Our contributor connected with Hamu Cotton, a Southern California-based cosplay performer, influencer, and music artist originally from Japan, at Anime Expo 2026.
Anime Expo 2026 and the World of Hamu Cotton
Michael: Congratulations on appearing again at Anime Expo! How has your Anime Expo experience been so far this year?
Hamu Cotton: Thank you! It has been amazing so far! I was able to explore around and it’s been exciting since we have a new layout! I always love experiencing all the interactive booths and meeting friends and fans that I only get to see once a year at Anime Expo!
Michael: For anyone who may not be familiar, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your artist concept?
Hamu Cotton: Yes of course! My name is Hamu Cotton and I am a cosplay performer and content creator! My name Hamu comes from Hamster because I love hamsters, and Cotton comes from fluffy clouds because I love blue skies! And the stars that shine bright amongst the blue sky are Hamustars, who are my fans that have supported me to make my dreams come true. Hamustars and I have been spreading Hamu Energy in our journey with the hope to bring positivity and joy to the community! My goal is to create a safe space where we can freely express our love and passion for our hobbies, which are the events I host called HamuFest!
From Anime Inspiration to Performance
Michael: What inspired you to pursue cosplay and J-pop artist activities?
Hamu Cotton: I definitely started with Kpop, but anime stage plays and seiyuu concerts were my inspiration for cosplay performances! I was so shocked when I found out about these, because I didn’t know it was possible to do so many activities with the 2D anime concept!
Michael: Could you please tell us about your activities so far, including any highlights you’d like to mention?
Hamu Cotton: Yes! Some of my activities are performing or guesting at events in different states and countries, as well as creating stage plays and hosting events! I have also had amazing opportunities to collaborate with seiyuus, anime music producers and artists, I also filmed a music video with a team in Japan! Some highlights are Oshi no Ko Stage, HamuFest in Japan, and my original song “Hamu Energy”!
Michael: How did you become interested in Japanese otaku culture generally and idol/dance/cosplay culture specifically?
Hamu Cotton: I initially did Kpop dance covers as a hobby, but one day I saw a clip of anime stage play on social media and I loved seeing all the creative ways to bring 2D concepts into real life. From there I also found out about seiyuus’ activities and I had no choice but to begin watching anime and got more inspiration to cosplay and perform!
Michael: What are some of your favorite anime and manga?
Hamu Cotton: My favorite anime are Death Parade and Charlotte! My favorite manga are Ouran High School Host Club and Ranma 1/2!
Upcoming Projects and Sharing Hamu Energy
Michael: Are there any upcoming plans/projects you’d like to share?
Hamu Cotton: Yes! I am currently planning two HamuFests, one in Los Angeles on September 12th and another one in Tokyo on October 8th! I am also producing a Tamon’s B-Side performance by F/ACE which will be performed on August 22nd at Anime Impulse!
Michael: Where can people find you on social media?
Hamu Cotton: You can find me on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X! My username is the same on all of the platforms which is @hamu_cotton!
Michael: Is there a comment or message you’d like to deliver directly to the Anime Diet audience?
Hamu Cotton: Thank you so much for your time reading this and I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about this hamster! I would like to invite you to Hamu and Hamustars’ journey to continue expressing our passion and love for our hobbies! And maybe hopefully I’ll get to perform at a local con near you to charge your Hamu Energy☆~!!
