Krazy for Kawaii Kon
By Nadine Kam
Nadine Kam photos
Jennifer Tunoa is Kurenai Yuuhi from “Naruto.”
Back from Kawaii Kon at Hawai’i Convention Center where the cosplayers were out in full, colorful force.
Strangely enough, I was in street clothes and they were looking at me like I was the
odd one. It was noticeable when I was getting names of some people and others were around me doing the “oohh,” purr-y thing. I felt like Dorothy in “Wizard of Oz” when she’s discovered by the Munchkins, who come out of the bushes to check her out. SB photographer Cindy Ellen Russell was there and filled me in: “They think you would be a great cosplayer because you’re tiny like the characters.”Hmm, come to think of it I already have a pink Betsey Johnson dress and corset that looks like a Misa Amane outfit.The event goes on to 9 p.m. April 19 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 if you want to check it out or be checked out.
Kanoe, front, is Suiseiseki from “Rozen Maiden,” with Chani, from left standing, Ursula, Cynthia, Amanda and Blair. Amanda, in red, is Shinku, the main character. Kanoe paid $300 to have his costume made by a dressmaker. I asked him if it felt weird to wear a dress. “Kind of,” he said, “but you get used to it.” Below, the original Shinku and Suiseiseki.
Ashley Silao is Misa Amane of “Death Note.” Her lenses look like one called “Red Wolf” from Exotic.lenses.com’s stock.
Theatrical contact lenses are part of the costume for many. The Contact Lens Co., was among the dealers offering every style and color of lens. The most popular is the white with black pupil “Zombie.” Lenses were selling for $40 to $80. Check out www.exoticlenses.com
I was tempted to get a pair, but I already wear normal lenses and they do need upkeep and cleaning, so I probably wouldn’t unless I had a specific event in mind. The woman there said once a month cleaning is recommended, but that sounded like too little.
In the dealer’s room, Audra Furuichi and Scott Yoshinaga — who I met online at Twitter.com — were behind the table showing their nemu*nemu books and T-shirts. At left, Krystine Nakano helped drum up business by strolling the grounds with a handmade, stuffed version of Anpan on her head. She has really great posture because that pup wasn’t secured. Other people had to tie their animals to their heads.
Matthew Buehler is Sasuke from “Naruto.” His costume, including wig, cost $500 to put together, and he picked up body painting tips from one of his friends, a professional cosplayer. The markings are done with eyeliner and set with hairspray.
Brandey is Lulu from “Final Fantasy X and XII.” Her character is below.
Danny Hong and Jessica Kozaki, right, are dressed as characters from “Neko Kawaii Gari.” In the center, Tracy is Lacus from “Gundam Seed Destiny.”
Jan Velasco is Dejiko from “Digi Charat.” Her grandmother made her outfit, and she made her accessories, including a headdress using plastic baseballs that were painted gold.
Rafael DePeralta, right, is dressed as a “Monster Hunter” character of his own creation, while Bronson Rivera is Mr. Cynical from Under Power.
