Aya Hirano [平野 綾]

Stage/Voice Actress and Singer

Beginning her career as a child actor in 1998, Aya Hirano is a highly acclaimed Japanese actress, voice actress, and singer. After starting out in commercials and voice roles, she was launched to superstardom with her breakout performance as the Haruhi Suzumiya in the 2006 hit anime, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Her fame as a singer ignited simultaneously as she performed the show’s iconic theme song, “Bōken Desho Desho?”, sparking a successful solo music career.

Her versatile voice has brought to life many other beloved characters, including Izumi Konata in Lucky Star and Lucy Heartfilia in Fairy Tail. This work extends deeply into video games, where she not only reprises her famous anime roles but also originates characters in major franchises like Final Fantasy, One Piece, Grandblue Fantasy, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Catherine. In recent years, she has focused her work on live-action productions including stage, film, and television drama.

In 2024, she released her first new single in 11 years, marking a major return to music, and launched a nationwide tour to reconnect with fans across Japan.

Bradio

Funk-Rock Band

Also known as an acronym for “Break the Rule And Do Image On”. Bradio is a soul band that gained international recognition when their hit song “Flyers” was used as the opening theme for the anime Death Parade. Several successful albums and many local and international performances later, they continue to create their vibrant and funky brand of music, their songs being used as theme songs for popular anime like Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, Yu Gi Oh! Go Rush!, and Duel Masters.

ChouCho

Anisong Singer & Songwriter

Known for her high popularity on Niconico (Japanese video platform), ChouCho achieved approximately one million views with her “Utattemita” (cover song) videos. As a pioneer among net-based singers transitioning to professional artistry, she made her major debut in the summer of 2011 with “Kawaru Mirai,” the opening theme song for the TV anime Kamisama no Memo-cho. She went on to perform theme songs for numerous popular titles that supported the dawn of late-night anime, including Hyouka, Girls und Panzer, and Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya.

Her transparent singing voice has garnered borderless support across Asia, Europe, and North America, leading to numerous appearances at anime events. In recent years, she has begun writing her own lyrics and compositions, crafting ending theme songs for Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina and Ultraman Trigger, and showcasing her songwriting talent by providing music to voice actors and virtual livers.

Hakken

Your Boss-Level NPC

Is Hakken a model? A cosplayer? A celestial being here to raise our collective beauty standards to unreachable levels? Answer: Yes.

AniManGaki’s resident Special Guest is back! Few figures in the cosplay world command attention quite like Hakken. Known for their uncanny ability to bring fictional characters to life, this photogenic talent works go beyond costume. With androgynous elegance and model-tier visuals, Hakken has redefined cosplay as an art form, earning global acclaim for their striking accuracy and undeniable stage presence. Private yet powerful, our Malaysia’s best ACG export remains a visual icon on the international stage.

Lucius Merryweather

Vtuber & Webtoon Author

Lucius Merryweather of Astraline! A writer by day, a dog vtuber by night! Using the power of creation magic, he built a kingdom of stories with titles that have received award winning achievements. Get ready dog army, here he comes!

mit photography

Cosplay Concept Art Photographer

mit is a cosplay concept art photographer based in Japan, traveling the world to hold exhibitions and workshops that explore the deeper meaning of cosplay.
From casting and costume creation to composition, every detail is crafted by her hands.
Her work doesn’t just capture beauty—it leaves behind questions, emotions, and space for the viewer to wonder.

Yoshihiro Watanabe

Producer @ Studio Orange

Previously worked at Madhouse and P.A. Works before joining Orange. Involved in BEASTARS since Season 1 as an assistant producer for Orange, handling the studio’s development initiatives. Played a role in domestic and international marketing for BEASTARS and TRIGUN STAMPEDE. He also contributed to productions like HOME! and the Ensemble Stars!!: Seishonenyugi music video.

Kenji Muto

Director of TRIGUN STAMPEDE @ Studio Orange

As coming from live-action film background, Kenji joined the animation industry more than a decade ago. Working with Director Satoshi Nishimura, director of 1998 Trigun animation series, Kenji learned direction of animation. In 2017 Kenji began working with Orange on Land of The Lustrous as episode director. Making is mark with dynamic camera work and action sequence, Kenji debuts as director on TRIGUN STAMPEDE (2023).

Yumihiko Amano

Illustrator

Yumihiko Amano moved from animation to illustration around 2000. Key works: “Argo & Pika” (2003); solo shows “Warlord Series” (2006) and “Lilac” (2012); the “Kagura series” and merch for kagrra, (2009–11). From 2013 he illustrated Square Enix’s “LastSQ” and M.S.S Project’s “M.S.S Phantom,” co-founded Alphact, and designed stages. Recent highlights: formed KUIN (2018), toured “Yoshitaka Amano × Yumihiko Amano” (2020–), and worked on “TRIGUN STAMPEDE” (2023).

Fumihilo Katagai

Mechanical Designer

Fumihilo Katagai is a mechanical designer renowned for richly detailed steampunk and dieselpunk aesthetics. His credits include LASTEXILE and LASTEXILE: Fam, The Silver Wing, Princess Principal, Bungou Stray Dogs, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway, and TRIGUN STAMPEDE. He remains active, shaping worlds with intricate machinery and industrial flair.

Tatsuya Hattori/KOTOBUKIYA

Sculptor

Tatsuya Hattori joined Kotobukiya in 2004. He has worked on numerous figure sculpts across a wide range of styles—from deformed to realistic, and from anime character-based designs to original works—spanning series such as the One Coin Figure series, es series, ARTFX series, and ARTFX J series. He is also the sculptor behind the entire ARTFX J TRIGUN STAMPEDE lineup. His latest work is the special collaboration product with MegaHouse, Portrait.Of.Pirates One Piece “K×MAXIMUM” Sanji.

Ariderion

K Talent Entertainment

Ariderion is a Professional Serbian Model and Cosplayer.
With 8 years experience in the field of modelling, posing and characterisation, they have charmed the world with their stunning visuals and charming personality. Please give a warm welcome to Ari as this will be her first visit in Malaysia, showcasing new merchandise that will be sold in Asia for the first time at AniManGaki!

KNITE

K Talent Entertainment

KNITE is a Professional Greek Cosplayer, Model, Content Creator and founder of International Talent Agency; KT Entertainment. With 15 years experience in the field of make-up, sewing, wig styling and characterisation, they have had the opportunity to travel and work with numerous clients, celebrities and events around the world. Please give them a warm “welcome back” to Malaysia!

Shookoboo

K Talent Entertainment

Shookoboo is a Professional Chinese Cosplayer and Content Creator residing in Singapore. With 14 years of cosplay experience up his sleeve, he has gained a dedicated following around the world who have fell in love with his fun personality and characterisation skills. Sharing his passion and craft, Shoko is very excited to return to Malaysia for AniManGaki!

Shunsuke

K Talent Entertainment

Shunsuke is a Professional Swiss Cosplayer, Model and Photographer with 14 years experience in the field of photography, posing, craftsmanship and characterisation. He has represented Team Switzerland for WCS as well as built a huge social media presence and fanbase on multiple platforms sharing his love and passion for cosplay. Please give him a warm welcome as this will be his first time in Malaysia!