[Honey's Anime Interview] Anime Con Maid Cafe and Fashion Show Entertainer (Ai-Kon 2018)

Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’ve been attending Ai-Kon [in Winnipeg] since 2012 to present. I’ve been cosplaying prior, I vaguely remember those early days way back when I cosplayed Misa from Death Note without a wig. Hahaha. I do cosplay casually still, but it would be lovely to be able to have that hobby pay for itself.

When did you first get into anime/manga?

I've always been a bookworm. I read comics more as a kid, but shortly after anime was introduced on tv and you'd be able to watch it after school and be able to talk about it with your friends the morning after, I guess it was just a common thing in [the Philippines].

The manga obsession came after I discovered I could read it continuously online. Back then, I was 13 and didn't have coin to buy my own so I borrowed a lot from people or the library. I didn't even know there’s a word for what dressing up as an anime character until I watched a show (I forgot the title) every weekend and it basically tackled Japanese culture that focuses on the anime part. That's when I learned it’s called “cosplay.” For costume + play. Bits of the show taught Nihongo, featured cosplayers, and at the end, they would play a cartoon. So, 2008, good 'ol times.

On that note, do you have any commentary to offer on otaku culture in the Philippines vs in North America?

The cons there are better. I think [otaku culture] is better in Asia in general cause it’s near the source, ha ha ha. But it still amazes me that the reaches of anime and Japanese culture are so vast.

So, with that, what was your first con and how did you like it?

My first con was Ai-Kon [in 2012]. It was good for the first time.

Tell us about your participation in convention fashion shows and the history there.

[This year’s] was actually Ai-Kon's first fashion. It was great and I met some new friends. It was also nerve-racking cause it was my first time.

Also, I didn’t know what to do, so I just walked on the runway and took a selfie. That was so funny.

You probably fit the fashion show really well because you’re always dressing well.

Not at all. I’m a scrub most times.

And what is it you like about maids?

What attracts me is being able to wear the maid outfit. Also, just [because] it seemed fun to do.

Can you please describe your favourite characteristics in an anime waifu?

I like any size of boobs, I prefer tsundere to yandere, with one cute little fang on a smug face. I also like traps and lolis.

Do you have any upcoming cosplay projects for us to look forward to?

I’m focusing on simple but cute ones. Shiro from No Game No Life, Sagiri from Eromanga sensei and Jabami Yumeko from Kakegurui.

And what about cosplays you’ve done so far? Which has been your favourite?

Rem from Re:Zero, Naruko, the genderbent Naruto and Ai Enma from Jigoku no Shoujo!

Are you following any anime airing this season?

Yes! Cells at Work and Gokudolls. It’s such a funny show.

And now the one everyone has been waiting for. What's your favourite anime of all time and why?

Oh, um, so I’ve been re-watching JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. How do I explain that?

Muscled men who [love] to do vogue poses and [defeat] the bad guys who also [do] vogue poses and it’s manly as can be.