Much has been said about Hakken, the globally recognised cosplayer with an impressive following of 3.8 million (and counting) on Instagram. Yet, a lot remains shrouded in mystery—a deliberate choice made by the individual themselves. Evoking the versatility of a chameleon, Hakken seamlessly transforms into various beloved characters for a living, embodying the likes of Zhongli from Genshin Impact to Itachi Uchiha from Naruto, and many more, viewing themselves as a living canvas of art.
However, beyond this facade lie many untold stories waiting to be discovered, as we find at our cover shoot in Milan. Hakken exudes an air of unruffled composure, remaining calm, collected and unfazed by a demanding schedule. Despite travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore for a brief photo shoot before jetting off to Milan for Fashion Week—all in a span of 24 hours—Hakken maintains their poise. Within a few hours of their arrival in the fashion capital, we promptly conduct our photo shoot with a full Italian production crew against the backdrop of Milan's contemporary buildings. "Don't worry, I can do this," reassures Hakken when I express concern.
Hakken stands as a departure from the faces typically seen in the Malaysian fashion circle. They possess a subtle yet commanding presence that warrants a second look despite their reserved, quiet nature. With sharp facial features blurring the boundaries of femininity and masculinity, Hakken presents a gender-neutral image that fascinates observers. Operating under a singular name, their journey to fame began with a hobby in cosplay at the age of 12 in Miri, Sarawak, and subsequently, diligent hard work, which has garnered them recognition. Today, at 26 years old, Hakken has blossomed into a promising style star. This transformation is hardly surprising, given the parallel roles that cosplaying and fashion play.
As a private and guarded individual, it's initially challenging to decipher Hakken's thoughts and personality upon first meeting. However, as the evening unfolds, they visibly loosen up, emanating a warmth that invites conversation. With their walls gradually lowering, aided by a glass of wine or two, we delve into discussions about their favourite places, passion for fashion, and personal successes, revealing the depth of the person behind the multifaceted personas.
Given their profound affinity for cosplaying—a phenomenon with substantial influence, particularly in Japan—it's hardly unexpected that Hakken has cultivated a deep love for the country and its culture. Notably, just last year, Hakken was appointed as a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador for Malaysia, entrusted with the responsibility of showcasing the city's diverse charms.
Aptly enough, one of their most-liked Instagram posts, proudly pinned on their profile and amassing 1.3 million likes, sees them in Tokyo at night overlooking the cityscape. Expressing their love for Japan, Hakken remarks, "There's nowhere quite like it. I love the fast-paced city life in Tokyo, the modernity, technology, and overall, the unique vibe it exudes," encapsulating the charm and distinct character that makes the city truly one-of-a-kind. Delving deeper into personal experiences, Hakken eagerly shares thoughts on their favourite destinations within Tokyo.
But what about when it's time to truly unwind? "For a bit of fun, I love going to DisneySea. I mean, who can resist?" It's heartening to discover that, beneath their composed exterior, Hakken harbours an inner sense of childlike joy—a sentiment shared by many of us.