Yosuke Sora: The Multifaceted Cosplayer Shaping Singapore’s ACG Scene

In the heart of Singapore’s vibrant cosplay and ACG (Anime, Comics & Games) community stands a figure whose journey from hobbyist to influential creator continues to inspire new waves of enthusiasts. Yosuke Sora, a passionate and multifaceted cosplayer, has transformed personal passion into purposeful impact—blending creativity, community building, and storytelling into every project they embark on.

A Spark Ignited at Anime Festival Asia

Yosuke’s cosplay story began in 2011, when a schoolmate introduced them to anime. After bonding over their favorite shows, they attended Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) together—an experience that first exposed Yosuke to the captivating world of cosplay. Mesmerized by the sight of characters brought to life, they crafted their first costume for Anime Festival Asia (AFA) later that year. It was a transformative moment that sparked a deep love for cosplay and ignited a creative journey that has lasted over a decade.

From Passion to Profession

What started as a personal pursuit soon began to gain traction online. Sharing cosplay content consistently helped Yosuke build a dedicated following, eventually opening doors to collaborations with brands like Skechers, Uniqlo, AMD, and HadaLabo. But the transition was not without its hurdles.

“There was a lot to figure out—managing deliverables, understanding brand expectations, and learning how to present myself professionally,” Yosuke recalls. With no roadmap to follow, they turned to peers in the community for guidance, learning the hard way through underpaid gigs and steep learning curves.

Today, they’re using those lessons to give back, most notably through their YouTube vodcast series, COSSIP, which explores the real-world challenges and triumphs of cosplayers. From burnout to skincare, from guesting at conventions to tackling industry misconceptions, COSSIP offers an honest, engaging space for the community to connect and learn.

Cross-Dressing and Character Embodiment

A hallmark of Yosuke’s cosplay style is their cross-dressing portrayals of male anime characters—a choice rooted in genuine admiration rather than gender expectations.

“Many of my favourite anime characters happen to be male, so it felt natural for me to cosplay them,” they explain. Mastering the look involves careful attention to masculine makeup techniques, stylized poses, and studying how to convey the right energy and body language. Despite nailing the visuals, Yosuke jokes that their voice always gives them away—“Haha!”

COSSET: A Marketplace for Sustainability and Community

In 2024, Yosuke launched COSSET, a cosplay flea market initiative born out of a simple realization—they had hoarded too many costumes! Recognizing the need for sustainability and better platforms for costume exchange, they teamed up with friends to organize COSSET Mini, which quickly resonated with the community.

“Cosplay costumes often get worn once or twice before being stored away. COSSET gives them a second life,” Yosuke explains. The event not only helps reduce waste but also makes cosplay more affordable and accessible. Now gearing up for COSSET 01 on 21st June 2025, the event promises to be even bigger, with aspirations to include workshops, panels, and more.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cosplay in Singapore

As the local cosplay landscape continues to evolve, Yosuke sees both growth and growing pains. With more events and participants, event fatigue is real. To stand out, organizers must bring clear value—whether through community engagement, creative themes, or artist support.

Through COSSET, Yosuke hopes to expand beyond flea markets into a collaborative and educational platform that nurtures the next generation. Their long-term vision includes mentorships, workshops, and panels—bridging gaps and fostering a more inclusive, vibrant community.

“There’s space in this industry for everyone,” Yosuke affirms. “Instead of outdoing each other, we should focus on collaboration and uplifting the community together.”

Final Thoughts

Yosuke Sora is not just a cosplayer—they are a storyteller, connector, and changemaker. From donning wigs and crafting props to hosting panels and running events, their work reflects a deep commitment to the heart of cosplay: creativity, community, and joy.

As the cosplay scene in Singapore and across Asia continues to evolve, Yosuke remains a guiding light, reminding us all why we fell in love with this world to begin with.

You can follow their journey and upcoming projects on Instagram or tune into COSSIP on YouTube—and if you’re in Singapore this June, don’t miss COSSET 01. It might just be the inspiration you need to start your own cosplay adventure.