五條新菜的成長軌跡:從陰影中的人偶師到被Cosplay點亮的溫暖少年
In the anime "My Dress-Up Darling," the male protagonist, Wakana Gojo, is deeply loved by a wide audience for his introverted, gentle, yet immensely passionate image towards crafting Hina dolls. His life experiences are full of twists and turns, especially his journey of emerging from childhood shadows and ultimately finding himself and a sense of belonging in the world of Cosplay, which serves as the core theme running through the story.
I. Childhood Shadows and the Lonely Path of a Craftsman

Wakana Gojo's unique experiences began with his family background. He lost both parents at a young age and has been living with his grandfather, Kaoru Gojo, who runs a Hina doll shop. Influenced by his grandfather, Gojo developed a deep interest in making Hina dolls, especially the doll heads ("Kashira-shi"), from a young age and regarded it as his dream. He has always been very serious and strives to do everything to the best of his ability.
However, this passion left a deep scar on his childhood. When he was young, he once shared his love for Hina dolls with a close childhood friend, but was laughed at, called "gross," and had his hobby denied. This experience cast a shadow over Gojo's heart, causing him to become extremely insecure, poor at expressing himself, and even overly polite and reserved around girls his age. From then on, he kept this interest hidden deep in his heart, avoided forming deep social connections with others, had almost no friends at school, and was always quietly alone.
II. The Encounter with Marin Kitagawa: The Turning Point That Broke the Loneliness

Gojo's lonely and repressed life was completely changed one day by an "accident." Because the sewing machine at home was broken, Gojo secretly used the school's home economics classroom to sew doll clothes, but was discovered by his popular classmate, Marin Kitagawa. Kitagawa, a glamorous gyaru and magazine model, is also an "otaku" who loves anime and Cosplay.
To Gojo's surprise, Kitagawa not only didn't laugh at his interest but instead marveled at the doll head he made and affirmed his craftsmanship. This was the first time Gojo felt his interest was validated. He was deeply attracted by Kitagawa's unreserved, direct, and open attitude in expressing her likes. Inspired by Kitagawa's passion, Gojo agreed to her request to make Cosplay costumes for her, thus stepping into the new world of Cosplay.
III. Growth and Transformation in the World of Cosplay

The process of making Cosplay costumes for Kitagawa became the most crucial experience for Wakana Gojo's personal growth.
- Extension and Refinement of Skill: Gojo possessed excellent sewing skills from a young age, honed from making doll clothes. When making costumes for Cosplayers, he demonstrated ultimate craftsman spirit, meticulously researching the original work's details, drawing three-view diagrams, strictly controlling fabric selection and the sewing process, and striving for perfect character reproduction. To complete tasks, he would even work through the night, showing strong pragmatism and execution. He not only learned costume making but also learned makeup and various styling techniques by helping Kitagawa.
- Overcoming Social Barriers: Due to his childhood trauma, Gojo spent a long time in loneliness and insecurity, poor at communicating with others. But through his interactions with Kitagawa, he was gradually influenced by her sincerity and confidence. Kitagawa not only affirmed his talent but also encouraged him to bravely express himself. By making costumes for Kitagawa and later for Cosplayers like Sajuna and Shinju Inui, Gojo's social circle gradually expanded. He began to get familiar with classmates and even participated in social activities together. These experiences of constantly stepping out of his "comfort zone" helped him transform from an overly cautious boy who couldn't say no to others into someone more confident and able to express himself freely.
- Emotional Sublimation and Realization of Self-Worth: Gojo's relationship with Kitagawa was not just a partnership; a deep bond formed through their collaborative creative process, gradually evolving from friendship to love. Kitagawa's affirmation and trust in him helped him overcome the "conflict between introversion and insecurity." Through his efforts "for others," he found a new way to realize his value. His hard work was no longer just for refining his skills but also for making those who love Cosplay happy. This spirit of dedication for others also made him an "ideal boyfriend" figure in the hearts of fans.
Conclusion: A Life Breaking Free from Shadows and Blooming with Color
Wakana Gojo's experience is a moving story about growth, overcoming trauma, and finding oneself. From a Hina doll craftsman who closed himself off due to childhood trauma to a Cosplay costume maker who can add color to others' dreams and bravely face the world, every step of his journey is filled with challenges and emotion. Through his encounter with Marin Kitagawa and his practice in the world of Cosplay, Gojo not only refined his skills but, more importantly, broke free from the shadows in his heart, learned to accept himself, and ultimately found his own shining path. His story proves that as long as one dares to try, even the most trivial passion can light up an extraordinary life.
Browse now My Dress-Up Darling merchandise