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 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.

Throughout her musical career, she has headlined solo tours across Japan and internationally, while also performing at events around the world.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of her CD and voice acting debut, the 20th anniversary of her solo artist debut, and the 15th anniversary of her musical theatre debut. Looking ahead, Aya Hirano will celebrate an incredible 30th anniversary in the entertainment industry in 2028!

Hidetaka Tenjin

Illustrator, Designer, Image Board Artist, Voice Actor

Has worked on various plastic model box arts such as BANDAI SPIRITS, HASEGAWA, GOOD SMILE COMPANY among many others. He has worked for many video games and animations.

For mechanical arts he has worked on “Macross Zero” “Macross F” “Genesis of Aquarion.” Mechanical design includes “Hellsing” “Macross Δ” “Knights & Magic” “Super Robot Wars T” “Back Arrow” “Yasuke.” He was the mechanila art director for “Star Blazers 2205.” He has also worked on designs outside of the entertainment industry, notably, he has designed the 4 legged walking robot built by Sansei Technologies.

In 2022, Tenjin has received the honorable Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic Con.

He has been highly acclaimed in Japan and around the world.

Jacob Takanashi

Voice Actor

Joining the lineup of guests is none other than the phenomenal American voice actor from Tokyo! He made his name by giving life to notable characters from various television series, like Pacciani in Captain Tsubasa and Griff from Far-Fetched. His vocal prowess also shone in gaming, voicing notable roles like Eniac Neumann in Card-En-Ciel, Richt from Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, and Kinich from Genshin Impact!

His talent also encompasses voice acting! He is also a promising actor, starring in the Japanese drama series Oi, Handsome! , and a gifted musician—rocking his powerful vocals in the Far-Fetched Soundtrack “Adventricular” and releasing impressive covers, like “Addict” from Hazbin Hotel with Dave Capdevielle and “Face My Fears” from Kingdom Hearts with OTOUSVN.

Locking onto his first appearance at AniManGaki 2026—get ready to experience the mighty voice and spectacular talent of Jacob Takanashi!

James Day

Voice Actor

James Day is a classically trained Malaysian-British actor, based in London, whose work spans across major video game titles and television. He is best known for bringing to life characters such as Aalto in Wuthering Waves, Otis Velona and Thaliak in Final Fantasy XIV, SilverAsh in Arknights, as well as several notable zombies in Resident Evil Requiem.

His on-screen roles include Patch in Playtime Towers (CBeebies) and Jin Hathaway in So Awkward Academy (CBBC) among others.

Beyond acting, James also connects with fans through his Twitch channel, where he streams regularly and has grown a warm, global community

KOTOKO (コトコ)

AniSong Singer

KOTOKO is one of Japan’s most celebrated singers and a leading vocalist of the renowned music production group I’ve. Since making her major debut in 2004 with the album Hane, she has established herself as a defining voice in the anime and game music scene, earning numerous Oricon chart hits, including “being“, the opening theme for Shakugan no Shana.

Known for her captivating vocals and dynamic stage presence, KOTOKO has headlined solo concerts at iconic venues such as Yokohama Arena and the Nippon Budokan, while also performing at major anime and game music festivals across Asia. Her extensive career includes the acclaimed 10-CD collection KOTOKO’s GAME SONG COMPLETE BOX “The Bible” and the viral 2021 collaboration “INTERNET OVERDOSE,” which introduced her music to a new generation of fans worldwide.

Celebrating over two decades of musical excellence, KOTOKO continues to evolve with new releases, international tours, and an enduring passion for connecting with audiences across generations.

Michi Mochievee

VTuber & Content Creator & Singer Songwriter

Michi “Nathaniel” Mochievee is an content creator, talented vocalist, and self-proclaimed professional yapper that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her loud energy, impeccable fashion sense, and hilariously unfiltered stories. She may be forgetful and her short streams may be 16 hours long at times – but her chaotic energy will surely bring some fun and whimsy into your life.

Outside of her mysterious merchant lore, Michi bridges the gap between different genres.

Currently, Michi is expanding her musical repertoire as she has just released new original songs in “Quicksand” and “Nothing More” as well as a remix version (by Pretty Patterns) and is working on an EP that is releasing this year. When she isn’t sharing hyper-specific medical updates with her chat or praising her beloved mascot Jared, she is probably spending time with her cat Gregorious.

Pretty Patterns has worked on songs like end of a life by Mori Calliope, Birds of Time by Enna Alouette, etc.

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.

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION

Anisong Music Creator/Singer

Created as a sound-making project by multi-creator music artist and producer RON, his work was born from the idea of “diving into the stereo sound source.” Currently active in the field of music production, his profound sense of melody and track-making style utilizes a futuristic synth sound, which contributed to a lot of hit anime soundtracks like “STORYSEEKER” from That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, “OMEGA” from Moriarty the Patriot, and the award-winning soundtrack from Kyoukai No Kanata, “Daisy”!

Baobao

Cosplayer & Content Creator & Streamer

Originally from Hong Kong and currently based in Malaysia, Baobao is a cosplayer, content creator and streamer who has been active in the cosplay scene since AniManGaki 2013.

Over the years, has been invited as a special guest cosplayer and has participated in events across Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and more. 🌏✨

Baobao has connected with fans around the world through her cosplay, content, and livestreams.

Sally Dorasnow

Cosplayer & Content Creator

Sally Dorasnow is a friendly and lovable Malaysian cosplayer and content creator, known for bringing popular anime and game characters to life through captivating visuals. As Hada Labo’s featured guest, she celebrates creativity, confidence, and healthy, hydrated skin.

Ristelle

Cosplayer & Content Creator & Streamer

Starting her cosplayer journey since 2011. Ristelle is now a performer, content creator and also a Twitch Streamer that shares her love and passion towards playing video games, TCG and Anisong.

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.

郭小幻Mist

Content Creator & Comic Artist & Gaming Streamer

郭小幻Mist is a Malaysian content creator/comic artist/gaming streamer known for her engaging storytelling and energetic personality. She creates gaming, anime, and lifestyle content across multiple platforms.