April 24, 2009
News for Anime Mid-Atlantic 2009:
Yunmao Ayakawa returns to Anime Mid-Atlantic
It is my pleasure to introduce our newest guest at Anime Mid-Atlantic this year.
Yunmao Ayakawa has triumphed as an international professional Cosplayer, Model, Actress, Artist, Journalist, Personality and Spokesperson! Hailing from the Akihabara region of Tokyo, Japan, she has gained worldwide fame as the regions spokeswoman and foremost authority on cosplay and the Maid Idol industry. Her love and knowledge of Cosplay and the Maid Idol industry has earned her a prestigious spot as a board member of the Nihon Maid Association. Yunmao is also sought after for her other exciting talents such as Costume Designer, Race Queen, Actress, Artist, Columnist, and Television Spokesperson.
Yunmao has triumphed as an international writer based on her expertise on the subjects of Cosplay, maid cafe's, and other Otaku related themes. She currently writes articles for Japan based periodicals like Manichi Newspaper, MSN.com(Japan) , Cosmode Magazine and in 2007 became the first Japanese Cosplayer to write articles for an American magazine; Otaku USA where she rights exclusive articles on cosplay and Japan's latest Otaku trends. She is also the author of the first Cookbook for Otaku styled Healthy Eating.
Many magazine and organizations utilize Yunmao's physical appeal and love of the camera and showcase her as a feature model. Magazines she has modeled for include: "Flash", "Sabra", "Arms magazine",and "Position". In 2005 and 2006 she held the title of "Race Queen" in Japan's Super Taikyu race.
Because of her growing popularity and skills, Yunmao was chosen as a television spokesperson for "Japanorama" (BBC), "Otaku" (Spain) and has appeared on "Moete Mucho" (TV Tokyo) and other Japanese variety shows. One of her more recent projects has featured her as the star of the Sentai TV Series "CHOSOKU SENSHI G-FIVE" in Japan. She is a top idol download for Japanese cell phone screen savers, games and even hosts a "Dear Abby" style advice service via cell phones in Japan.
In 2006 Yunmao made an impressive American debut at Anime Mid-Atlantic as the Japanese outlaw, Toki Takahasu, from Asu Medina's Manga, "Cove Pirate Mercenary." Her perky energy and unbeatable knowledge of cosplay, Maid Cafe's, and Otaku culture gained her instant popularity with American fans and invitations to return the following year.
Yunmao stays busy designing costumes, writing articles, modeling and doing features on many international variety shows. Yunmao also holds a Teaching degree in Art.