Friday, November 25, 2016

Anime Festival Asia (AFA) 2016 Commences


Anime Festival Asia 2016 (AFA16) is now on from 25 to 27 November at the Suntec City Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Level 3 & 4. With over 200 booths by more than 130 exhibitors spanning the entire Level 4, a stellar line-up of industry guests and acclaimed artistes, and an action-packed programme, fans can look forward to an exhilarating weekend of non-stop surprises and insights on Japanese Popular Culture and Anime


Here are some pics from Day 1. 


Long queues formed early both in and outside the exhibition halls and there was little sign of let up.


There are several experience zones fans can look forward to but the most immersive one would have to be the World of Sword Art Online Exhibition where you get to "Fulldive" to enter the booth. Inside you can find artwork, animation cuts, costumes, and games of the beloved series. 


You'll also want to check out the Sword Art Online (SAO) Marketplace where you can find a wide variety of merchandise. 


Some toys now. I'm sure some of you will want to know what Good Smile Company has for sale so here's the list. Click on images to enlarge.


Bandai has a number of displays set up and they include Gundam, Star Wars, One Piece and DragonBall Z.



Kotobukiya are showcasing a a huge range of their Frame Arms Girls figures.



They made a huge announcement during their panel at the main stage and that is there will be a Frame Arms Girl anime which will be released in 2017! Concept designs and a short teaser trailer were shown. Those in attendance at the panel were the first in the world to see it! I'll be looking out for it!


Here's a quick look at some of the booths.







The Creator’s Hub is one of the biggest zones within the Exhibition Hall and it's constantly packed!


There's lots more to look forward to such as behind-the-scenes anime producers and seiyuus (voice actors), DJs and a line-up of Asia’s top cosplay guests on the Main Day Stage and Akiba Stage. Featured Anime titles, as well as the talents behind each title’s success, will offer attendees a rare glimpse and in-depth understanding of their favourite anime titles. Titles include: SWORD ART ONLINE THE MOVIE – Ordinal Scale –, Assassination classroom, I’ve always liked you – Confess Your Love Committee-, Kuromukuro, My Hero Academia, Sound! Euphonium 2, Thunderbolt Fantasy, and Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru.


Other guests include Tokyo performance dolls and idols Tokyo Performance Domo, Anime-fan dance group Real Akiba Boyz, idol groups Iketeru Hearts and Nijicon and the father of kawaii culture and creator of 6%DOKIDOKI, Sebastian Masuda. To support local talent in the community, AFSG16 has opened up its stage to a variety of local acts this year, from idol dance cover groups to DJs and anisong performers.



Tickets for AFASG2016 start from S$13 per day for Exhibition-only access, and limited tickets can be purchased on-site. For more information you check out www.animefestival.asia and www.facebook.com/animefestivalasia.


Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2016
Dates: 25 – 27 November 2016
Location: Suntec City Convention and Exhibition Centre (Levels 3 & 4)
Exhibition Timing: 
Friday & Saturday: 9.30 am ~ 8pm 
Sunday: 9.30 am ~ 7pm


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