Pokanime Planet, organised by Rasta Creation Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, is making its debut at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre. The event which will take place from 23rd September until the 25th will serve as a platform for over 20,000 fans and participants to show their support for their favourite anime characters, games and superheroes.
In addition, the 3-day carnival aims to create opportunities to contribute towards the economy of the nation by promoting the 6Ps representing tourism, business/job opportunities, education, performances, transportation and promotion (pelancongan, perniagaan dan pendapatan/pekerjaan, pendidikan, persembahan, pengangkutan, promosi). The event aims to trigger a multiplier effect that benefits the overall national economy and beyond.
“We want to provide a platform for anime enthusiasts to express themselves in their most creative capability while also helping to promote up and coming artists of the scene by providing them with the opportunity and space to showcase their creative works of art and connect them with fans,” says the Chairman of Pokanime Planet, Rasta Rashid.
“Considering that Malaysia has entered the endemic stage, Pokanime Planet complements the 6P concept to further accelerate the nation’s economic recovery by leveraging on passionate anime fans from around the world, as we even have tickets being purchased from other countries as far as San Francisco and Japan,” she adds.
Pokanime Planet is the first cosplay carnival to be held at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre that spans 33,000 sq ft, featuring stage performances, various panel sessions, guest appearances, games, cosplay competitions, fashion showcases and many more.
The event will not be lacking in entertainment, with numerous music and dance performances from J-Rock and J-Pop singer Rina-Hime, Hazuki Rin from CrossSouls, anime cover singer Mirowlf, J-Rock band Blossome, singer and cosplayer Hayate, anime cover singer Samantha Lim Ki, cover dancer Natcheo, Youtube singer and beatboxer NovaMC and anime flashdance performances by Jenica & Mandy from Sunflower.
Attendees can have the experience of a lifetime at the exhibition, where anime and game characters along with superheroes come to life, surrounded by over 125 vendors to offer merchandise, accessories, beauty products, toys and a variety of F&B options.
Apart from that, there are also booths and forums by well-known and upcoming artists to showcase their creative artwork and talent, with names such as the Malaysian-born children’s book illustrator, Joanne Lew Vriethoff and cartoonist Daniel Mok joining the lineup. The event also gives participants the chance to experience what it would be like to be at a Japanese maid cafe because there is a vendor for that too!
To officiate the event, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, Nor Aida Ismail said: “It is an honour to witness how people came together to celebrate their interests in the best way possible, contribute to the tourism industry and have fun while doing it. With tourists and guests attending this event from other countries, I believe this will undoubtedly create a ripple effect on the economy. I hope to see more events similar to this in the years to come.”
Moving forward, Puan Rasta mentioned that the Pokanime Planet event will return in the coming years. For those who are interested to join in the fun, visit www.pokanimeplanet.com to get your tickets at only RM20 for the 3-day pass now!