I Had an Amazing Time Anime Festival Asia (AFA) 2023

Hi Huneybees,

The Anime Festival Asia (AFA) has been an annual highlight for anime fans and cosplay lovers since it began in 2008, quickly establishing itself as one of the largest events on the calendar. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, AFA 2023 last weekend continues to draw massive crowds, with fans flocking in to experience the festivities.

Walking through the event, I was completely immersed in the vibrant atmosphere as impressive cosplays brought beloved anime characters to life. The dedication was incredible, especially among the pros—fans eagerly lined up at their booths, waiting for a meet-and-greet with their "idols." Watching everyone embody their characters with such confidence made me want to dive in and join the fun myself! The energy was contagious, with fans snapping photos and sharing unforgettable moments together.

These Pokemon terrariums are so adorable! You can see the monster in their "natural habitat"!

AFA also offers fans a chance to snag rare collectibles, from licensed merchandise to unique fan art. Beyond figurines, there were booths filled with keychains, button badges, clothing, and even special "lucky bags" with anime-themed surprises. Some vendors even had Ichiban Kuji—a popular lottery-style game where each pull guarantees a prize.

This year, AFA introduced a new sponsor, Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming platform, which brought the JUJUTSU KAISEN Experience to the festival. Inside the immersive 360-dome, I enjoyed key scenes from the hit series in a secluded space, away from the crowds. Crunchyroll also shared exclusive news about upcoming anime events and hosted the SACRA Music Festival, featuring iconic artists like FLOW (famous for “GO!!!” and “Sign” from Naruto), ASCA (known for “RESISTER” in Sword Art Online: Alicization), and performances by halca, spira spica, and Nami Tamaki. Here’s hoping for even more artists next year.

HoYo FEST 2023 was another major attraction. This year, instead of being a separate event, HoYo FEST partnered with AFA to bring together all six HoYoverse titles at one booth for the first time. Fans could explore dedicated sections for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, and the upcoming Zenless Zone Zero, with demo gameplay, interactive activities, quizzes, and more. Each area was packed with fans; completing a mission felt like a quest in itself!

The Genshin Impact section recreated the enchanting scenery of Mondstadt, while the Honkai: Star Rail area showcased the Xianzhou Luofu. Fans also got a sneak peek at Zenless Zone Zero’s gameplay and storyline in the demo area.

I also stopped by the much-talked-about TENGA booth, which sparked some debate about whether such products were suitable for a younger crowd. To address these concerns, the booth had tight security, ensuring only those of age could enter. Qualified without question, I walked in confidently, curious to see what the fuss was about. Honestly, there's nothing shameful about exploring and understanding one’s own body, and after seeing the range of products TENGA offers, it’s clear they can bring an extra layer of fun and connection to relationships when used thoughtfully. There’s no need to be shy—if we prioritize healthy sexual education, there’s absolutely no reason why topics like these should be hidden away.

Bushiroad Expo Asia 2023 offered a full roster of trading card tournaments, including the Bushiroad Championship Series 2023 Regional Championship and the Shadowverse: Evolve World Invitational 2023 Regional Qualifier. For casual attendees, there was plenty to explore, from merch and video game demos to learn-to-play sessions and an exhibition photo booth area dedicated to fans.

A major highlight this year was the inclusion of World Wonder Ring Stardom, or STARDOM, Japan’s popular women’s pro wrestling group. Yes, AFA 2023 featured an actual wrestling ring! Unfortunately, I missed the live action while exploring other sections of AFA.

In a special collaboration with Ultraman, I also got to experience the exclusive launch of the Ultraman trading card game by Tsuburaya. While the game is still awaiting release, I scored some exclusive cards for my deck! Live Ultraman appearances brought the characters to life on stage with thrilling fight scenes, giving us a sneak peek of the upcoming game.

What do you think about my new fan? Created with Pentel markers...

Anyone knows what C-anime is this? Seems like it has lots of fans...

AFA 2023 was an unforgettable celebration for fans, and I can’t wait to see what surprises await next year! Here's leaving the most with more of the amazing cosplays I saw around the AFA 2023 grounds.

 

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8 Tips To Prepare You For Singapore Comic Con (SGCC 2022) This Weekend

Hi Huneybees,

SGCC is just round the corner, happening this weekend from 10 December to 11 December (10am till 8pm) @ Sands Expo & Convention Centre. This year, SGCC has expanded to four exhibition halls (200,000 sqft), across two levels (Level 1 and B2), featuring more than 350 exhibitors and 420 brands such as Mighty Jaxx, Mediacorp, Bandai, OSIM, Moducase, Beast Kingdom, Infinity Studios, Collectors Ark, Lego by Brickshop, 52 Toys, Queen Studios, Genshin Impact by HoYoverse and many more.

To get you prepared and geared up for the event, here are some highlights of SGCC...

Map of the event grounds, for you to plan your route.

Events Highlights

1) The Main Stage

There's gonna be epic live performances, exclusive screenings, cosplay competition, but the main highlight would be the Talent Virtual Panel - “Defining New Beginnings with TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK” held on Saturday, 10 December 2022, 1.30pm.

Fil-Am actor Jon Jon Briones, actress Benni Latham and actor-comedian Diedrich Bader, three of the voice talent from all-new animated series TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK will take fans deeper into the series and share what it means for a new generation.

Following the live panel, there will be a special screening of the series’ first two episodes. The first 100 attendees at the screening will receive exclusive Transformers premiums and more! The series premiered on Nickelodeon on November 28, with episodes airing every weekday on the channel at 3.25pm SGT.

For the full schedule: https://www.singaporecomiccon.com/mainstageschedule

Photo Credits: https://www.bluey.tv/

2) BBC Studios x Bluey

Bluey a loveable, inexhaustible six-year-old Blue Heeler dog from the global hit animation will also make a special appearance at SGCC as BBC Studios recreates the world of Bluey in an immersive and multi-sensory experience!

Step into the Heeler’s world where you can get to engage in Bluey’s celebration of play. From arts and crafts activities to board games and books for family reading, there will be plenty to keep children and adults alike entertained. Fans will also get to meet and greet Bluey in person with mascot appearances planned for both days.

Bluey’s arts and crafts workshops

For each session, attendees will be able to work on a few Bluey inspired crafts, such as Bluey masks, Bluey Paper Bags and Bluey Piggy Banks. The arts and crafts are scheduled in such a way that at the end of the workshop, the attendees can head directly to the photo booth to get their selfies with Bluey. Slots are very limited for each session [10 slots per workshop]. Attendees will only be able to register for slots on the actual SGCC day upon visiting our booths. However, outside of the workshop hours, they are still able to work on other crafts that we have prepared, such as colouring sheets.

Photo Credits: Mighty Jaxx

3) Mighty Jaxx

Mighty Jaxx is a key partner and sponsor of SGCC 2022, and also the mascot designer of the SGCC mascot. They will also be unveiling a new brand refresh, and as part of this rebranding campaign, multidimensional portals with Mighty Jaxx, Mighty AllStars and their Meta division will be introduced as different portals where customers can be transported/introduced to different product offerings and experiences.

There will also be a few exclusive products - new colourway of Po Yun Wang’s The Clown, and the 2nd character release of the Cosmiq One Piece style: Zoro. Po Yun Wang will also join Ryogo Toyoda at their booth as a special guests for signing sessions.

SCHEDULE:
Po Yun Wang | Graphic designer, known for his iconic “picking” work inspired by his two boys.
Saturday - 1pm and 5pm
Sunday - 12pm and 4pm

Ryogo Toyoda | Tokyo-based 3D illustrator specialising in character and motion design.
Saturday - 2.30pm and 6.30pm
Sunday - 1.30pm and 5.30pm

Photo Credits: South China Morning Post

4) The Godfather of Hong Kong Comics Exhibit

The Godfather of Hong Kong comics, Huang Yu Lang will be holding a very special original art exhibition at SGCC 2022. Featuring close to 60 pieces from his vault, this is a rare chance for fans to admire these pieces up close and even take them home.

The pioneer of Hong Kong martial arts comics will also be doing scheduled meet and greet sessions with fans at this exhibition. Truly a chance not to be missed.

Huang Yu Lang has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), through his company Topazman Holdings Ltd, with Singapore-based media and entertainment company, mm2 Entertainment to explore commercial opportunities for the author’s iconic comic IP.

Tony Wong autograph session: 3pm-4pm (each day).

5) Tabletop Gaming

SGCC 2022 features multiple tabletop gaming tournaments for the following titles:

● Warhammer 40k

● Magic the Gathering

● Flesh and Blood

Power 98 DJs Mike Tan and Kimberly Anne Tan will team up with SGAG’s Aaron Khoo and Maddy Breteche to play through a Dungeons & Dragons campaign at the SGCC Main Stage. There are also multiple Learn to Play zones, where beginners new to tabletop gaming can learn for free. Participants can get to walk away with a free F&B voucher/ Merch (while stocks last).

Space Marine miniature painting

In addition to the Learn to Play zones. Gamersaurus Rex will have free miniature painting activities on site. Try your hand at painting a space marine miniature. Materials are provided for free and you can bring it back home with you as a souvenir.

Photo Credits: Madam Tussauds Singapore

6) Madame Tussauds

Get up close to your favourite Marvel Super Heroes at Madame Tussauds Singapore, the world’s most famous wax attraction. Be one of the first to witness the launch of the newest Marvel wax figure at Singapore Comic Con. Come dressed up as a Marvel superhero and win prizes too! 

Purchase the SGCC x Madame Tussauds bundle, and get access to Madame Tussauds Singapore’s thrilling 4D Marvel movie experience! Experience wind-chilling, water-soaking and face-flinching special effects as you get closer than ever before to Captain Marvel, Thor, Black Panther, Rocket, Spider-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp as they battle Loki in a bid to save the city from his invasion!

Figure launch:

Date: 10 Dec | Time: 1030am-11am

Event run down:

• intro by GM / Regional Marketing director
• unveiling of Loki figurine
• Photo op with Cosplayers
• Quiz (with prizes to win)
• Photo op for fans.

7) LEGO by The Brick Shop

There will be 2 kids friendly activities at their booth:

LEGO Creativity Wall

Kids can get their hands on LEGO DOTS to create their own masterpiece. They can complete easy tasks to earn points for prize redemption

Adventure Stunt Race

Kids will have to complete the race on the race track, and complete easy tasks to earn points for prize redemption.

8) Pop Culture Food Zone

This year, there's a new Pop Culture Food Zone featuring pop-up stores from 10 amazing local food stores - LiHO, GoPizza, Blanco Court Beef Noodles, KRATE, Korean street food, Aboocha Kombucha, Sofnade, Cat and the Fiddle, Two Men Bagel House, Calli ice cream, Kenji Sushi Taco. 

Each of them will have special SGCC creations and promotions with Blanco Court Beef Noodles holding a Beef Noodles Eating Competition on 10 December 2022 at 5pm! If you think you can eat the most bowls of Beef Noodles within 15 minutes, then this is your chance to shine and stand a chance to win prizes worth up to $1000!!

Local competitor eater -  Zermatt Neo will also be joining the challenge as well! Come over to support!

Sign-up thru this link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGGxLVtWJ4O2i5txJ1bs2B28u0n3MY2UFZFXpLMjrxNnEDig/viewform

*Shortlisted Contestants will be notified by email or phone. Terms And Conditions Apply.

Other Activities

• The W.I.P Programme
• SGCC Cosplay Competition
• SaberMach
• Artist Alley
• Invited Guests meet-and-greet

Hope these little tips can help you around SGCC 2022 and make your experience a better one. I got to go prepare for my looks too! See you there!

Ticketing information

Ticket prices for SGCC 2022 range from $30, selected discounts apply.* and kids under 12

enter for free with a paying adult.

Tickets are available at: www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/75556-sgcc-2022

As the Official Singapore 2022 Card, the DBS Live Fresh Card entitles you up to 10% off SGCC 2022 tickets.

• Use promo code DBS10OFF to receive 10% off with DBS Live Fresh Card.
• Use promo code DBS5OFF to receive 5% off, with DBS/POSB Credit & Debit Cards

Location: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Date: 10-11 Dec 2022

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