The cosplay community is no stranger to commission horror stories – from delayed deliveries and shoddy craftsmanship to props that look absolutely nothing like the reference images. But a recent incident lighting up X (formerly Twitter) in Japan has left many fellow cosplayers absolutely heartbroken.
Japanese cosplayer Hoshino Haruka (@seiya_gio_dio) recently shared the colossal disappointment of a custom-made giant sword prop. The final product was so far from her expectations that she couldn't help but vent: "To think I waited over half a year and spent 50,000 JPY, only to receive something of this quality... I just can't accept it. I'm practically in tears."
From a distance, the weapon *sort of* had the right silhouette. But get up close, and it was a whole different story. The cuts were rough, the seams were poorly glued, the paint job was a mess, and the edges looked completely unfinished. Some parts even gave off serious "cardboard cutout" vibes.
▼The prop the cosplayer received for 50,000 JPY (approximately $320 USD)...
Netizens didn't hold back their reactions, with many quick to roast the prop: "Over half a year for this? And 50,000 JPY is insane!" "My elementary school art projects looked better." Some even wondered, "Is this a joke? Did a kid make this for a meme?"
Hoshino later reflected on her own eagerness. She had desperately wanted this particular sword prop but knew she couldn't make it herself. When a vendor actually agreed to take the commission, she admitted, "I was so happy, thinking, 'Finally, someone will make it!'" and jumped right into the order.
To truly gauge the prop's... *uniqueness*, Hoshino even had her husband check it out when he got home. His verdict? A brutal, "I wouldn't buy this even for 3,000 JPY."
Thankfully, the story has a somewhat happier ending. Hoshino managed to contact the vendor, who offered a half-refund, which she accepted. It brings a close to what was undoubtedly a frustrating ordeal. After all, waiting half a year and shelling out 50,000 JPY for a prop that looks like a school project would make anyone want to cry!