Good morning Hero-Club, today we are proud to present the return of Cosplay Cafe, which enters its 50th installment. So, for this occasion we talking to international cosplayer Hane Ame, who has been in the business for ten years. Like most previous editions of Cosplay Cafe, we discuss topics like what got Hane Ame into cosplay and how she does conducts business. In addition, we ask her what went into organizing her own event, which was her recent Birthday Exhibition. Furthermore, we ask what advice can she give to up-and-coming cosplayers in this current era. Anyway, without further ado we hope everyone enjoys this interview and the return of Cosplay Cafe!
Question 1. What were you like growing up and what were you were interested in as a child/ teenager?
Hane: When I was a child, I was a sensitive and worried a lot. Since I’m always nervous about things that haven’t happened yet, I often plan everything out first. As a teenager I loved drawing and crafting, I like to create my own work from scratch. Now, I’ve gotten more confident, but I still believe that I must plan things in advance, although sometimes I do things willfully according to my mood.
Question 2. Who or what got you into cosplaying?
Hane: Due to immense academic pressure and my tendency to be quite sensitive, I often yearn to escape from reality. Cosplay provides me with the opportunity to become someone else temporarily — a chance to find solace away from the challenges of everyday life.
Question 3. We are aware of your recent birthday, so Happy Belated Birthday Hane Ame! Did you do something enjoyable for the occasion?
Hane: My Birthday Exhibition was on October 5th! I spent my entire birthday at the exhibition venue, setting up with all the staff. I really enjoyed working together with everyone — it was a fantastic birthday for me. Everyone’s hard work and assistance meant a lot, and I’m truly grateful.
Question 4. Congratulations on having that first exhibition in Akihabara Japan. Can you tell us what went into planning this type of event? Also, do you intend to do another exhibition like this in the future?
Hane: It took me almost 18 months to prepare with a team! Since I had never had an exhibition before, I had the pleasure of learning everything about it. From designing the theme to conceiving the products, and finally arranging the traffic flow. These are all great experiences! And yes, I wish to hold more exhibitions in different countries and meet fans all over the world!
Question 5. Continuing from planning the exhibition, how do you go about planning your cosplay photoshoots? Also, you have a wide catalog of characters you have cosplayed over the years, what were your favorite characters or photoshoots to perform?
Hane: When I decide to cosplay a particular character, I usually start by extensively searching for artwork by various artists related to that character. Additionally, I delve into all the animations or shows where the character appears. It’s quite an intensive process.
Apart from this, I need to practice mimicking the character’s expressions and embodying their personality traits in front of the mirror. One of my absolute favorites is Ahri from League of Legends—a beloved nine-tailed fox.
Hane: It’s hard for me to say how I avoid burnout, as I’ve been working nonstop for 10 years. Every second, I’m afraid to relax because I’m scared that once I start being lazy, I will stay lazy. I’m always pushing myself forward.
In the beginning, I was doing everything by myself, which was extremely tiring. I had to think about dozens of things at once. I had to take on the work of dozens of people in a company. But in recent years, I’ve started to learn to collaborate with others. I’ve begun building my own team.
Question 7.You had your first collaboration figure working with CACAO x Good Smile Company earlier this year in January, which was your original IP at that. Would you be willing to bring more of your original IPs to life if given the opportunity too?
Hane: Absolutely! I have set a goal to unveil a fresh original creation every January. It’s intriguing how my most innovative ideas seem to materialize during the quiet moments of showering, as my mind wanders and contemplates new concepts.
Question 8. What advice would you give to cosplayers starting out now?
Hane: It is highly recommended to begin by learning from makeup artists and hair stylists. A strong base will enable you to experiment with various styles.
Question 9. Now, you travel to several events and shows around the world. However, we have an interesting question, what has been your favorite meal that you discovered when venturing the world?
Hane: My favorite was the Lobster Gratin I had in Santa Monica while attending Anime Expo! I love seafood so much, and this was the best Lobster I’ve ever had! Highly recommended!
Question 10. Continuing on with traveling, do you have any funny or memorable travel stories?
Hane: Yes, when I went to Comiket for the first time in Japan, all by myself. I didn’t have any staff to help me. I had to lug around a 100kg suitcase on the subway.
I even got lost on the subway and it took me 2 hours to get there. Everything was so new and unfamiliar. I’m really grateful for everyone who helped me out.
Question 11. What conventions or events can people find you at this year or next year?
Hane: I definitely won’t miss Comiket in Japan at the end of this year. In addition, I’m planning to participate in the following events: FF in Taiwan in February and August, Anime Expo in the US in July, and NYC in November, Dokomi in Germany in June, and an event in Korea in May.
Question 12. Final question, anything you want to say to your fans?
Hane: I am incredibly grateful for all of the fans who support me. It’s because of you that I’m able to keep creating all these new things that pop into my head. I absolutely love what I do. Learning new stuff every day is the best! I hope to keep bringing smiles to your faces.
Hane Ame’s Social Media Links
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Now, as per every Cosplay Cafe, fans can follow Hane Ame on social media through the links provided above. Also, I would like to publicly thank Hane Ame again for giving us the opportunity to interview her. Additionally, for those who have been around when the Cosplay Cafe first started, I want to extend my thanks for the support. Especially, since this series is slowly coming back, as the cosplay landscape was stilted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, things might change up in the future, like maybe it might extend into video content. Although, I cannot confirm anything at this time, but please continue to look forward to more new Cosplay Cafe sessions. Whereas, until then be sure to follow Hero-Club on social media by simply searching @HeroClub4Life. Nevertheless, it is now time for me, BenOdinson the Cafe Owner to close up the shop for the day!
