From multi-million dollar Netflix remakes to collabs with some of our favourite brands, anime and manga have had a meteoric rise in popularity, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Whether you're looking for a hit of nostalgia from childhood classics or are just influenced by Megan Thee Stallion’s outfits after her recent trip to Japan, now's the time to immerse yourself in this thrilling pop culture world.
For one weekend only SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show is taking over the Sydney Exhibition Centre—bringing a lineup of art, interactive stands, performances and stalls that will delight Australian fans.
The Rundown
A dedicated hub for artists, creators and fans old and new, SMASH! was created by and for artists and fans. Since it first kicked off in 2007, SMASH! has more than doubled in size and is now the largest anime and manga convention in Australia.
Running from 20 July to 21 July at the ICC Sydney, the annual festival allows fans to link up and experience their favourite anime and manga with a colourful line-up of local and national live performances, interactive panels, games, vendors and artist markets.
Catch Performances And International Competitions
The best way to dip into Japanese pop culture without forking out for a pricey plane ticket is catching the live entertainment and taking part yourself around the city. With the price of the ticket covering access to all performances, panels and activities, you’re able to let your fascination run wild and soak up the best of Japanese culture all weekend long.
Get front row access to live performances from local and national J-Pop artists and musicians on the main stage, or stop by and watch dedicated fans show-off detailed costumes as they compete in the World Cosplay Competition preliminaries. Watch as entrants battle it out in the high-stakes national comp for the op to head to the international competition in Japan.
Want to get involved? If you’re feeling brave, sign up for the karaoke competition and wipe the floor clean with nostalgic ballads to take home the prize. Or flex those untapped trivia skills on childhood favourites like Pokemon at one of the trivia events happening throughout the weekend.
Unleash your inner Hayao Miyazaki and sign up for the doodling, 2D and 3D art competitions to flex those strokes for your chance at a prize. With a stacked line-up of competitions to experience and take part in over the weekend, plan ahead and find the full lineup here.
Shop For Art And Merch At Market Stalls
Nab a unique local art piece to display around your home inspired by your fave anime stars and comic characters. Shop around the Happy Cap Market where vendors offer a chance to buy unique and one-off art pieces, merchandise and accessories.
Better yet, get involved and take home a handmade souvenir with art activities teaching intricate crafts, papercrafts and origami. Before leaving make sure to snap a photo in one of the themed photo studios with your group to mark the weekend—totemo kawai!
The Details
Where: ICC Sydney: International Convention & Exhibition Centre
When: Saturday 20 July to Sunday 21 July
Tickets: Starting from $40 for a day pass, tickets available here.
Find more information, here.
With performances, art stalls, workshops, activities and more, SMASH! has something for everyone. Find out more here—including how to get involved and volunteer at the festival.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by SMASH! Anime and Manga Show and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credits: Supplied.