Event

Get Ready for the Ultimate Anime Extravaganza: Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2023!

Leave a comment

Hey there, fellow anime enthusiasts and fans of Japanese pop culture! If you’ve been counting down the days, here’s some exciting news for you – Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2023, also known as #AFASG23, is coming back to the Suntec Singapore Convention Centre from the 24th to the 26th of November, and it’s going to be a spectacular ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games) extravaganza like never before!

From humble beginnings in 2008 with just 30,000 attendees, Anime Festival Asia has grown fivefold, hosting a whopping 145,000 attendees in 2022. It’s clear that anime has transcended niche interests to become a mainstream sensation. And in 2023, the festival is all set to return to its pre-COVID glory, promising the most popular and trending content in the market right now. Get ready to celebrate 15 incredible years of Anime Festival Asia!

Now, let’s dive into the highlights of this year’s event:

Three Star-Studded Nights of Concert Entertainment

From the 24th to the 26th of November, music and anime fans are in for a treat with three nights of entertainment featuring over 20 incredible artists and groups. Tickets are selling like hotcakes, with 25th November’s AFA x hololiveMeet already sold out, but you can still snag a few tickets for AFA x I LOVE ANISONG on 24th November and AFA x SACRA MUSIC FES. on 26th November.

Highlights of the AFA Night Concerts include:

  • 24th November: I Love Anisong featuring artists like ASTERISM, Liyuu, May’n, NANO, Survive Said The Prophet, and Tatsuya Kitani.
  • 25th November: hololive Meet, featuring a star-studded lineup with the likes of Sakura Miko, Hoshimachi Suisei, Ayunda Risu, and many more.
  • 26th November: SACRA MUSIC FES. with artistes like FLOW, ASCA, and a special appearance by Nami Tamaki.

And if you were hoping for a VIP experience, sorry to break the news, but the 3-Day VIP Ticket Packages are already sold out. But fear not; there’s still so much more to look forward to!

Special Collaborations

This year’s festival brings a series of special collaborations that are sure to get your heart racing:

  • Bushiroad Expo Asia 2023: Get ready for trading card game tournaments, The Bushiroad Championship Series 2023 Regional Championship, and Shadowverse: Evolve World Invitational 2023 Regional Qualifier. And if you’re new to these games, there are merchandise sales, video game demos, and teaching sessions to help you learn the ropes. Plus, the Japanese women’s professional wrestling group, STARDOM, is set to appear as part of the Bushiroad Expo.
  • Ultraman: Brought to you by Tsuburaya Productions, enjoy Ultraman appearances, live stage performances, and booth activities. And you won’t want to miss the life-sized Gomora inflatable only at AFASG23. You can even be the first to play the Ultraman Card Game and get exclusive PR cards!

Day Stage Highlights

The AFA Day Stage, at Hall 406, will be home to a series of screenings, guest talk shows, and more over 24th to 26th November. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

  • 24th November: Special premieres of “Chained Soldier” and “Tales of Wedding Rings,” with special guests Iori Moe and Shigure Ui.
  • 25th November: Seiyuus Ai Kayano, Yumi Uchiyama, and Sumire Uesaka will share their thoughts on the Day Stage.
  • 26th November: Seiyuu Soma Saito will be a special guest, and MAPPA will have special guests like Manabu Otsuka, Yuichiro Hayashi, and Mari Okada. Plus, the Cardfight!! Vanguard Talk Stage will feature more exciting guests.

Exhibition: Akiba Town

Get your wallets ready because Akiba Town is the place to be for shopping galore! With over 70 exhibitors showcasing their latest merchandise, some of which are exclusive to the festival, you’re in for a real treat.

Highlights include:

  • HoYo FEST 2023: Online and offline events, exclusive merchandise, prizes, and live stage interactions. Take part in web sharing events for in-game rewards and physical prizes.
  • Kotobukiya Store: Celebrating its 70th Anniversary, Kotobukiya will bring exclusives like “TRANSFORMERS NEMESIS PRIME LIMITED EDITION BISHOUJO STATUE” and “DARKSTALKERS MORRIGAN LIMITED EDITION BISHOUJO STATUE.”
  • Lead Inc.: They’re back with their line of cat plush toys, including gigantic 120-cm plush toys.
  • MEDIA LINK: Exclusive merchandise from popular anime like “Oshi no Ko,” “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury,” and “Chainsaw Man.” Plus, special anime Grab Bags from Muse Communication.
  • RURUSAMA: Content creator/cosplayer is back with her own merchandise and her BIGGEST booth yet.

Exhibition: Akiba Stage

Housed inside the exhibition areas, AFA’s Akiba Stage will showcase dazzling performances from Japanese and local artistes and talents, including:

  • Japanese Idol Group DEAR KISS
  • Idol Group Forbidden Equation
  • Singaporean Virtual Idol Group SO*DA
  • Popular idol group KissBee
  • A music showcase by 4 V-Reverie talents
  • TikTok Live’s Friday Music Show
  • Virtual Talent Audition
  • Amelia Khor’s performance
  • Pentel ft Manda Dayoyo stage

Creators Hub and Cosplay Hub

Over 120 of the best creators from around the world will be participating in AFA’s highly-anticipated Creator’s Hub. And if you’re a cosplay enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to know that 26 cosplay celebrities are making their way to AFASG23!

Enhanced Visitor Experience

AFAVERSE is back to provide a more immersive game-like experience on-site. Visitors will get NFC-enabled bands to enhance their festival experience and interact with various touch points to earn AFA-Coins for exciting prizes.

But that’s not all! The organizers are making sure your entry experience is smooth and efficient, with advanced redemption times, dedicated entry lanes, and streamlined security checks.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive into all things J-culture at AFA Singapore 2023 with #AFASG23. It’s a ticketed event, and all AFA tickets are available online via Ticketmaster at https://ticketmaster.sg/activity/detail/23_afasingapore. Ticket prices start from just S$28 per day for the exhibition segment.

Stay tuned to the official site or connect on social media for the latest updates on the festival.

Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2023

  • Dates: 24th – 26th November 2023
  • Location: Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Levels 3 & 4
  • Timing: 10 am – 8 pm

AGet aready for a weekend of anime, music, cosplay,and

Shop and Merchandise

Unleash Your Inner Otaku at Tamashii Nation Store New York!

Leave a comment

New York City, the city that never sleeps, now has a new reason for anime enthusiasts and toy collectors to stay wide awake and energized – the Tamashii Nation Store New York! We had the pleasure of visiting this anime haven recently, and the experience was nothing short of thrilling.

The Heart of Times Square NYC

Located at 1500 Broadway, right in the heart of Times Square, Tamashii Nation Store New York is a paradise for fans of all things anime and collectibles. What’s even more amazing is that we queued for less than 15 minutes before stepping into this anime wonderland. That’s right, no tedious waits or wasted time, just pure excitement ahead!

From Classics to Contemporary

One of the store’s most striking features is its diverse collection of figures and toys from classic and contemporary anime titles. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Gundam, Dragon Ball, Digimon, One Piece, or Sailor Moon, or if you’re into more recent hits like Spy X Family and Chainsaw Man, Tamashii Nation Store New York has got you covered. With roughly a hundred types of samples and products on display, you’re bound to find something that speaks to your otaku soul.

The Ultimate Shopping Experience

The store is a treat for the senses. Large digital display monitors showcase the latest product imagery, and there are even human-size statues of beloved characters from their most popular lines. Imagine standing next to a life-sized Monkey D. Luffy or a Gundam Aerial Ver. A.N.I.M.E. statue! It’s a dream come true for fans.

Exclusive and Limited Edition Items

What sets Tamashii Nation Store New York apart is its range of exclusive and limited edition items. These collectibles can only be found in their stores, and they’re sure to make your friends jealous. Keep an eye out for the S.H.Figuarts Dragon Ball series and the Meisho Movie Realization Star Wars line. These are collector’s items that will truly stand out in your collection.


A Place for Fans Worldwide

The Tamashii Nation Store New York is not just a shop; it’s a place of connection and celebration for fans from all over the world. It’s where fans can come together, share their passion, and discover the latest products and experiences in the anime world.

A Store Worth Visiting

If you ever find yourself in the bustling heart of Times Square, the Tamashii Nation Store New York is a must-visit. Its easy-to-spot location right beside Starbucks, complete with a large LED signboard, makes it a breeze to find.

So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for some high-quality anime figures, be sure to check out Tamashii Nation Store New York. With its vast array of figures, statues, and limited-edition items, this store promises an unforgettable experience for anime lovers of all ages. It’s time to embrace your inner otaku and take home a piece of your favorite anime world. Don’t miss out on this incredible destination in the heart of Times Square NYC!

General

Get Ready for gamescom asia 2023!

Leave a comment

A World of Gaming Under One Roof


Good news for gamers in Singapore! gamescom asia is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Get ready for a gaming extravaganza like no other. From October 19 to 22, 2023, Singapore’s Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre will be the epicenter of all things gaming. While gamescom is a trade show for the game industry, it is also open to public who can visit the entertainment zone of the show.

gamescom asia is no ordinary gaming event; it’s the Asian satellite of the world’s largest computer and video games festival, gamescom. This year, over 10,000 square meters of exhibition space will be transformed into a gaming paradise. With over 150 exhibitors and an expected 30,000 visitors, this event promises to be nothing short of epic.

The Perfect Blend of Business and Entertainment

The magic of gamescom asia lies in its unique ability to cater to both gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals. The B2B Trade Zone will host a Trade Exhibition on October 19-20, featuring Expo Stage talks, networking areas, and even an esports zone. Game developers, service providers, and publishers will come together to showcase their latest games and services.

The Trade Conference, also on October 19-20, boasts over 80 industry experts presenting across three extended tracks. From the latest gaming trends to business and marketing strategies, attendees will gain invaluable insights.

New this year is the Content Creators Summit, happening on October 20. It’s a must-visit for those interested in content creation, offering a peek into the latest trends, tools, and resources for elevating your content game.

Connecting Developers, Publishers, and Investors

The Developer-Publisher-Investor Speed Networking and VIP Mixer on October 19 is a golden opportunity for game developers to meet potential publishers and investors. It’s a game-changer in itself, as it opens doors for aspiring game developers to showcase their talent and games to the right people.

Don’t miss the Pitch Competition on October 19. It’s the perfect stage for aspiring game developers to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and potentially find the support they need to make their gaming dreams come true.

Let the Fun Begin: B2C Entertainment Zone

The B2C Entertainment Zone, taking place from October 20 to 22 in Singapore, is where the gaming fun truly begins. Explore the world of trending games, interactive entertainment, and special areas dedicated to indies, esports, cosplay, and board games. You can even try games from established publishers and indie studios and watch live stage entertainment. And when you need to refuel, there’s a designated food alley to keep you going.

Gamescom asia isn’t just about playing games; it’s also about celebrating the gaming culture. The Main Stage within the Exhibition will be buzzing with live on-stage activities, guest appearances, cosplay fashion shows, and performances.

For those who prefer the online experience, don’t miss PRIMETIME and STUDIO on October 19 and 22. They offer sneak peeks and extended content for global audiences.

Steam Event: Discover and Play

Tried some fantastic games at gamescom asia and can’t get enough? You can wishlist or get them on Steam! Throughout the week of gamescom asia, you can discover games to play on the Steam festival page. Expect limited demos, flash sales, and fresh indie games and games from Asia.

Spotlight on Indie Developers

Indie developers looking for publishers, investors, and valuable gamer feedback will find their haven at gamescom asia. The New Indie Wavemakers in both the Entertainment and Trade Zones provide a platform for these talented developers to showcase their games and share their stories on the Indie Wavemakers Live Stage.

Celebrating Excellence: SEA Game Awards

In partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), gamescom asia introduces the SEA Game Awards. These awards aim to recognize and celebrate the creativity, artistry, and technical genius of the finest game developers from the Southeast Asian and international video game industry. This year, for the first time, the SEA Game Awards winners will be celebrated at the event.

Don’t Miss the Gaming Event of the Year

With gamescom asia 2023 just around the corner, the excitement is building. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, an industry professional, or simply someone looking for a good time, this event has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, get your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable gaming experience. See you at gamescom asia 2023! For more information and updates, visit gamescom.asia and follow gamescom asia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Discord, TikTok, and LinkedIn.