently collaborating with one of the familiar names in the community, Nanaken, on an upcoming fan-made Umamusume 2026 calendar, perfectly timed for the Year of the Horse. Please follow us to learn more as we share updates on the project!
Q: Is there anything you’d like to tell international fans or the Umamusume community?
Thank you so much for the love and support from all around the world. It still amazes me that my work can reach people across borders through shared passion.
To the Umamusume community, let’s continue running forward together, cheering for our favorites, celebrating their stories, and keeping this love alive.
Anime Corner would like to thank Ryukku-K for this interview. You can follow he social media pages here:
Facebook and here Instagram.
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All Images © Ryukku-K
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