Singapore’s annual EOY Music, Comics and Arts Festival will return on 27 and 28 December with a refreshed programme and a new venue, bringing the event to the Raffles City Convention Centre for the first time. Organisers say the shift marks a new phase for the long-running Japanese pop culture festival, which has grown steadily since its launch in 2009. The two-day event is expected to draw fans of anime, J-pop and cosplay from Singapore and across the region.
This year’s edition has also been included in the SG Culture Pass, which allows visitors to redeem tickets using their credits. Organisers describe this inclusion as a milestone that reinforces the festival’s contribution to cultural appreciation and creative expression in Singapore. Since its inception, the festival has been built around a community of local creatives, with a focus on showcasing homegrown talent while providing a platform for J-culture enthusiasts to connect.
International guests and stage performances
The 2025 programme features an expanded line-up of performers from Singapore and Asia. International guests include Haruna Luna, appearing at the festival for the first time. Known for her anime theme songs for Fate/Zero and Sword Art Online, she is set to headline the main stage with her distinct vocal style. Ariku, a Japanese Odorite recognised for his wide-ranging dance styles and signature maid-costume look, will also make his Singapore debut.
Manako, known for her earlier performances with DANCEROID and Q’ulle, will join the line-up with a mix of choreography and stage performances. Thai cosplayer Kael Pk will make his first guest appearance at the festival, returning to Singapore after his 2018 showcase featuring his Ozymandias cosplay. He will present several crowd favourites, including looks inspired by Love and Deep Space.
Local and regional performers will join the main stage throughout both days, including Singapore-based idol group Tokimeki JUMP, emcee and performer Cheryl Rein, and cosplay act Nobrand Zhabors. Dance groups HS.JOYSU, Kyururun! and madLABS will also appear, offering a varied mix of live music, dance and creative showcases designed to run throughout the festival day.
Creators’ Alley and fringe experiences
More than 100 artists and crafters will take part in this year’s Creators’ Alley, which remains one of the festival’s core attractions. The alley will feature original artwork, fanworks, fashion pieces, handmade crafts and accessories influenced by anime, comics and gaming. Visitors can commission on-the-spot creations, including live sketches, personalised keychains and custom accessories. A Ball-Jointed Doll display will also return as a popular photo attraction.
Exclusive merchandise will be available from participating artists, and visitors can meet well-known cosplayers from Singapore and the region, including MUNOKO, Yukitora Keiji and Momoko Pigsfly. Fans will also be able to purchase keepsakes such as personalised polaroids during meet-and-greet segments.
The festival will offer a range of fringe experiences created in partnership with community groups and hobby organisations. Chronicles Inc. will host a Kaiji-inspired rock–paper–scissors game where players can collect stars and compete for prizes. Vinyl Pasar will present a sustainability-led experience that turns pre-loved vinyl and CDs into art pieces. Game Academia will feature trading card games, video game sales and mini collectibles.
Workshops and activity zones will also be available. The NUS Japanese Studies Society will run a kokeshi doll painting workshop, while the NUS Comics and Animation Society will host a mascot design space for sketching and colouring. SUTD NihonGo! will offer origami sessions and a paper frog race designed around light competition and cultural learning.
Visitors can take photos at Selfcheckout.sg’s sakura-themed booth, which includes cherry blossoms, Japanese props and custom lighting. Maxsoft will showcase Bandai’s popular trading card games such as Digimon, Gundam, One Piece and Union Arena. The Singapore Red Cross will also be present to promote its blood donation campaign.
Cosplay and community focus
Cosplay remains a major draw at EOY, and organisers expect strong participation from both local and international cosplayers. Visitors can meet performers, take photos and enjoy a wide range of creative interpretations of popular characters. Organisers say the event continues to serve as a meeting point for fans, creators and performers who share a passion for Japanese pop culture.
Early-bird tickets are priced at S$19.90 for a one-day pass and S$34.80 for a two-day pass until 26 December. Standard one-day tickets will be priced at S$21.90 from 27 December onwards. The event will run daily from 12.30pm to 8pm.
