AFA09: Kaname Cosplay Panel
One of the highlights of AFA09 is the cosplay panel session featuring Kaname, a renowned Japanese cosplayer. He appeared on stage with this amazing cosplay of Cloud from Final Fantasy VII.
There was a huge turnout for the panel session and the event hall was filled all the way to the end. Thankfully I had the media pass and could stand in front to take photos.
Kaname covered quite a few topics on cosplay, including character selection, costume selection, makeup, and posing.
I was amazed to hear that he had cosplayed over 20+ characters and 34 versions. He shared that in order to have more variety in character selection, he had to maintain a neutral body shape so that his arms would look slim when he relaxes but looks muscular when he flex his arms.
When taking about selecting costumes, Kaname shared that he like costumes which allows him to reveal some masculine parts such as his arms or back. One disadvantage would be that it is very chilly in the winter ^^
There was quite an elaborate discussion on applying makeup. I had no knowledge of makeup at all so I was clueless about what was the difference between an eyeliners or eyeshadow.
Next Kaname revealed that he was still learning to sew his own costumes. He would be interested to learn from anyone who was experienced in this area. I’m sure there were losta female who want to be his personal tailor at that moment.
Finally Kaname shared on the different type of poses: Action, Still and Professional Photoshots. For action poses, sometimes it might be useful to move about with the photographer trying to capture all that motion with a fast shutter. For still poses, it was important to bring out the mood of the character. He also shared on some of the dynamic poses that he had to do for professional photoshoot for magazines.
Kaname then gave a great final messages to all his fans and cosplay enthusiast. He shared he had only started cosplaying 2 years ago and he was very touched (he had some tears of joy) to see so many people outside of Japan sharing the same passion as him.
Kaname is just awesome, the only male cosplay I truly enjoy seeing pictures.
I never knew about Kaname before AFA09, but after the panel session, I had new respect for the guy.
-dies from suffocating in a pool of blood from a nosebleed-
did he explained in english? i nv realised he was the cloud cosplayer until i saw this… awesome!!
He spoke in Japanese and was aided by translators. Unfortunately, the official translator wasn’t that great and the MC had to take over.
What a guy! *0*
First time i’ve read about him, but is a great cosplayer and looks good. I really hate when girls make cosplay about male character, they ruin the “masculinity” of the character, but with this guy is other thing.
My respects for him…
Similiar to you, I appreciate his effort to portray the “masculinity” of the characters he is cosplaying.
Whay about guys who cosplay as female characters… specially Sailor Moon or those who dress as gothic lolitas XD Its hideous xD
i think no one can bring Cloud of FF VII to live perfectly, but this guy is soooo close to him^^, i’m so happy he made it as perfect as possible. i may not know him before, but from today onward, i will pay attention to his cosplay journey.
His effort to make it perfect also wonderful! I sincerely agree he has to be a role model for new cosplayers.
This is what we call passion, right? doing thing wholeheartedly, meanwhile bring effect to another.
[...] I have better appreciation for the effort put in by cosplayers after the recent Kaname Cosplay Panel at the recent Anime Festival Asia 2009. Promote This [...]
Seriously, i also never know him until AFA 09′ post. Man, he was freaking awesome! Wish he will be in AFA 10′, i really wish to meet him in person.
*from behind, sis wonder what with all the fangirl scream* XD
cheers to him~!