Anime NYC 2022

The biggest anime convention on the East Coast
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Ah, New York City. It’s one of the most famous cities in the world. It also happens to have one of the largest anime conventions in North America. At just five years old, that’s quite an accomplishment. We always hear how expensive it is to live in big cities like New York City, and I imagine it must be equally as expensive to rent the Javits Center. Home to Anime NYC, this massive convention center sits on some prime riverside real estate. It takes a lot of courage to start an anime convention in one of the most expensive cities in the US. It’s a huge financial risk and there’s no guarantee that anyone will show up. If things go wrong you could find yourself in massive debt. If things go well, or well enough, you stand a good chance of becoming one of the largest anime conventions in the USA. You can also make a buck or two along the way.
On paper the math is solid. Anime NYC has the benefit of having a massive audience right at its doorstep. New York City is the largest city in the US and New York State is the third largest anime market after Texas and California. Those numbers provide an immediate potential for growth. In just five years this convention has gone from an idea on paper to one of the top ten most attended anime conventions. Showrunner LeftField Media is no stranger the fan convention industry. With such events as Rose City Comic Con, Anime Frontier, and Awesome Con, they have a proven track record of running successful conventions.
COVID wristband distribution  was moved off-site which eased congestion and delays at the convention center.
COVID wristband distribution was moved off-site which eased congestion and delays at the convention center.
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Anime NYC 2021 was infamous for having massive queues and delays getting into the building. People waited for hours outside in very cold November temperatures and they complained about it on social media. Anime NYC essentially crammed everyone through two doors while doling out COVID wristbands at the same time. That process was painfully slow and led to lax examination of vaccination cards. It was poor planning on the part of LeftField Media and it gave them a public relations black eye. It didn’t seem to keep people from coming back for 2022, however. Attendees returned this year in even larger numbers. Thankfully, LeftField seemed to have figured out how doors work because people quickly made their way inside. They also shifted COVID wristbands to an off-site location for more efficient processing. Although masks were required and LeftField promised that they would enforce the policy, this attendee saw roughly 50% compliance throughout the weekend.
A queue formed in the morning before the doors opened. This was nothing compared to 2021 when people waited for hours to enter. This line disappeared once the doors opened.
A queue formed in the morning before the doors opened. This was nothing compared to 2021 when people waited for hours to enter. This line disappeared once the doors opened.
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The lower level lobby.
The lower level lobby.
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The Javits Center

The Javits Center features an impressive glass atrium called the Crystal Palace.
The Javits Center features an impressive glass atrium called the Crystal Palace.
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The Javits Center features an impressive glass atrium rightfully called the Crystal Palace. It’s the focal point of the venue where everyone gathers before breaking off into the vendor hall and panel rooms. You might think the glass stucture would be about as insulated as a sieve, but the temperature inside was quite cozy. One of my pet peeves about large convention centers is the always ice-cube cold air conditioning. That wasn’t the case at the Javits Center.
A portion of the vendor hall.
A portion of the vendor hall.
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The vendor halls run the length of the venue. It's so large that this convention of roughly 40,000 fans didn’t even use half of the space. There's a lower level which was mostly vacant and another portion of the building called Javits North that was closed off. There’s plenty of room for growth. While I didn’t spend much time in the vendor hall, it was obvious that this convention largely centers around the vendor hall and artists alley. The show floor was crowded throughout the weekend and it felt a lot like Anime Expo or San Diego Comic-Con. There were some large displays from companies like The ratio of scheduled panels vs attendees is much lower than at a convention like Katsucon or Sakura-Con. Events ended around 10 PM on Friday and Saturday and no later than 4PM on Sunday. There was a visible exodus of people when the vendor hall closed and I heard they were shuffling people out on Sunday. While that’s not uncommon for this type of convention, it means there’s a distinct lack of a nightlife like DragonCon and Katsucon have.
The Bandai Namco booth featured large Gundam.
The Bandai Namco booth featured large Gundam.
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There were a number of large displays from notable anime companies such as Bandai Namco, pixiv, and Viz. While not as impressive as the booths at Anime Expo, there’s clearly an industry presence and it will continue to grow in the coming years. There’s no reason why this convention couldn’t become the number two anime convention, in size at least, right behind Anime Expo.

The Cosplayers

Cosplay is of course a big part of any anime convention. There were so many amazing cosplayers at Anime NYC and I was only able to catch a small number of them. The popular series this year seemed to be Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Seven Deadly Sins, Jujustu Kaisen, and One Piece. Taking photos and video in the convention center is a little challenging because the light streams through the glass atrium. It can be both too bright and too dark at the same time. It can also be a benefit if, like me, you love lens flare. I took advantage of it a number of times by pointing my camera right into the sunlight. Thanks to everyone I met and shot with. I hope to see you again soon!
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ka0riir0" target="_blank">@ka0riir0</a> Kiwi from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
@ka0riir0 Kiwi from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamal_johns" target="_blank">@jamal_johns</a> Cyberpsycho "V" from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
@jamal_johns Cyberpsycho "V" from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sminky" target="_blank">@sminky</a> Rebecca from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
@sminky Rebecca from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/monolith_costumes" target="_blank">@monolith_costumes</a> David from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
@monolith_costumes David from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/vesleskjor_cosplay" target="_blank">@vesleskjor_cosplay</a> Evelyn Parker from Cyberpunk 2077
@vesleskjor_cosplay Evelyn Parker from Cyberpunk 2077
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/2sad2yeet" target="_blank">@2sad2yeet</a> Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
@2sad2yeet Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
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Attack on Titan
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/uleviclean" target="_blank">@uleviclean</a> Levi
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/majorshigo" target="_blank">@majorshigo</a> Mikasa
Attack on Titan @uleviclean Levi @majorshigo Mikasa
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jinxviridis" target="_blank">@jinxviridis</a> Nazuna from Call of the Night
@jinxviridis Nazuna from Call of the Night
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maruwins" target="_blank">@maruwins</a> Lulu from Final Fantasy X
@maruwins Lulu from Final Fantasy X
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/brolicpump" target="_blank">@brolicpump</a> Portgas D. Ace from One Piece
@brolicpump Portgas D. Ace from One Piece
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Neon Genesis Evangelion
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/restemployed" target="_blank">@restemployed</a> Asuka
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/not.available.no" target="_blank">@not.available.no</a> Mari
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsalicewithac" target="_blank">@itsalicewithac</a> Rei
Neon Genesis Evangelion @restemployed Asuka @not.available.no Mari @itsalicewithac Rei
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kc_cosplay" target="_blank">@kc_cosplay</a> W from Arknights
@kc_cosplay W from Arknights
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/_kellybu" target="_blank">@_kellybu</a> Daki from Demon Slayer
@_kellybu Daki from Demon Slayer
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lakota_boricua" target="_blank">@lakota_boricua</a> San from Princess Mononoke
@lakota_boricua San from Princess Mononoke
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/theinsanityproject" target="_blank">@theinsanityproject</a> Snow White from SINoALICE
@theinsanityproject Snow White from SINoALICE
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/silverr.fox" target="_blank">@silverr.fox</a> Tengen Uzui from Demon Slayer
@silverr.fox Tengen Uzui from Demon Slayer
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mcheretic" target="_blank">@mcheretic</a> Elita One - Transformers Prime version
@mcheretic Elita One - Transformers Prime version
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/juiceejuce" target="_blank">@juiceejuce</a> Bomb Devil from Chainsaw Man
@juiceejuce Bomb Devil from Chainsaw Man
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/chenyikehan" target="_blank">@chenyikehan</a> Utau Hoshina from Shugo Chara!
@chenyikehan Utau Hoshina from Shugo Chara!
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/faiththelessbian" target="_blank">@faiththelessbian</a> Elizabeth Liones from Seven Deadly Sins
@faiththelessbian Elizabeth Liones from Seven Deadly Sins
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nijbr0" target="_blank">@nijbr0</a> Saitama from One Punch Man
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/xoxokillaquinn" target="_blank">@xoxokillaquinn</a> Harley Quinn
@nijbr0 Saitama from One Punch Man @xoxokillaquinn Harley Quinn
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hippypotter" target="_blank">@hippypotter</a> Riddler
@hippypotter Riddler
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/2ouri" target="_blank">@2ouri</a> Junko Enoshima from Danganronpa
@2ouri Junko Enoshima from Danganronpa
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stickiestpurple" target="_blank">@stickiestpurple</a> Kamisato Ayaka from Genshin Impact
@stickiestpurple Kamisato Ayaka from Genshin Impact
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kawaiimayhem" target="_blank">@kawaiimayhem</a> Vampire Hunter D
@kawaiimayhem Vampire Hunter D
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/creativebaiology" target="_blank">@creativebaiology</a> Iron Sailor Moon
@creativebaiology Iron Sailor Moon
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/arabella_kat" target="_blank">@arabella_kat</a> Makima nurse version from Chainsaw Man
@arabella_kat Makima nurse version from Chainsaw Man
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/starrlegacyy" target="_blank">@starrlegacyy</a> Doctor Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog
@starrlegacyy Doctor Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/giagerardi" target="_blank">@giagerardi</a> Buggy from One Piece
@giagerardi Buggy from One Piece
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kailcarps" target="_blank">@kailcarps</a> Team Rocket from Pokemon
@kailcarps Team Rocket from Pokemon
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Shiro from Deadman Wonderland
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kikicheea" target="_blank">@kikicheea</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hanaii.mae" target="_blank">@hanaii.mae</a>
Shiro from Deadman Wonderland @kikicheea @hanaii.mae
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Winx Club
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel_chameleon" target="_blank">@reel_chameleon</a> Flora
Bloom
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/abbyandrew.yt" target="_blank">@abbyandrew.yt</a> Stella
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/issabrittanyyy" target="_blank">@issabrittanyyy</a> Aisha
Winx Club @reel_chameleon Flora Bloom @abbyandrew.yt Stella @issabrittanyyy Aisha
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/1oveward" target="_blank">@1oveward</a> Chihiro from Spirited Away
@1oveward Chihiro from Spirited Away
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mandyangg" target="_blank">@mandyangg</a> Nel Tu from Bleach
@mandyangg Nel Tu from Bleach
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/chiikachuuu" target="_blank">@chiikachuuu</a> Elaine from Seven Deadly Sins
@chiikachuuu Elaine from Seven Deadly Sins
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nnii.zzz" target="_blank">@nnii.zzz</a> Chisato from Lycoris Recoil
@nnii.zzz Chisato from Lycoris Recoil
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maruwins" target="_blank">@maruwins</a> Yennefer from The Witcher
@maruwins Yennefer from The Witcher
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/luvcoregf" target="_blank">@luvcoregf</a> Milim Nava from That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
@luvcoregf Milim Nava from That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/shio.kou" target="_blank">@shio.kou</a> Strawberry Hatsune Miku 15th anniversary
@shio.kou Strawberry Hatsune Miku 15th anniversary
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sss_fyl" target="_blank">@sss_fyl</a> Rem from Re:Zero
@sss_fyl Rem from Re:Zero
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rotten_yams" target="_blank">@rotten_yams</a> Link Royal Guard outfit from Breath of the Wild
@rotten_yams Link Royal Guard outfit from Breath of the Wild
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/faiththelessbian" target="_blank">@faiththelessbian</a> Goddess Elizabeth Liones from Seven Deadly Sins
@faiththelessbian Goddess Elizabeth Liones from Seven Deadly Sins
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tourdefussy" target="_blank">@tourdefussy</a> Gwen from League of Legends
@tourdefussy Gwen from League of Legends
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/notagainmaria" target="_blank">@notagainmaria</a> Diane from Seven Deadly Sins
@notagainmaria Diane from Seven Deadly Sins
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/haleycosplay" target="_blank">@haleycosplay</a> Elizabeth Lioness from Seven Deadly Sins
@haleycosplay Elizabeth Lioness from Seven Deadly Sins
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Shizuku Murasaki from Hunter x Hunter
Shizuku Murasaki from Hunter x Hunter
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/chiikachuuu" target="_blank">@chiikachuuu</a> Sabelye Pokemon
@chiikachuuu Sabelye Pokemon
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sailorkayla" target="_blank">@sailorkayla</a> Maka from Soul Eater
@sailorkayla Maka from Soul Eater
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cupids.u" target="_blank">@cupids.u</a> Yuno Gasai from Future Diary
@cupids.u Yuno Gasai from Future Diary
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dan0rj" target="_blank">@dan0rj</a> Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
@dan0rj Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/daisyrivana" target="_blank">@daisyrivana</a> Misa Amane from Death Note
@daisyrivana Misa Amane from Death Note
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Neon Genesis Evangelion x Joker
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/astruhfiz" target="_blank">@astruhfiz</a> Joker Asuka
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/g1n1nab1n" target="_blank">@g1n1nab1n</a> Joker Rei
Neon Genesis Evangelion x Joker @astruhfiz Joker Asuka @g1n1nab1n Joker Rei
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_annakin" target="_blank">@the_annakin</a> Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen
@the_annakin Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamkaylagreen" target="_blank">@iamkaylagreen</a> homage to magical anime girls
@iamkaylagreen homage to magical anime girls
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/keahcosplay" target="_blank">@keahcosplay</a> Sailor Moon
@keahcosplay Sailor Moon
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucyaureliawoodrow" target="_blank">@lucyaureliawoodrow</a> Haruko Haruhara from FLCL
@lucyaureliawoodrow Haruko Haruhara from FLCL
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maruwins" target="_blank">@maruwins</a> Terra Branford from Final Fantasy 6
@maruwins Terra Branford from Final Fantasy 6
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Re:Zero
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rat_with_wig" target="_blank">@rat_with_wig</a> Ram
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usagi_island" target="_blank">@usagi_island</a> Rem
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/milo_cospl" target="_blank">@milo_cospl</a> Gaara from Naruto
@milo_cospl Gaara from Naruto
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/camsc0rd" target="_blank">@camsc0rd</a> Sephiroth from Final Fantasy
@camsc0rd Sephiroth from Final Fantasy
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/willthechamp" target="_blank">@willthechamp</a> Irwin from Attack on Titan
@willthechamp Irwin from Attack on Titan
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nijbr0" target="_blank">@nijbr0</a> Lio Fotia from Promare
@nijbr0 Lio Fotia from Promare
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sparklekonplay" target="_blank">@sparklekonplay</a> Bakugo from My Hero Academia
@sparklekonplay Bakugo from My Hero Academia
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/conniezen" target="_blank">@conniezen</a> Chun Li
@conniezen Chun Li
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/uusagi_yuki" target="_blank">@uusagi_yuki</a> Girls Frontline
@uusagi_yuki Girls Frontline
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Dragonball
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mishamai" target="_blank">@mishamai</a> Chi Chi
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/neptuneexplainsitall" target="_blank">@neptuneexplainsitall</a> Bulma
Dragonball @mishamai Chi Chi @neptuneexplainsitall Bulma
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ravengriim" target="_blank">@ravengriim</a> Blair from Soul Eater
@ravengriim Blair from Soul Eater
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/luvcoregf" target="_blank">@luvcoregf</a> Marin Succubus from My Dress-up Darling
@luvcoregf Marin Succubus from My Dress-up Darling
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pikaswoosh" target="_blank">@pikaswoosh</a> Yor Forger from Spy x Family
@pikaswoosh Yor Forger from Spy x Family
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ohdangitmimi" target="_blank">@ohdangitmimi</a> Atago from Azure Lane
@ohdangitmimi Atago from Azure Lane
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/_thrillainvanilla" target="_blank">@_thrillainvanilla</a> Bowsette
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/falyn.vega" target="_blank">@falyn.vega</a> Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion
@falyn.vega Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sylentcosplay" target="_blank">@sylentcosplay</a> Marin Black Lobelia from My Dress-up Darling
@sylentcosplay Marin Black Lobelia from My Dress-up Darling
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanteese" target="_blank">@vanteese</a> Albedo from Overlord
@vanteese Albedo from Overlord
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/abbyandrew.yt" target="_blank">@abbyandrew.yt</a> Stella from Winx Club
@abbyandrew.yt Stella from Winx Club
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ssicaryry" target="_blank">@ssicaryry</a> Snow Bunny Hatsune Miku
@ssicaryry Snow Bunny Hatsune Miku
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/annalisaqiqi" target="_blank">@annalisaqiqi</a> Chi from Chobits
@annalisaqiqi Chi from Chobits
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