Animation

This Cosplay Convinces Us DRAGON BALL’s Master Roshi is Real

by Amy Ratcliffe
Aug 16 2017 • 3:00 PM

When you’re a bodybuilder on the level of Taichi ShimizuOpens in a new tab, some costume opportunities are just meant for you. The muscles means Shimizu can bring fictional characters with seemingly improbable physiques to life — characters like Max Power Master Roshi from Dragon BallOpens in a new tab. KotakuOpens in a new tab pointed out the jaw-dropping costume, and we’re in awe.

It looks like Roshi walked off the screen and into a convention!

https://twitter.com/OmaxDqx/status/896701062563770371

https://twitter.com/adventure_tm/status/896689670276259840

Shimizu, a regular cosplayerOpens in a new tab who’s previously transformed into Zangief from Street FighterOpens in a new tab and Dragon Ball‘s Nappa, debuted his fierce Roshi at the August edition of the Japanese convention Comiket, which, by the way, attracts over half a million attendees. And you thought San Diego Comic-ConOpens in a new tab was nuts.

He braved the heat and posed for picture after picture with other cosplayers (including the more commonly seen version of Roshi) and was poised for attack.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, this obviously counts as a costume. Shimizu isn’t only showing up with his muscles. He donned Roshi’s iconic white beard and is wearing blue pants to match those worn by Max Power Roshi. Shimizu even went the extra mile and shaved his eyebrows to make room for Roshi’s.

Yeah, that’s dedication. But for someone who has worked hard to sculpt his body into this form and put the time in to place high in bodybuilding championships, dedication isn’t unknown territory. Follow Shimizu on TwitterOpens in a new tab and InstagramOpens in a new tab to see more of his cosplay and his bodybuilding.

Featured Image: @adventure_tmOpens in a new tab

How long does it really take to charge a spirit bomb?

[brightcove video_id=”5536665754001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=”rJs2ZD8x”]