SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show

If you love Japanese pop culture, the Sydney Manga and Anime Show (SMASH!) is for you. It’s an annual event held at the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour in July each year.

For the uninitiated, ‘manga’ are Japanese comics and cartoons. ‘Anime’ is a Japanese animation style with colourful graphics, vibrant characters and fantasy themes.

Manga and anime are very popular in Japan. If you’re an enthusiast, this show is where you’ll meet like-minded fans from all around Sydney. You’ll learn about local fan clubs and how to join.

There’s something for everyone at SMASH! Special guests for this convention include popular game and animation directors and voice actors. You’ll be able to meet with them and discuss your mutual manga and anime passions.

You’ll also have the opportunity to watch or make your own anime music videos and play popular games at SMASH! And when you’re feeling hungry, you’ll be able to be served by maids and butlers in anime-themed uniforms. It’s an immersive experience where you’ll feel like you’re in another world.

A range of live performers also appear at SMASH! They’ll sing all your favourite anime tunes to get you up and dancing. There’s also an exhibitor hall where you can buy anime merchandise and an artist’s market to buy custom-made goods made by anime fans.

Darling Harbour is three kilometres west of the CBD via the Western Distributor/A4. Public transport is a great option to get there, with regular bus, train and ferry services available. The nearest train station is Town Hall on the City Circle Line.