Do you surf the Web for pics of the best cosplayers in the world? Do you consider yourself an otaku? If so, then you've probably seen Shoko Nakagawa and may even look up to her as your idol. This year, at Anime Expo 2008, you have a chance of seeing her perform live at the July 3-6 convention. You can listen to her as she sings the theme songs from Eyeshield 21, Hakaba Kitarō, Yoshimune, and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and her hit version of the song "½" (the first theme song to Ruroni Kenshin) live in Los Angeles. She might even show up in some of her cosplay outfits.

For those of you who do not know who Shoko Nakagawa is (real name: Shiyouko Nakagawa), this woman is one of the most famous otakus in Japan. She is a model, an actress, a cosplayer, an artist, and a singer enjoying a very strong career. Of course having a father like Katsuhiko Nakagawa, the Japanese David Bowie, does help her popularity.

Describing in words how good she is at cosplaying or how knowledgeable she is about anime and manga is insufficient so it is best just to Google or wiki-search her name. Better yet, search on YouTube for her variety shows, music videos (especially her music video "½") and her participations in the World Cosplay Summit. If you can read Japanese, check out her famous blog, which can be found here. And even if you can’t read Japanese you can check out her latest artwork or cat pictures, whichever you prefer. Also make sure to check out her pink nunchuks, her tribute to one of her idols, Bruce Lee.

If you have ever thought of yourself as an otaku, it doesn't hurt to see how someone has not only profited off of their hobby, but also is celebrated as one of the best.

Source: Anime News Network