Fujiberry Cosplay is amazing. Period. End of discussion. From her spectacular Yoko from Gurran Lagann to her Sailor Moon/Kill La Kill mash-up, she has certainly gained rightful recognition for her bold and colorful cosplays. She is also an inspiration to look up to when wanting to live a healthier, fitter lifestyle. I really admire her dedication to fitness and working out, despite the ridiculous amount of backlash a lot of women receive when trying to “pump iron” and get some Armstrong/FMA-type muscles. I had the opportunity to interview her, so please enjoy, and make sure to check out her Facebook and Instagram!
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Favorite Quote: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radmacher
Black Nerd Problems: If you could have two Pokemon as companions, who would they be and why?
Fujiberry: Wobbuffet would definitely be one! I have a soft spot for cute, dim-witted animals and I’m 100% positive that I would have a lot of fun having one as a companion. Not to mention that Wobbuffet can pack a punch if it knows what it’s doing! Heracross would be my other choice. I’m actually not a big fan of fighting or bug types and the fact that Heracross manages to make me love it at first sight says a lot!
Black Nerd Problems: Please tell us a bit about yourself!
Fujiberry:I’m a Kinetic Imaging student, which means that I work with experimental video and sound art, 3D modeling, 2D Animation, and performance art. I love makeup, dressing up, and looking cute (I envy you Lolita girls who pull it off so effortlessly!) and I also love looking and feeling strong. I’m currently training for my first powerlifting meet! ~So exciting~ I have a loving family and an equally loving and supportive boyfriend who loves to spoil me.
Black Nerd Problems: How did you get into cosplay?
Fujiberry:My bf! We were just friends then, but he wanted me to go with him to Katsucon (2013). He bought me the pieces to create Yoko’s outfit from Gurren Lagann and even made the rifle for me with the help of a friend! It was my first big convention and I ended up having lots of fun despite the fact that wearing the costume was a bit terrifying. We’ve celebrated our anniversary at Katsucon since then.
Black Nerd Problems: What inspiring events have you witnessed in the cosplay community?
Fujiberry:Not any particular event has been inspiring to me, more like a series of small events. I love it when people share ideas and help other people with creating their cosplays. Often when someone finds a successful way of doing something, it becomes this ‘secret’ that only they can have/use (or they’ll offer to share in exchange for compensation). It’s inspiring to see cosplayers helping other cosplayers with their craft. It’s also nice to see famous cosplayers using their status to bring light to important issues and to help out charities and people in need.
Black Nerd Problems: What issues do you see in the cosplay community and how do you think we can fix/overcome them?
Fujiberry:For a community that prides itself on being very accepting, it still has a lot of issues with acceptance. Accept that people will have different reasons for Cosplaying. Some want to have fun, some want to look and feel really sexy, some want to be famous, some do it as a job, etc. etc. Who cares if she sexualizes a character? Who cares if his costume isn’t accurate? Who cares if YOU think that they don’t fit the character?
Care that people still openly judge others due to their weight. Care that people still judge others for being overtly sexy. Care about the feelings of minorities when they tell you that blackface isn’t right. Care about the history of people who have been oppressed or have suffered (don’t wear Swaztikas for the sake of cosplay). Care about the people who judge and teach them acceptance.
The first step in overcoming this problem is to actually practice what we preach.
Black Nerd Problems: What are your goals for the future?
Fujiberry:Nothing! Haha. I’m winging it.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fujiberrycosplaya
Instagram: @Fujiberry
Photo Credits:
1 : DL Photography : www.facebook.com/CosplayRewind
2 : Vannak Photography : www.facebook.com/vannakphotography
3 : M9 Cosplay : www.facebook.com/m9cosplay
4 : Kreation Studios : www.facebook.com/kreationstu
5 : Kaze Photography
6 : Dinosaur Photography : www.facebook.com/dinosaurphotography
Show Comments