With Japanese anime continuing to gain popularity in Asia, the first Malaysian edition of Singapore's annual Anime Festival Asia (AFA) will be held June 9-10.
Anime Festival Asia Malaysia will take place at Tun Razak Hall 1 and 2, Putra World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur.
The event is devoted to Japanese pop culture, offering various programs and attractions, including live musical acts, a cosplay contest and corporate booths, as well as maid and butler cafes.
The first AFA Malaysia will focus on music. Japanese artists, including Flow, Kotoko, Maon Kurosaki and Kalafina, in addition to all-female Southeast Asian idol group Sea A, will take the stage for the "Super Anisong Genki Live!!" concert.
In addition, leading anime studio Production I.G, Inc. president Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, popular cosplay character Kaname, famous blogger Danny Choo and others will make special guest appearances at the event.
Card game company Bushiroad Inc., hobby products manufacturer Good Smile Company Inc. and others will set up booths at the venue.
The original AFA was launched in 2008 jointly by Singapore-based Sozo Pte. Ltd., Dentsu Singapore Pte. Ltd. and other entities. Held in the fall each year, the event offers actual experiences of Japanese pop culture and continues to enjoy success in the country.
With Japanese companies actively participating in AFA, it has been given high marks from business operators as it bans bootlegs and knockoffs at the venue.
AFA Malaysia will be run by Malaysia-based Mochiro Sdn. Bhd. with support from Dentsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and Sozo.
According to Mochiro, there are about 500,000 Japanese anime fans in Malaysia, and the number is growing.
Expectations are mounting for AFA Malaysia to be successful because the country has a larger population than Singapore. If it plays a part in promoting Japanese pop culture and boosting its popularity, the event may encourage related businesses in the region.
Visit the official website at (http://www.animefestival.my/).
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