Cosplayers of the Embracing Star Alliance pose for a group photo. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

At the just-concluded 21st China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF) in Hangzhou, a group of special cosplayers, consisting of four visually impaired individuals and three physically disabled persons, interpreted beloved characters in a unique way. The group has chosen a name full of warmth — Embracing Star Alliance.

Playing the character Aobing from the animated blockbuster Nezha 2, visually impaired cosplayer Yin Jun, standing close to 1.9 meters tall, donned a flowing blue and white robe, adding a unique touch to the character despite his visual limitations.

"For the visually impaired, finding things is difficult," Yin said, while expressing gratitude for the wonderful sense of connection the festival offered.

Another visually impaired cosplayer in the team, known as Chen An, chose to portray Ye Xiu from The King's Avatar — a character she loves but cannot see. "I can hardly see anything," Chen said. "If you truly love a character, hearing, touch and memory can all help you construct their image."

In 2012, when Zhou Qin first participated in the CICAF, she hid her abnormal right arm in her clothes. "Can disabled individuals cosplay?" This question turned into a reality this year as she cosplayed Rei Ayanami from the Japanese anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. She said, "Only by bravely trying can one find their own path."

A volunteer puts up makeup for Yin Jun, who cosplays Aobing at the event. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]