Mark your calendars, Trainers — Pokémon Center SINGAPORE reopens at Jewel Changi Airport on 1 July 2026, and it is coming back as the first Pokémon Center store outside Japan to get a full-scale redesign.
Image courtesy of Pokémon Center Singapore
Pokémon Center Singapore reopens at Jewel Changi Airport
After closing in April for reconstruction, the store returns to its home at Jewel Changi Airport (#04-201/202/203, 78 Airport Boulevard), open daily from 10am to 10pm. It is not just a fresh coat of paint either — Pokémon Singapore is billing this as the first full-scale renovation of any Pokémon Center outside Japan, with an interior reimagined around Singapore’s culture and heritage.
Solgaleo takes over as the new store symbol
The biggest change is the new face of the store. The Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo becomes the official symbol of Pokémon Center SINGAPORE, appearing on the new logo and façade — its sun-like mane greeting visitors at the entrance, alongside Pikachu, in a display designed to evoke the Singapore skyline. Managing Director Shunsuke Sasaki said the team wanted the store “to be more deeply rooted in Singapore.”
Image courtesy of Pokémon Center Singapore
20 Singapore-exclusive products, kopi and all
This is where local fans will want to pay attention. A total of 20 new products have been designed specifically for the Singapore store, with the first 12 launching at the grand reopening and a second wave arriving in August. Opening-day items include Solgaleo and Pikachu plushes, a kopi cup-and-saucer set, sticker sets and magnets, with the August drop adding a Pikachu-and-kopi bag charm. Yes, the local touches are very on-theme.
Image courtesy of Pokémon Center Singapore
A new event space for tournaments
The revamp also adds a dedicated event space at the back of the store, fitted with a large-format monitor for activities spanning the Pokémon video games, the Trading Card Game and app-based gaming. It is a clear signal that the new store wants to be a community hangout, not just a retail stop.
How to get in during the first five days
Demand is expected to be intense, so a special admission system runs from 1 to 5 July 2026:
10am – 1pm: Entry by advance reservation through the Store Visit Application.
1pm onwards: Same-day queue entry tickets, handed out from 8:30am on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
Check the official Pokémon Center SINGAPORE channels closer to the date for reservation details.
What this means for Singapore gamers
Getting the first major Pokémon Center redesign outside Japan — complete with a Solgaleo logo and durian-and-kopi flavoured exclusives — is a real nod to how strong the Pokémon community is here. Whether you are hunting the launch plushes or just want to see the new Jewel façade, 1 July is the date to plan around. For more launches and meetups, keep an eye on our events coverage.
After a record-shattering 73 million votes from fans around the world, Crunchyroll has named My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON the Anime of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The top honour was revealed in Tokyo on 23 May, and in a fitting moment for anime’s biggest night, it was handed out by global superstar — and long-time anime fan — The Weeknd.
My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON director Kenji Nagasaki accepts Anime of the Year in Tokyo.
This year’s ceremony was a milestone in its own right: the tenth edition of the Anime Awards, staged at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa with returning hosts Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira back for their fourth year. A decade in, the awards have grown from a niche fan event into a genuinely global celebration, and the 2026 vote tally proves it.
Deku’s send-off takes the top prize
There’s a poetic symmetry to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON claiming the night’s biggest award. The series wraps up a story that has defined a generation of shounen fans, and the win doubles as a farewell to one of the most beloved anime of the past decade. Class 1-A didn’t leave empty-handed elsewhere either — Katsuki Bakugo took Best Supporting Character, and the season’s emotional ending theme, “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN, won Best Ending Sequence. Rock band PORNOGRAFFITTI even performed live in honour of the franchise’s 10th anniversary and its conclusion.
My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON also took Best Ending Sequence.
The other big winners
While Deku’s finale led the headlines, the spread of awards showed just how strong this past year of anime really was.
Film of the Year went to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which also picked up Best Score.
ONE PIECE continued its unstoppable run with Best Continuing Series.
Newcomer Gachiakuta swept the technical categories, taking Best New Series, Best Background Art, and Best Character Design.
The Apothecary Diaries (season 2) was the night’s quiet powerhouse, winning Best Drama, Best Director, and Best Main Character for the brilliant Maomao.
DAN DA DAN Season 2 landed Best Comedy, Solo Leveling Season 2 took both Best Action and Best Animation, and SPY x FAMILY Season 3 earned Best Slice of Life — with Anya Forger predictably winning “Must Protect At All Cost” Character.
A decade celebrated in music
The tenth anniversary leaned hard into nostalgia, and the live performances were a love letter to anime history. DEAN FUJIOKA opened with “History Maker” from Yuri!!! on ICE — the very first Anime of the Year winner. Yoko Takahashi delivered a 30th anniversary tribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion with the iconic “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” and ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION performed “Haruka Kanata,” the legendary second opening to NARUTO.
PORNOGRAFFITTI perform a tribute to My Hero Academia’s 10th anniversary and finale.
The presenter line-up was just as star-studded, bringing together a global mix of celebrity anime fans including BamBam, TEN, RZA, Winston Duke, Young Miko, Rashmika Mandanna, and cosplay icon Enako.
Global Impact Award: Tatsuya Nagamine
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the Global Impact Award presented to director Tatsuya Nagamine, whose work spans Ojamajo Doremi, PreCure, Dragon Ball Super, and ONE PIECE. With the director unable to attend, animator Masayuki Sato — a long-time collaborator and friend — accepted the award on his behalf.
Anime’s global reach keeps growing
That record 73 million votes didn’t come from any single region. The five most engaged voting countries this year were Brazil, Germany, India, Mexico, and the United States — a reminder that anime fandom is now truly worldwide, with fans here in Singapore very much part of that wave.
2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards — full winners list
Anime of the Year — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
Film of the Year — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Best Original Anime — Lazarus
Best Continuing Series — ONE PIECE
Best New Series — Gachiakuta
Best Opening Sequence — “On The Way” by AiNA THE END — DAN DA DAN Season 2
Best Ending Sequence — “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
Best Action — Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
Best Comedy — DAN DA DAN Season 2
Best Drama — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Isekai Anime — Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3
Best Romance — The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
Best Slice of Life — SPY x FAMILY Season 3
Best Animation — Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
Best Background Art — Gachiakuta
Best Character Design — Gachiakuta
Best Director — Akinori Fudesaka, Norihiro Naganuma — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Main Character — Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Supporting Character — Katsuki Bakugo — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
“Must Protect At All Cost” Character — Anya Forger — SPY x FAMILY Season 3
Best Anime Song — “IRIS OUT” by Kenshi Yonezu — Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Best Score — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle — Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina
Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese) — Aoi Yuki as Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Voice Artist Performance (English) — Lucien Dodge as Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
The full tenth annual Anime Awards, complete with exclusive content, will be available to stream on Crunchyroll and its YouTube channel shortly.
Which win were you cheering for? Whether you’re team Deku, Maomao, or Anya, drop by GameTrader.SG to gear up on the merch, games, and collectibles behind your favourite series.
K!DZ Pop Con Asia 2026 Is Coming — And It Looks Like the Best One Yet
Bluey, Toy Story 5, bouncing castles, lightsabers & more — two massive days for Singapore kids and families
📅 23–24 MAY 2026 | 📍 SANDS EXPO & CONVENTION CENTRE, LEVEL 1
If you have a child who loves characters, bouncy castles, arts, crafts, or martial arts — clear your May 23–24 weekend. K!DZ Pop Con Asia is back at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, and the 2026 line-up is genuinely stacked.
After a successful run last year, Singapore’s biggest family-focused pop culture convention returns for two action-packed days. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and with Mediacorp as Official Media, this year’s event is bigger in scope — anchored by the Singapore debut of Bluey as Official IP, a Toy Story 5 tie-in, live stage performances, martial arts showcases, and a dedicated zone of inflatable madness. Here’s everything you need to know.
🐾 Bluey Makes Her K!DZ Pop Con Debut
This is the headliner families have been waiting for. Bluey is stepping off the screen and into Sands Expo for the very first time, bringing along Bingo and all the warmth and playfulness that has made the Australian animated series a global phenomenon.
Here’s what the Bluey zone has in store:
Bluey Live Experience — a live stage show featuring screenings of beloved episodes
Meet & Greet — get up close with Bluey and Bingo mascots in person
Singapore’s biggest Bluey inflatable playground — enough said
Colouring activities and an art wall for young creatives
Official Bluey books and toys available for purchase
For parents who have watched more Bluey episodes than they care to admit, this is the rare chance to see your child’s face light up at a full-scale real-world experience.
🚀 To Infinity and Beyond — Toy Story 5 Comes to Life
With Toy Story 5 hitting cinemas on 18 June 2026, K!DZ Pop Con is the perfect warm-up act. The dedicated booth lets kids and families:
Make their own Forky — the beloved arts-and-crafts character returns
Try their hand at Toy Story 5-themed sand art
Step into Buzz Lightyear’s packaging for a photo opportunity
Stand a chance to win special movie premiums
Whether your family is die-hard Toy Story fans or just excited for the new film, this is a fun way to build up the anticipation before it opens in theatres.
🎪 Bouncing Castles Zone — The Classic Returns
Back by popular demand, the Baby Shark bouncing castles are making a return, joined this year by a Bluey inflatable and a full range from Smigy. The Bouncing Castles Zone is always one of the most chaotic (in the best possible way) corners of the event — expect kids to refuse to leave.
Note that inflatable access requires the All Access Pass — the basic entry ticket does not include bouncing castles, so plan accordingly.
🥋 Martial Arts on the Main Stage
Sabertooth Taekwondo brings a high-energy stage showcase complete with demonstrations and a Taekwondo dance segment. They’ll also be running hands-on activities at their booth. Better yet, every ticket holder is entitled to a free trial class worth $50 — just WhatsApp +65 9488 4115 quoting “Kidz Pop Con” to reserve your spot.
Aikido Shinju-Kai offers something a bit different: interactive Aikido sessions blending practical self-defence techniques with games and prizes. Certified instructors lead beginner-friendly workshops teaching focus, confidence, and conflict resolution without aggression. Ticket holders also get a free Aikido trial lesson worth $29.
Both programmes are genuinely well-suited for primary-school-age kids and a great way to test the waters before committing to a regular class.
⚔️ Build Your Own Lightsaber — SaberMach Workshop
One of the coolest hands-on activities at K!DZ Pop Con Asia this year is the SaberMach Saber Building Workshop. Participants get to assemble their own custom illuminated saber from scratch — a genuinely impressive keepsake that any kid (or adult) will love. If you’ve ever visited the similar experience at certain theme parks and balked at the price, this is worth checking out.
🎨 HiArt — For the Creative Kids
HiArt brings a dedicated art zone featuring interactive storytelling workshops, guided art classes, a live creation contest, and an art competition. Whether your child is a budding Picasso or simply loves getting paint on their hands, this zone offers a genuinely enriching creative experience in the middle of all the excitement.
📚 NTUC First Campus — Learning Through Play
Strategic Partner NTUC First Campus will be showcasing hands-on learning experiences across booths from My First Skool, Little Skool-House, Changemakers Explorer, and Outdoor School Singapore. Expect digital discovery activities, language-rich drama, nature-inspired crafts, and problem-solving challenges — all designed to make learning feel like play.
🧜 Syrena Singapore Mermaid — An Enchanting Appearance
Adding a touch of magic to the line-up, the Syrena Singapore Mermaid and her pod will be making special appearances for meet-and-greet sessions and interactive activities. A memorable moment for younger children especially.
🌟 K!DZ Cosplay Competition
Happening on Sunday, 24 May at 3PM on the Main Stage, the K!DZ Cosplay Competition is open to ticket holders, with shortlisted participants notified ahead of the event. Come dressed as your favourite character for a chance to win attractive prizes.
1x Free Aikido Shinju-Kai trial lesson (worth $29) — redeem at the Aikido booth
1x Free Sabertooth Taekwondo trial lesson (worth $50) — WhatsApp +65 9488 4115 to book
Admission notes: Free entry for infants-in-arms and children under 2. Children aged 2–12 require a ticket. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult (12+).
K!DZ Pop Con Asia has grown into one of Singapore’s best family event weekends, and 2026 looks like the strongest edition yet. The Bluey debut alone will draw enormous crowds — and between the Toy Story 5 tie-in, lightsaber building, martial arts trials, and the biggest bouncing castle zone in Singapore, there really is something for every age group.
If you have primary-school-age kids, this is comfortably one of the top family outings of the year. Grab the Family All Access Pass for the best value, show up early to beat queues at the Bluey zone, and factor in the free martial arts trial perks — that alone more than covers the cost of a ticket.
K!DZ Pop Con Asia 2026 23–24 May 2026 | Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1 🌐 www.kidzpopconasia.com | Tickets: SISTIC
