We would gladly take more of this Gladiolus cosplay!
They say the best things are worth waiting for, and that seems to be the case with the finally released video game Final Fantasy XV. It took 10 long years for this game to go from sidekick game to stand alone series, and artists and cosplayers alike are already showing their appreciation for the long-awaited installment in the fantasy series, though one cosplayer might be the king of them all.
▼ Metaphorically speaking of course since Noctis is actually royalty.
Cosplayer Leon Chiro has been working his costuming magic in Europe for a number of years, but his rendition of Gladiolus, brother-like-friend of Noctis, has been deservedly applauded due to his uncanny representation of the character.
▼ Rippling muscles, not a result of makeup.
▼ Very solid reproduction of the character.
▼ It’s getting hot in here, so time for a steamy photoshoot!
▼ Yeah, this work probably deserves a fist bump.
From the clothing to the general look, all the elements of Gladiolus are beautifully crafted. You can see the same level of detailed work in Leon’s other cosplay projects which include characters from Resident Evil, Devil May Cry and other Final Fantasy installments.
▼ Snow from Final Fantasy XIII.
▼ Leon from Resident Evil.
▼ Dante from Devil May Cry 3.
Leon Chiro has been asked to use his costume in a promotional video project that will celebrate the release of the first downloadable story content for Final Fantasy VX called Gladio. With that in mind, there are bound to be more photoshoots and appearances at events where he will don his Gladiolus skin, so be sure to check his Facebook page with the most up-to-date information.
Now if we could just convince Square Enix to have Leon star in the upcoming Final Fantasy XV anime series and movie….
Source, images: Facebook/Leon Chiro Cosplay Art

Final Fantasy XV cosplayers go off-road, level-up at real-life haven camp 【Photos】
Final Fantasy XIII screenshot or cosplay? We’re still not sure! 【Photos】
Final Fantasy XV’s latest playable demo is full of hilariously terrifying bugs【Photos, videos】
Here they are: The absolute best Final Fantasy X cosplay photos anyone’s ever taken【Photos】
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki releases new artworks, still wants to make movies
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says