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SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show 2015 smashes its way to world-class status

Sydney, NSW, July 20, 2015 – Let the countdown begin! Now in its ninth year, SMASH! SYDNEY MANGA AND ANIME SHOW promises to deliver more colour, action and entertainment for fans of cosplay, geek, manga, and anime in Australia. Taking Japanese pop-culture to the next level, Australia's #1 Japanese pop-culture convention is set to impress attendees with its spectacular event on August 8th and 9th at Rosehill Gardens (NSW).

With a few weeks to go, fans and organisers are counting down to one of the largest conventions of the year, with an expected attendance of 13,000 people at SMASH! 2015.

Bringing back fan-favourite events and attractions, convention-goers will have the chance to experience a lively pop-culture environment featuring signature events such as cosplay, ball-jointed dolls, karaoke, gaming, vendors, guest panels, and Gundam modelling.

Hosting the biggest line-up ever with international guests from the worlds of animation, cosplay, and pop-culture, headlining SMASH! 2015 is none other than the prolific Naruto voice-actor NORIAKI SUGIYAMA (presented by Japan Foundation, Sydney); Japanese industry presenter DANNY CHOO (Culture Japan); and video games producer HIROAKI YURA (Project Phoenix). And to wrap it up, world-class cosplayer REIKA will be making a return to SMASH!, accompanied by renowned cosplayer KANAME☆ for his Australian debut appearance.

The authentic Japanese pop-culture experience doesn't end there as SMASH! 2015 is gearing up to be the most extravagant year in SMASH! entertainment history. With Japanese indie band LOVERIN TAMBURIN returning as musical guests for the second time, SMASH! will be hosting Australia's first anime music concert: I LOVE ANISONG X SMASH!.

I LOVE ANISONG X SMASH! concert features a star-studded line-up including J-pop duo GARNiDELiA (Kill la Kill, Gunslinger Stratos), DJ Hello Kitty, anime music producer kz(Livetune), and J-pop artist yanaginagi (Waiting in the Summer, Jormungand, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU).

SMASH! President Andrew Qiu believes SMASH! 2015 is a “world-class event that is ready to take Australia by storm”.

“We are confident that SMASH! is the #1 event for Japanese pop-culture in Australia,” Qiu said. “With international guests and exciting events like I LOVE ANISONG X SMASH!, we are passionate about bringing Japanese pop-culture - direct from Japan - to the Australian audience.”

With Reika and Kaname☆ leading the cosplay scene at this year's convention, fans will be following their footsteps and using SMASH! as an opportunity to dress up as their favourite characters. Aspiring cosplayers will be delighted to hear that SMASH! will be hosting two major cosplay events again: the annual Madman Cosplay Competition, and the Australian Preliminary Finals of World Cosplay Summit 2015.

For the first time ever, SMASH! will be collaborating with Madman Entertainment for The Love Love! School Idol Project Celebration. Based on the popular anime series, the Love Live! School Idol Cafe is a must-see attraction where fans will be able to experience Sydney's ultimate Maid Cafe with themed food served by maids and butlers. In addition to this, Madman will be hosting screenings; the Love Live! School idol project Costume Exhibition; and exclusive merchandise for fans to purchase for the first time in Australia.

“With the rising fascination in Japanese pop-culture, SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show is a unique event that embodies all of that energy and vibrant passion,” Qiu said.
“By bringing fans together from different ends of the fandom, SMASH! is the perfect chance for everyone to discover new things about Japan and its culture. We hope to see you next month!”

*SMASH! 2015 is a two-day pop-culture convention to be held at Rosehill Gardens on August 8th and 9th. Featuring a line-up of cosplay, gaming and anime events, SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show is an event not to be missed. Tickets are on sale now from $30 - $55. For more information, visit www.smash.org.au.

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