By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Compiled and Reported
The 19th annual 2018 Comic Expo was held from August 16 to August 20 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, attracting huge crowds. With a total of 34 autograph sessions and 31 events in the Japan Pavilion, this year marked the first time the expo featured ACG gaming and eSports displays, attracting many manga, anime, mobile game, and eSports fans.
The 2018 Comic Expo featured large photo spots perfect for taking pictures, drawing fans who lined up to take commemorative photos. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Zhang Yingying, same below)
This year, under the theme “Enjoy Anime. Endless Horizons,” the expo not only satisfied fans with animation, comics, light novels, and picture books, but also brought a wide range of related merchandise—such as cultural and creative goods, trendy fashion, toys, stationery, plush toys, video games, mobile games, eSports, and pop music—into everyday life. The industry has expanded bit by bit over time, showcasing the boundless diversity of the anime sector. It boasts an irresistible unique charm, with innovation and creativity now permeating every aspect of our lives.
A super-sized photo scene brought anime visuals to life, prompting many fans to seize the opportunity for a pilgrimage-like experience.
The Comic Expo offers a different exhibition theme each year, featuring diverse and engaging content, highly creative merchandise, and rare appearances by artists, authors, voice actors, and idol groups. These elements vividly showcase the genre’s diverse creativity and vibrant energy. Friends are welcome to join in exploring the infinite excitement of the anime “world”! And those who love Japanese culture shouldn’t miss the ICHIBAN JAPAN Japan Pavilion, which offers fans a lively and varied program of exclusive events.
One Piece Theme Pavilion.
Among the numerous voice actor autograph sessions and performances planned this year, voice actress Akiko Hiramatsu, who plays Keroberos in Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc, and voice actress Tomori Kusunoki, who portrays the heroine Chise Hatori in The Ancient Magus’ Bride, were invited to attend the expo. They appeared at separate voice actor autograph sessions on August 18 and 19.
The 2018 Comic Expo mascot, Manbo, poses for a photo with various guests at the press conference.
Additionally, members of “Tsukimai.” and “SQ Stage” will hold meet-and-greet events. Actors Tomoichi Doi (as Fumizuki Umi), Yuto Sato (as Nao Yuzuki), and Teruyuki Kagiyama (as Shiwasu Subaru) from “Tsukimai.”, along with members of the Moon the Child talent agency—“SolidS” and “QUELL”—will meet fans together with actors Keita Kusaka (as Okui Tsubasa), Toshihiko Tanaka (as Izumi Shisui), Kentaro Yamanaka (as Kuga Kyo), and Kouta Yamanaka (as Kuga Kyo).
Multiple autograph sessions and events created numerous highlights throughout the venue.
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