As the year drew to a close, there was no better way to celebrate than by diving headfirst into the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture. On 27 and 28 December 2025, the Raffles City Convention Centre was transformed into a bustling hub of creativity for the EOY Music, Comics and Arts Festival 2025. Walking into the hall, I was immediately greeted by a sea of colours and an electric atmosphere that felt like stepping straight into a fantasy land. Everywhere I turned, passionate fans were dressed as their favourite characters, showcasing the incredible talent within our local and regional ACG (Anime, Comics, and Gaming) community.
Star-Studded Guest Appearances
One of the biggest draws this year at EOY Music Comics and Arts Festival 2025, was the impressive lineup of guest artistes who flew in to grace the EOY stage. The crowd was absolutely ecstatic to welcome Haruna Luna from Japan, the iconic singer and Harajuku fashion model known for her legendary Sword Art Online and Fate/Zero themes. Furthermore, we were treated to the versatile dance moves of Ariku, whose signature maid-costume look was a massive hit during his first-ever Singapore visit.
Additionally, the multi-talented Manako made her debut on the EOY stage, bringing her experience from DANCEROID and Q’ulle to a captivated audience. For the cosplay fans, the return of Kael Pk from Thailand was a major highlight. Having first visited in 2018, his stunning Love and Deep Space cosplays were a sight to behold, proving why he remains a seasoned veteran in the scene after 13 years.
Cosplay Spotlight
No LBRD article is complete without a look at the amazing cosplayers who brought our favourite characters to life. Here are some of the characters that caught my eye, along with a little “Singaporean twist” for each!
The Stylish
Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto): Naruto Uzumaki is the protagonist of Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto. Once ostracised, he rises to become a respected ninja and leader. Optimistic, determined, and compassionate, Naruto believes deeply in perseverance and friendship. It is a story of humble beginnings to becoming a legend. One of my favourites.
Akatsuki (Naruto): The Akatsuki is a secret organisation of rogue ninja in Naruto, composed of powerful individuals with their own ideologies. Strategic, intimidating, and unified by ambition, the group is known for its iconic cloaks and overwhelming combat prowess. Those cloaks are perfect for a rainy day here!
Roronoa Zoro (One Piece): Much like SG’s multicultural mix of languages, Zoro’s three-sword style blends different elements into a powerful whole—efficient and versatile. Zoro is a master swordsman from One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda. A former bounty hunter, he joins the Straw Hat Pirates with the goal of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman. Stoic, fiercely loyal, and disciplined, Zoro is known for his three-sword fighting style and unwavering sense of honour.
Bomb Devil (Chainsaw Man):
The Bomb Devil is a Devil from Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto, representing humanity’s fear of explosions. It possesses destructive power and an unpredictable presence.
She is chaotic, dangerous, and visually striking, the Bomb Devil embodies raw fear and uncontrollable violence. Weird kind of sexy too.
The Mysterious
Ado (J-Pop Icon): Origin & Persona:
Ado is a Japanese singer known for powerful vocals and a hidden identity, represented publicly through animated avatars and visuals. Mysterious, expressive, and emotionally intense, Ado’s music focuses on raw feeling rather than personal image.
Lucifer (Hazbin Hotel): His grand theatrical flair is very much like a musical performance at The Esplanade—larger-than-life and impossible to ignore. Lucifer is a major character in Hazbin Hotel, an adult animated series created by Vivienne Medrano. He is the ruler of Hell and father of Charlie. Charismatic, theatrical, and morally complex, Lucifer combines humour with authority and dramatic flair.
Arlecchino (Genshin Impact): Arlecchino, also known as “The Knave,” is one of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers in Genshin Impact. She plays a significant role in the game’s political and narrative conflicts. Elegant, manipulative, and unpredictable, Arlecchino balances charm with danger.Like our vibrant mix of festivals, her mysterious persona is full of surprises—you never know what she will do next!
The Quirkey
Tenna (Deltarune): This character’s flashy host energy is reminiscent of our own TV variety shows during festive seasons—loud, chaotic, and full of surprises. Tenna, also known as Mr. “Ant” Tenna, is an antagonist introduced in Deltarune Chapter 3. He hosts the game-show-styled world “TV Time.”
Saber (Honkai:Star Rail): Saber is a crossover character in Honkai: Star Rail, originally from the Fate series. She is a heroic spirit bound by knightly ideals. Noble, disciplined, and resolute, Saber fights with honour, loyalty, and unwavering resolve. This cosplayer is a dude in disguise and he is so candid for photos. Confidence through the roof!
Girl Power
MadLADs and Nobrand Zhabors are the highlights of the performing groups, bringing the house down with their high energy dance choreography. They specialise in live character portrayal through theatrical acting and choreography. Dramatic, expressive, and immersive, the group focuses on storytelling through performance rather than static cosplay.
Exploring the Creators’ Alley and Beyond
The heart of the festival was undoubtedly the Creators’ Alley, which featured over 100 independent artists and crafters. It was heartening to see such a diverse marketplace filled with original art, fanworks, and handmade accessories. Moreover, the interactive experiences were a standout feature this year. Visitors could commission live sketches or even create unique fragrance blends, making it more than just a simple shopping trip.
Beyond the art, the fringe activities kept everyone engaged. From the high-stakes rock-paper-scissors showdown at Chronicles Inc. to the nostalgic vibes of Vinyl Pasar, there was something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed seeing the NUS Japanese Studies Society teaching traditional kokeshi doll painting, while Game Academia and Maxsoft provided plenty of action for the trading card game enthusiasts.
Personal Encounters and Creative Moments
While the big names and bright lights are exciting, it is the personal interactions that truly make EOY special for me. At one of the booths, I met a young lady dressed in an elegantly conservative old maid’s outfit. Interestingly, her modest attire stood out beautifully amongst the more revealing costumes often seen at these events. After chatting for a bit, I realised she had flown all the way from Thailand just to join our local festival. I truly applaud her motivation and dedication to her craft; it is creators like her who keep the spirit of the community alive.
Check her out at her socials:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/bibitoastyz
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/toasty.nhompangz/
I also took some time to tap into my own creative side at the NUSCAS (NUS Comics and Animation Society) booth. Although it has been years since I seriously drew comics, I decided to try my hand at some character sketches.
My style is heavily influenced by old-school Hong Kong comics—can any of you guess which characters I was referencing? Feel free to drop your guesses in the comments! In the spirit of the event, I participated in a drawing exchange. In exchange of my contribution, I picked up a sketch of a “bookworm” guy walking his dog. He looked so chill amidst the surrounding chaos, and honestly, I related to that vibe perfectly.
The EOY Music, Comics and Arts Festival 2025 was a spectacular reminder of why we love this community. It was a weekend of creativity, passion, and shared joy that left everyone looking forward to the next one.
