Since the days of Naruto in 480p to present day Boruto in HD, Anime Festival Asia (AFA) has been a staple for local fans of anime and Japanese pop culture. The annual affair has grown tremendously since it first reached our shores back in 2008, solidifying its status as a pilgrimage of sorts, akin to the wonders of Akihabara.

Back for its tenth anniversary, AFA 2018 proved to be the best its ever been with performances from a star-studded lineup at the I Love Anisong concert series, renown cosplayers and more exclusive merchandise than ever before. Didn’t get to attend? Fret not, here’s everything you missed from the greatest anime exhibition of the year.

Walk in and you’ll be greeted by this massive Gundam model. I don’t know about you but the sooner we get actual functional Gundams the better!

Fans of Gunpla were also in for a treat with this huge selection. There’s even more selections at the back!

Of course, AFA wouldn’t be complete without the game taking Japan (and frankly, the world) by storm. Whether you love or hate the Gacha mechanics of the game, it’s hard to argue with Fate Grand Order’s (FGO)’s success. Staying true to the game mechanics, at the center of the exhibition was a summoning circle where fans could place their phones to summon in-game characters.

Gaming was also a huge part of AFA this year. Apart from FGO, Honkai Impact also featured a booth where players could compete in time trials. Scattered around the exhibition were also other games such as Taiko Drum Master, Touhou and even PUBG.

My favourite part of AFA though, was undoubtedly the food. It was like a taste of Japan without actually flying there!

Photo Credits: C3AFASG 2018

The Day Stage also featured a ton of prominent celebrities and guests, from Eri Sasaki (pictured) to the creators of Pop Team Epic and even famous cosplayers such as Hakken (pictured).

And this pretty much sums up AFA in one picture. It’s a celebration of all things Japan. It’s quirky, fun, and fans can be another side of themselves, even if it’s for just a day.

Celebrate a decade of Japanese pop culture at C3 Anime Festival Asia (AFA)’s tenth anniversary. The three-day event promises anime fans and Japanese pop culture enthusiasts the very best of content and experiences straight from Japan.

For the first time, AFA will be holding a red carpet event in front of Suntec to usher in the event. An online portal will also be launched as part of the Anime for a Cause initiative, where fans can participate in lucky draws to win items donated by celebrities and partners.

Tickets to the ever-popular I Love Anisong concert series are selling fast thanks to a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of TrySail, GARNiDELiA and May’n.

Concert tickets start from SGD$88 for one-day general admission, or SGD$158 for one-day VIP tickets. All VIP tickets come with an autograph opportunity and one Anisong lightstick. Attendees will also get access to special showcases and guest talkshows.

Full concert line-up and details can be found here.

Cosplay enthusiasts are also in luck with celebrity cosplayers from around the world making an appearance. Expect Angie, KANAME and Siutao amongst others.

Local cosplayers are also in luck with the chance to pit their skills and craft to emerge victorious at the World Cosplay Summit Singapore Preliminaries. Winners will fly to Nagoya, Japan next year and battle it out with the best cosplayers across the globe. Competition guidelines can be found at here.

Of course, what would AFA be without anime? Fans can expect exclusive premieres for January 2019 shows such as Mob Psycho 100 2. Voice actors from Frame Arm Girls, Love Live! Sunshine!! and Sword Art Online Alicization, amongst others, will also be at the event.

Anime merchandise will also be available. Stock up on the latest merch from Bandai, GOODSMILECOMPANY, and others.

AFA 2018 runs from November 30 to December 2, 1oam to 8pm daily. Tickets for the exhibition start from SGD$15 for one-day admission. More details on ticketing and activities can be found here. 

Singapore’s biggest indie music festival, Neon Lights, is back for a third instalment this November with a stacked line-up spanning three days. The festival returns to Fort Canning Park from November 9 to November 11, complete with headline acts and indie legends from all around the world.

Photo: Neon Lights

After successful runs in 2015 and 2016, local indie fans were left disappointed when Neon Lights took a break last year. The organisers made a promise the festival would return in full strength in 2018 and that it did. Festival director Declan Forde said they were thrilled to be returning and had put a lot of thought into the line-up to ensure both quality and diversity so everyone could enjoy the festival to the fullest.

Photo: Neon Lights

Kicking things off on November 9 is Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna who will be serenading the crowd in her first public performance in over a year. 

Photo: Neon Lights

Fans of Interpol are also in luck because the band from New York will be making their Asian debut with a full set on November 10. 

Photo: Neon Lights

Other acts include the likes of Caribou, Riot !n Magenta and Cigarettes After Sex amongst others. For the full line-up, as well as schedules, head on down to the website.

Neon Lights runs November 9 to November 11, 6pm to 1030pm on November 9 and 2pm to 1030pm on November 10 and 11. Individual day tickets start from $99 for adults and $25 for children and can be purchased via the website or SISTIC.