The WCS regional qualifying system has opened doors for many cosplayers around the US, but especially to Hawaii cosplayers. There are only two anime conventions in Hawaii and the competitive cosplayers have few opportunities to showcase their works. WCS allows Hawaii cosplayers the opportunity to expand past the island scene and compete with the nation’s (and hopefully the world’s) best. This year, five teams competed for the right to participate in the WCS US final qualifying round, which will be held at Anime Matsuri in Houston, Texas (March 29-31, 2013). Many teams have followed WCS online and were thrilled that they had a chance to represent Hawaii in cosplay. In the end, sisters Oni-giri and Kappa Maki from team Doomed Lunch emerged victorious with their amazing Princess Mononoke performance. They had spent months hand-crocheting the Shishigami costume. In second place was team Nikkei Girls 5-0 with their Puella Magi Madoka Magica performance. Koori Tsuki has experience in Winning team Doomed Lunch during their Princess Mononoke performance. WCS Hawaii participants post performances (from left to right): Sakura and Saki from Kouseki, Sakis and Ryuuji from Lotus Warriors, Oni-Giri from Doomed Lunch, Zigzagboom and Kyykun from FA9Cosplay, Kappa Maki from Doomed Lunch, Koori Tsuki and Buunbuun from Nikkei Girls 5-0.
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Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2013