KUCHING: The fifth edition of the Otakyun! 2019 convention has opened its doors to anime, comics and games (ACG) enthusiasts here at CityONE Megamall.
The two-day convention which started yesterday until today (Oct 13) has been held annually since 2014 where it has evolved from their past event, Anime Gathering (AG).
Organising chairwoman Carol Chin told reporters yesterday, “The AG first started in 2007 as a dinner gathering with about 100 participants and in 2014, we decided to host a convention for the first time.
“Surprisingly, response was encouraging with more than 2,000 visitors throughout Sarawak and Sabah.”
She further noted that the convention is organised by fans for fans, with its purpose to gather both anime and non-anime fans throughout Malaysia to socialise and share their passion and interests in anime (animation), manga (comics), cosplay (costume play) and its related sub-cultures.
The convention featured a total of 42 booths divided into six categories — general, artists, cosplayers, commercial and exhibition.
Chin stated that they expect to see a target of 2,000 to 3,000 visitors for the two-day convention because last year, they recorded more than 2,000 visitors in total for two days.
The convention also witnessed special guests from Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, cosplayers Jun and Angie; guest artist from Kuala Lumpur, Kendylife; as well as Sarawak’s very own guests Yugana Senshi Uon who is the convention’s ambassador and cosplayer Nessarose.
Among the highlights of the convention were performances by anime fans, autograph sessions with the special guests, card game tournaments, workshops, cosplay showcases and competitions as well as the Petite Eloit Maid Cafe where visitors are served by women dressed up as anime maids.
