Anime Festival Asia 2024 (AFA 2024) brought an electrifying weekend of Japanese pop culture to Singapore Suntec Convention Centre from the 29th November to 1st December, and the JioPlayGame team had the privilege of diving headfirst into the vibrant chaos. From meeting incredible artists to enjoying cosplay sightseeing, contests and concerts, this year’s AFA was an interesting mix of fandom, creativity, and sheer fun.
AFA’s Highlights: A Feast for Anime Fans
Stepping into the festival, especially on Saturday morning when the festival was coming into full bloom, we were immediately struck by the buzz of excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard anime fan or just a casual enthusiast, AFA had something for everyone. Over three jam-packed days, the event offered an eclectic mix of attractions:
- Exhibition Booths: Major brands showcased anime titles like Dandadan, Spy x Family, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and more. Including a presence by Bandai Namco showcasing Death Note’s Among Us-like game, and Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival. While these booths added to the festival atmosphere, they didn’t feature anything groundbreaking, with much of the content already available in the market.
- Tabletop Games Area: For those needing a break from the bustling crowds, the tabletop gaming zone provided a quieter space for strategic play, offering a unique escape into focused, tactical fun.
- Cosplay Contests: A crowd favourite, the cosplay contests brought creative challenges like a Taiko no Tatsujin face-off that had the audience cheering with delight.
- Indie Game Showcase: The GameOn! initiative featured a small display of indie games. Local titles like Let’s Build a Dungeon, Sedap!, and Identifile were available for hands-on experiences at developers’ booths. Though modest in scale compared to larger gaming events like Gamescom, this area brought a touch of fresh creativity to AFA, offering attendees a chance to explore innovative games and interact with the developers.
The Artists’ Corner: A Celebration of Creativity
If there was one standout area, it was the Artists’ Corner. This vibrant hub showcased an incredible variety of local and international talent, with creators flying in from Japan to share their work. Here, we had the rare chance to meet artists face-to-face, purchase their creations, and support their craft. Whether it was stunning fan art, original pieces, or exclusive merchandise, the Artists’ Corner was a treasure trove for anime lovers. Supporting small businesses with shared passions felt genuinely rewarding and added a personal touch to the festival experience.
Concerts That Rocked the Weekend
Music was a major highlight, with each day offering unique performances:
- Day 1: AFA x Japan Music Festival: Artists like Aqua Timez, Shiyui, TeddyLoid and Takanori Nishikawa set the stage on fire.
- Day 2: AFA x hololive Meet: Hololive VTubers, including Hakos Baelz and Takanashi Kiara, thrilled fans with sold-out lively performances.
- Day 3: AFA x I LOVE ANISONG: The closing concert featured stellar acts like Kana-Boon, ReoNa and Sally Amaki, leaving the audience awestruck.
For music fans, these performances alone made the festival worth attending. Tickets for many shows sold out quickly, underscoring the event’s immense popularity.
Talk Shows That Engaged and Inspired
AFA 2024 also hosted a series of compelling talk shows, offering fans unique insights into their favorite franchises and industry developments. Notable sessions included:
- Shoto: The beloved rogue demon slayer made his first appearance in Singapore, participating in a lively Q&A session with fans.
- Hatsune Miku: Hiroyuki Itoh, CEO of Crypton Future Media, INC., discussed the cultural impact of the iconic virtual singer, shedding light on her global influence.
- OSHI NO KO: voice actors Takeo Otsuka (Aqua) and Yurie Igoma (Ruby), along with producer Shimpei Yamashita, shared some behind-the-scenes insights into their process.
- Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 3: Yusuke Kobayashi, the voice of Subaru Natsuki, delved into the developments of the highly anticipated third season.
- Übel Blatt Anime Adaptation: Yuya Hirose, known for voicing Köinzell, provided exclusive updates on the upcoming adaptation of this fan-favorite manga.
Cosplay and Community Spirit
Cosplay is the heart of AFA, and this year was no exception. The creativity and effort put into costumes were awe-inspiring, with attendees turning the venue into a colourful tapestry of beloved characters. From intricate designs to playful takes on fan favourites, the cosplay community brought a sense of camaraderie and fun that made the event special.
What Could’ve Been Better
While AFA 2024 was a great celebration, there were some areas that felt a bit underwhelming. The major brand booths, and especially lacking the presence of gaming representation such as Bandai Namco, didn’t offer anything particularly fresh. The merchandise stalls, though extensive, lacked standout exclusives that might have justified long queues. Still, these were minor drawbacks in an otherwise fun festival.
Final Thoughts
For the JioPlayGame team, AFA 2024 was a memorable experience brimming with creativity, fandom, and community spirit. From the incredible cosplays to the inspiring Artists’ Corner, the event captured what makes anime culture so special. Whether you’re there for the concerts, the merchandise, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, AFA is a must-visit for any fan of Japanese pop culture around in Singapore. We look forward to what next year’s festival has in store!
