AniManGaki 2025: Why Fans Love Malaysia’s Biggest Anime & Pop Culture Event

Every August, Malaysia’s anime, manga, and gaming community marks their calendars for one of the most anticipated events of the year: AniManGaki. The 2025 edition has officially kicked off at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), drawing in a sea of cosplayers, merch hunters, and pop culture enthusiasts ready to immerse themselves in the ACG (anime, comics, games) universe.

1. What is AniManGaki?

For those who are new, AniManGaki — short for Anime, Manga, and Gaki (a Japanese slang for “fan” or “kid”) — started in 2009 as a small university club initiative. Over the years, it has grown into Malaysia’s largest homegrown convention celebrating Japanese pop culture. Today, AniManGaki is known for its vibrant cosplays, guest appearances, live performances, and interactive booths that spotlight creativity and community.

The festival isn’t just about fandom. It’s also a stage for young creatives, local businesses, and international brands to showcase products, share experiences, and connect directly with audiences who are passionate about all things ACG.

2. Why Fans Keep Coming Back

Ask any attendee why they return year after year, and the answers revolve around community. For some, it’s the thrill of cosplaying their favorite characters. For others, it’s the joy of meeting like-minded fans or catching a glimpse of their favorite VTubers and anime guests.

This year, AniManGaki fans are particularly excited about the appearance of voice actress Aya Hirano (known for Fairy Tail and Death Note), singer ChouCho, and Japanese funk-rock band BRADIO. Add to that meet-and-greets with VTubers, webtoon creators, and Studio Orange representatives — and it’s clear why the convention continues to grow in scale and energy.

3. What Makes 2025 Special

The 17th edition of AniManGaki has raised the bar with more international guests and immersive experiences. Beyond entertainment, the event reflects something deeper: a safe, creative space where fans can express themselves freely. Founder Yvonne Sing once highlighted that in a world full of challenges, being able to gather and celebrate joy through fandom is a privilege not to be taken lightly.

Final Takeaway: Culture, Community, and Connection

AniManGaki 2025 proves that fandoms are more than entertainment—they are spaces of identity, joy, and connection. For fans, it’s a yearly tradition. For brands, it’s an untapped opportunity to engage with audiences who are deeply loyal and expressive.

In a world where audiences crave belonging and authenticity, AniManGaki is more than just an event—it’s a reminder that culture drives connection, and connection drives impact.