Anime series Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, also known by its Japanese nickname Danmachi, looks like the breakout hit of this TV season. What’s the secret to its success? Well, it could be the way it fuses video game conventions onto its fantasy setting, or the popularity pump-priming light novels and manga that preceded the animated adaptation.

Or it could be the outfit of female lead Hestia, which is inventive even by the already outlandishly sexy standards of anime costume design with its boob-lifting ribbon that’s become known as rei no himo, or “The String” among fans in Japan.

It’s already making inroads into the cosplay world, with anime shops selling replicas, or sometimes handing them out for free. So strong is The String’s appeal that it’s also serving as muse for talented otaku costume crafters, and even helping foster international friendship on the streets of Tokyo.

In case you haven’t caught an episode of Hestia’s animated adventures yet, here’s some artwork of the buxom goddess who’s too sexy for unrestrained upper body movement.

▼ She’s also too sexy for shoes, apparently.

While the dress is definitely revealing and the hair accessories charming, they’re both within the realm of what anime fans have long since grown accustomed to. What really seems to be capturing viewers’ imaginations, though, is The String, so much so that anime retailer Lashinbang’s Akihabara branch recently sent out an official tweet informing cosplay enthusiasts that the store is now stocked with blue ribbons.

▼ There’s even some impressive trick perspective employed in the sales display.

Alternatively, you could save your cash and head over to Melon Books, another anime specialty store in Akihabara, which is giving them away for free.

▼ Sign: Complimentary Hestia ribbons

But the ribbon is only one part of Hestia’s outfit. What about the dress, hair accessories, and gloves?

No problem! Costumer creator and Twitter user Namechiru has got you covered.

Of course, there’s still the matter of reproducing Hestia’s ample bust. Once again, though, Namechiru is ready with a solution, seeing as how this is the same otaku artist behind the breast-equipped cosplay breastplate we’ve talked about before, Namechiru simply made a Hestia version.

With this, Namechiru boasts that everyone, whether busty or not, can cosplay as Hestia. Purists might be saddened to know that the ribbon doesn’t actually lift up the breasts, which are made of a mix of urethane, sponge, and tricot. Then again, it’s sort of debatable just how functional The String was in the first place. On the plus side the ribbon in Namechiru’s costume, which will eventually be made available through the designer’s website, is made of sturdy, enamel-treated material.

Still, more so than any other part of the costume, it’s the cord that’s really struck a chord with fans. As a matter of fact, The String is even helping to bring about spontaneous moments of international friendship.

Japanese Twitter user Rontao recently went out for a stroll in Akihabara, carrying with him an enormous supply of Hestia ribbons.

As otaku culture gains a foothold overseas, more and more travelers from abroad are adding a visit to Akihabara to their itinerary. Rontao passed by a group of visiting foreign tourists, who immediately and excitedly reacted to his stock of Strings.

“I don’t really understand English, but I heard them say ‘Yes! Hestia Hestia!!’ I gave them some ribbons, and they were so happy. We gave each other high-fives before we went our separate ways.”

It’s sort of a touching moment, and we’re sure that Rontao’s contribution to better relations between different peoples made his dinner taste all the more delicious.

Sources: Jin (1, 2), Kai-You

Top image: Twitter (1, 2, 3) (edited by RocketNews24)

Insert images: Danmachi official website, Twitter (edited by RocketNews24)