Cosplay: to many this word may mean nothing, while others may associate it with the simple nerd hobby for disguise. However, there are countries where this "hobby" can become a real job. We are talking about Japan, and the protagonist of our story is Yuriko Tiger, stage name of Eleonora Guglielmi. She is a young girl from Imperia who has lived and worked in for years Tokyo like cosplayer. A profession that is little known in Italy, but which in Japan allows you to become a star of the show.
From Italy to Japan
You know, cartoons like all children (and not only). Also to Yuriko who in elementary school enjoyed drawing her favorites, especially Japanese: «I find it fantastic how an anime can have so many genres and overwhelm you with its drawings. Through them then I began to be passionate about oriental fashion, music and culture. In short, everything that came from Japan».
And like all passions, even that for Japan grew together with Yuriko. In 2012 a first trip, the following year the decision to move to Rising Sun. though "It wasn't easy. My goal was to study Japanese, work and live in Tokyo. But I had so many doubts because it was still a totally different culture. Difficult to acclimate even if you are passionate. As soon as I arrived I was not even of age, I had no knowledge and my Japanese was at the basic level».
Certainly not an easy challenge, but one that Yuriko was ready to accept in order to make her dream come true. However, there are some aspects of Italian life that have been difficult to leave behind. Which? «The food of course. There are Italian restaurants, but nothing beats home cooking. Then of course the family and friends. I also miss the body touch, physical contact between people. Our culture includes hugs and caresses even between people who are not very attached, while in Japan it is not. And I miss this thing, I find it hard to understand it».
A life as a star
But what exactly is cosplay? For Yuriko not even in Japan really know what it is: "The cosplay" tell us “It's not just dressing up as a random character, but playing and playing with it. On the other hand, cosplay stands for cos = custom e play = to play. A passion typical of the nerdy world because it allows you to be your favorite hero for a day. It was these nerds, these fans, who brought cosplay to life. And now it is growing more and more in every part of the world with international events and exhibitions ».
And Yuriko's job is precisely that of cosplayer. On the other hand, it allows her to exploit her passion for fashion, cartoons, manga and acting. Within a few years, through events and photo shoots, she made her way into the world of entertainment.
But being famous means having an audience that follows you, even away from the spotlight. Fortunately, however, in Japan «The public doesn't bother you. Artists are often recognized, but hardly anyone stops you on the street. This is because it is considered a not very polite gesture. Some are also afraid of letting their pet hate them, or of interrupting an intimate date with their partner or close friend. However, there is always someone who stops you from time to time: they are mostly girls who have seen me in some program. And knowing that I am a foreigner, they know that I will not be as cold as the other Japanese ».
But there are some aspects that are more rigid than in Western culture. In fact, Yuriko's career began as that of the typical Japanese idol, and this "It was stressful. There are many, too many rules: the use of social media, public appearances, salary calculations, part-time jobs. Every aspect of your life is controlled down to the smallest detail, and this brings you a lot of stress ».
The art of Yuriko Tiger
Then a cosplaying is not just dressing up, but also acting, becoming that character not only in her appearance. Which made our protagonist a real actress. But is there anyone who inspired Yuriko Tiger? «Dempagumi-inc. Nakagawa Shoko and Hatsune Miku. But now I think I've created an original character, all of my own. Although sometimes I have no idea what to wear, what character to be, and I often change style. It depends on the moment, the demands and the difficulties: not all characters are the same, and some are more difficult than others».
An example? «Harley Quinn by Suicide Squad. Not so much the version of the film, but the classic one of the comic. Along with Catwoman and Poison Ivy she is one of my favorite characters, and I wanted to make a good impression. I then studied her history in great detail, learned to pose, talk and walk like her. It was a very hard job, but if my cosplay isn't complete I feel unsatisfied ».
In Yuriko's repertoire there is also a lot of space for music: «I am currently working on a music project with i Samurai Apartments for a new single. Hopefully we will form a new group, i samurai tiger. We are even planning a world tour, perhaps with stops in Italy, and this would be a dream for me. Together with Kadokawa Games, a program will start on Nico Nico Douga as Yuriko Tiger Channel».
Between dreams and the future
But is there a dream in the drawer for Yuriko? “In truth there are many, and I am always looking for new ones. I want to become an icon in all of Japan as before cosplayer and talent italianto. I would like to act in some series or movie and have my own Japanese idol group. I've had an experience as a solo idol, but it's not the same. I would also like to make Yuriko Tiger a character for games and manga, a symbol for the world of cosplay. I was the first foreign cosplayer " teacher «To go up on a stage in front of over 30 thousand people. This shows that it is an ever-growing world, and I want to take it higher and higher. What is certain, however, is that I will stay here in Japan for quite a while, then we'll see. After all, life is unpredictable and I have no idea what to eat for breakfast! ».
