Nekoyasha

Nekoyasha (they/she), affectionately known as the “cosplay auntie,” has been active in the convention and cosplay scene since 2003. With decades of experience, they’ve witnessed—and contributed to—the evolution of fandom culture firsthand.

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From 2006 to 2016, Nekoyasha competed in both craftsmanship and performance, ultimately earning top honors in master-level performance before stepping away from competition to uplift the next generation. Today, they work behind the scenes at conventions in cosplay repair and department roles, while also serving as a judge for both craftsmanship and performance competitions.

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A passionate advocate for the Black cosplay community, Nekoyasha focuses on increasing visibility, encouraging participation in competitions, and creating space for new voices. Outside of cosplay, they work as a nuclear pharmacy technician and enjoy wrestling, deep dives into the Fate franchise, and the art of working with spandex, topics they’re always happy to discuss.

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Photo By: Eeza the Cosplay Photographer