My fellow lovers of Cosplay and everything Nerdy,
I have a treat for you. Today, I am lucky enough to share my interview with the lovely Karen Sakai. This lady has done it all. She has served in the military, she is studying to go to Med. School, and she is a model as well as a talented cosplayer. Needless to say, she is one busy gal and I was lucky enough to get an interview with her. So, I am not going to waist anymore of your time. Nerds and Nerdettes, my interview with the talented Karen Sakai.
1. Who are you and where are you from?
I am Karen Sakai, I was born in Norfolk, VA, but my mother brought me back to Japan for half my life. Then we moved back to the USA & I’ve lived in Washington State my whole time.
2. How did you discover cosplay?
I’ve always loved cosplay since I was a child. When I made my first cosplay character, Weevil Underwood (Yu-Gi-Oh!) I was told that it was unacceptable for females to show any nerdy-ness to them. I was afraid & I hid in a shell until recently. Now, it is socially acceptable for all genders & to cosplay. I feel like I started to late, but I like to consider cosplaying a hobby. I hope it because more integrated in my life, but we will see where that goes too.
3. I really love your Tia Harribel cosplay. What made you choose that character?
I always had an obsession with dark colored folks with bright hair. I think it’s because of growing up in the Pacific Northwest & that “beach” look is what people strive for. I love the anime Bleach & when I saw Tia Harribel, I fell in love with her looks. She also has a strong personality which I love. Tia is a role model that I want to be: sexy, serious, strong & a leader. :)
4. What other anime characters have you cosplayed?
So far I have cosplayed Tia Harrible, Nelliel (both from Bleach) & Weevil Underwood (I re-did it). I have done characters from video games, but those three are from Anime.
5. What other genres do you cosplay?
I LOVE video games & Marvel comics. I’m very excited to finish my Ms. Marvel cosplay as well as some other strong female-lead game characters such as Katarina from League of Legends & Jaina Proudmoore from Warcraft 3/World of Warcraft.
6. What is your favorite way to show off a new cosplay?
Anyway possible! Cute, sexy, flirtatious, badass, strong, anything that portrays the characters.
7. Do you do other modeling besides cosplay?
Yes I do. I do regular modeling such as runway shows & lingerie shoots.
8. What are your plans for the future?
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I was in the United States Navy for 4 years, then I got two bachelors in Anthropology & Primate Behavior & Ecology. My father was in the Navy as well & ended up in the medical field. Right now, I want to go to medical school & become a plastic surgeon. I’m currently studying for the MCAT, the entrance exam for getting into medical school. :)
9. Where can my readers see more examples of your work?
My Facebook page is where I am active the most: www.facebook.com/karensakaicosplay. I am on Deviant Art, but I really don’t pay attention there too much (www.karensakai-cosplay.deviantart.com). Facebook is the best place to see my work & reach me.
10. If you had to pick one cosplay, which one is your favorite?
My favorite would be Katarina (League of Legends) that I’m working on. She’s everything I love: sassy, sexy, spunky, strong. She’s a great role model, although she isn’t real. =P
