Last week, one of Taiwan’s most talked-about cosplayers on Indonesian social media came to visit the country for the first time. Misa Chiang visited Jakarta to attend BIJAC No Tanjoiwai 9: Issho ni Tanoshimimashou, an event organised by Binus Japan Club at the Binus Internasional, Senayan, Jakarta Selatan.
The arrival of the cosplayer gained a lot of attention, as she was supposed to attend an event in Bali last year before the event was cancelled. Last week, KAORI had the chance to meet and interview this popular cosplayer. Intrigued to know more about Misa? What made her interested in cosplaying? And how exactly is her relationship with fellow cosplayer Liui Aquino? Find out in the following interview!
Hello Misa. First, could you tell us how you got into cosplay for the first time?
Hello to you too. I have actually been into cosplay for quite some time. I first became interested when I was in junior high. In my school, there was a cosplay club, which I joined.
What was the first cosplay that you did at that time?
My first cosplay was Misa Amane from Death Note, that’s why my stage name is Misa.
What fascinates you the most about cosplay?
What fascinates me about cosplay is the characters. When I see a character and become fascinated by him/her, that character becomes my idol. And I, in turn, want to become that idol myself.
Having a hobby and a job as a professional cosplayer, what is your motivation to pursue cosplaying?
One of my motivations is that I want to be able to relate to the characters that I’m cosplaying. I want to become my idol. Besides, I would also like to promote my enjoyment of anime and games to people through the characters that I’m cosplaying.
What is the hardest thing in cosplaying?
The hardest thing would be the makeup. Many of my cosplays are mature and sexy in looks, yet I have a baby face like this, so it is hard for me to create a sexy image.
Other than that, what’s the hardest cosplay costume that you have ever made?
Ah, yes. There was one! At one time, I made a costume for one of the characters from League of Legends. It was quite difficult because of all the weapons and armour that I had to make and wear.
How about your favourite costume?
My favourite costume was of a certain DC Comics character. I also made a Harley Quinn costume, and I really like that one. I really like the details in it.
What was the most interesting experience in your career as a cosplayer?
The most interesting experience for me was when I finished the costumes I had made. Finishing a costume and doing a photo session wearing that new costume was very interesting.
Talking about cosplay, what do you think about the growth of cosplays in Taiwan nowadays?
Cosplay grows along with the development of convention events there. If the events grow larger, then cosplay will also grow larger along with them.
Today marks your first visit to Indonesia. Are there any Indonesian cosplayers you’re acquainted with?
I’m honestly not quite familiar with cosplay in Indonesia. That’s why I’d like to come to events organised in Indonesia to see and get to know Indonesian cosplayers.
Regarding Indonesian cosplayers, I only know a few of them. I’m quite acquainted with Clarissa Punipun, one of my favourite Indonesian cosplayers. Also, I saw in the net this cosplayer with quite awesome armour, and I like it.
About your visit to Indonesia, some time ago you were invited as a guest for an event in Bali. But the event was unfortunately cancelled. Why did you still want to visit Indonesia despite that experience?
Yes, I was invited to an event in Bali at that time. To be honest, I was quite happy to have a chance to visit Indonesia. But it was unfortunate that the event was cancelled, and I was quite disappointed not to come here.
Indonesia is, in fact, one of the countries that I want to visit the most. That is why, when I was invited to Bijac no Tanjoiwai, I was very happy to finally be able to visit here. And now I’m really here.
And there’s a question from your fans. They said that they see Misa seems to be quite close with one of Philipine’s cosplayer, Liui Aquino. Really, what’s between Misa and Liui?
(Laugh) Oh Liui. Well, I thought he wasn’t quite famous in Indonesia. Liui and I are close friends. But I tend to consider him like my own brother. Well, more like siblings. We’re quite close and often hang out together.
Oh, and by the way, Liui will be coming over to Indonesia for an upcoming event this year. Any messages for him?
Liui will be coming this year? Hmm, maybe send my regards if you meet him, and tell him “Misa don’t like you!” (laugh).
Last question. What is cosplay for someone like Misa Chiang?
For me, cosplay is everything. Cosplay has shaped who I am now. I can learn many things from cosplay and meet new friends who share the same hobby with me. And through cosplay, I could travel abroad, just like today.
The Indonesian Anime Times | Interview by Rafly Nugroho with translation by Paksi Pradipta | Photos by Irfan Dhafirwan
