AniManGaki 2025 unveils star-studded guest lineup

AniManGaki (AMG), Malaysia’s premier celebration of animation, comics, and games (ACG), has unveiled a star-studded line-up of special guests for its 2025 edition, promising fans one of the most exciting gatherings of pop culture talent in recent years. The annual convention, which will run from 22 to 24 August at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), will bring together Japanese icons, musicians, artists, and studios, further cementing AMG’s reputation as one of the region’s leading ACG events.

Legendary names in anime and music

Heading the list is Aya Hirano, the legendary Japanese voice actress and singer who defined an era with her breakthrough role as Haruhi Suzumiya in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Hirano, who also voiced fan favourites like Konata Izumi in Lucky Star and Lucy Heartfilia in Fairy Tail, will be making her way to Malaysia for the convention. With her recent return to music after an 11-year hiatus, Hirano’s appearance is expected to draw both long-time fans and a new generation of anime enthusiasts.

AniManGaki 2025 will also host BRADIO, the Japanese funk rock sensation famed for their infectious high-energy performances. Known for their hit single Flyers, which served as the opening theme for Death Parade, BRADIO has been redefining Japan’s funk-rock scene since 2010. Their Southeast Asian return is expected to be one of the convention’s biggest highlights, with an electrifying live performance and exclusive merchandise lined up.

Adding to the musical showcase, ChouCho, the celebrated anisong singer behind theme songs for Hyouka, Girls und Panzer, and Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya, will also be making her Malaysian debut. Known for her emotional and crystalline vocals, ChouCho has built a strong following both in Japan and abroad, making her a highly anticipated guest for AMG 2025.

Creative Visionaries and Storytelling Icons

Beyond music and voice acting, AniManGaki will feature creative talents whose work has shaped both Japanese and international pop culture. Lucius J. Merryweather, better known as “Merry,” will make his first AMG appearance. A Denmark-born Tokyo-based content creator, Merry has become a household name in VTuber circles, crafting lore for major agencies like Hololive, Nijisanji, and VShojo. His storytelling extends into webcomics, with global hits such as Clinic of Horrors and Winter Moon reaching millions of readers worldwide.

Photography and visual art will also take the spotlight with MIT, a multidisciplinary Japanese artist celebrated for evocative portraiture and immersive storytelling. With international showcases and a decade-long career, MIT’s creative work bridges cultures and disciplines, promising AMG attendees a unique look into the intersections of art and identity.

In a major coup for Malaysian anime fans, AMG 2025 will welcome Studio Orange, one of Japan’s most influential CG animation studios. Founded in 2004 by Eiji Inomoto, Studio Orange has pushed the boundaries of 3D anime while preserving the heart of 2D storytelling. The studio is acclaimed for hits like Land of the Lustrous, Beastars, and Trigun Stampede, all of which earned global recognition for their innovative use of cutting-edge animation tools. Their participation at AMG signals a rare opportunity for fans and aspiring creators to engage with the studio’s pioneering approach to visual storytelling.

A growing platform for Malaysian ACG culture

AniManGaki, which translates to “Festival of Animation,” has steadily grown into one of Southeast Asia’s largest fan-driven ACG events. Representing Malaysia in the International Otaku Expo Association (IOEA) of Japan, AMG not only celebrates Japanese pop culture but also creates space for local talent, cosplay communities, and independent artists.

With this year’s international guest line-up featuring some of the biggest names in anime, music, and creative industries, organisers expect record-breaking attendance. Fans can look forward to live performances, panel sessions, exclusive merchandise, and Meet & Greet opportunities across the three-day convention.

Tickets for AniManGaki 2025 are already available via the official website. For the full guest list and latest updates, fans are encouraged to follow AMG’s social media platforms.