4 November 2012, Singapore – Just one more week to Anime Festival Asia 2012 (AFA2012), are you ready for the top Japanese entertainers and industry players under one roof.
If you follow the latest trends and content of Japanese anime and popular culture, you will be aware that Anime Festival Asia 2012 (AFA2012) returns to Singapore. Top tier anisong artistes, the latest content and a multi-national team of maids and butlers are some of the participants for the three-day extravaganza from 9 to 11 November. Top Japanese record labels and management companies will also set up showcases during the festival, giving visitors a holistic view of the Japanese entertainment industry’s latest offerings.
Festival organisers, Dentsu Singapore and SOZO, shared the first round of highlights for the home-grown festival, now in its fifth year. Held at Singapore Expo, AFA2012 expects to attract both local and regional visitors – from anime enthusiasts, music lovers, to anyone who is interested in Japanese popular culture.
A new experience zone, the Japan Future Entertainment Zone, will provide a platform for visitors and businesses to come face-to-face with the companies who have nurtured some of Japan’s top stars.
Highlights of the festival include:
I Love Anisong Concerts: “Electric Groove”
Anisong fans and J-pop music lovers can look forward to three evenings of star-studded concerts with powerful performances. Six artistes and artiste groups have been confirmed so far, with more to be announced later. From heavy-weight artistes making their Singapore debut to returning favourites, the wildly-anticipated concerts are a must-see, guaranteed to leave concert-goers spellbound and craving for more high quality performances.
Regional Cosplay Championship
The Regional Cosplay Championships will see top cosplayers from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines pit their skills to win the coveted championship. Helmed by a high-profile team of judges, including some of Japan’s top cosplayers, the competition is an annual highlight for local and regional cosplayers and anime fans alike.
Moe Moe Kyun maid and Atelier Royale butler Cafes
Having soared in popularity after making their appearances in Singapore and Malaysia, the cafes will see a highly energetic team of talent from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia to provide a personalised dining experience like no other.
Japan Future Entertainment
AFA2012’s outreach to businesses keen to explore collaboration opportunities will continue this year. For the first time, top Japanese artiste management companies and record labels will pool together resources to showcase some of their latest artists, dramas and movies, in a Japan Future Entertainment Zone.
Special Guests, Celebrity Cosplayers, Featured Anime Content
Visitors will have the chance to hear first-hand from industry pioneers and producers, on the behind-the-scenes work of some of the latest as well as upcoming anime offerings. Celebrity cosplayers from Japan will showcase their craftsmanship and costumes during the festival as well. The festival will see the launch of one of Japan’s latest anime project.
AFA2012 will be held for the first time at Singapore Expo Halls 7 and 8. For more information on the festival, members of the public can visit www.animefestival.asia and www.facebook.com/animefestivalasia.