KUCHING, March 4: Fans of anime, cosplay and games will once again have another fun-filled event to look forward to with OtaZo 2023 set to take place at Boulevard Shopping Mall here on March 11 and 12.
This year marks the first time OtaZo will be held, and admission will be free to the inaugural event, which will take place from 10am to 7pm on both days at Mall 2 of Boulevard Shopping Mall.
Organised by GEKI Events Management, the passionate minds behind one of the largest animation, comics and games (ACG) events in East Malaysia, the annual Otakyun! exhibition, OtaZo will focus on content related to artists, arts, crafts as well as other similar sub-cultures which revolves around both traditional and digital artwork.
OtaZo is derived from the Japanese term ‘Otaku’, which means geek or passionate fan of, and the Japanese character ‘Zo’ (é€ ), which means to create or creation – when put together, it forms a portmanteau meaning fan of creation.
The event will see fans of all ages showcasing their passion with cosplay, performances, artwork and handicrafts with a host of programmes and competitions to spice things up throughout the two-day event.
Trophies and cash prizes will be up for grabs at the Digital Theme Art Competition, where winners will stand a chance to win a GAOMON M106K PRO drawing tablet, as well as a singing competition, dance competition, cosplay prop-making competition and a coswalk competition.
Guests artists expected to grace the event are the ever-popular Raeyxia and Kendylife, both of whom are renowned Malaysian artists who will be hosting a live demo drawing session stage and a sharing session. Fans will also be able to commission art at their respective booths.
An ACG event wouldn’t be complete without special guest cosplayers, as OtaZo 2023 will be welcoming Sunny and Chiyo Ning from Miri, both of whom will be presenting a dance performance, a meet and greet session for fans, tokutenkai (special meeting) sessions and also selling their respective cosplay merchandise.
OtaZo 2023 will also be featuring special guest ‘That Kyojin Guy’, who will be hosting a sharing session on casual photography and furry costume making.
Visitors to the event will be treated to a special collaboration event with Ding Tea, as the event will have a special OtaZo x Ding Tea Collab drink – Grapefruit Honey Black Tea – and a special limited design cup sleeve, all hosted by the One-day Store Managers, cosplayers Huii Huii and Ephe.
Buying two or more of the collaboration drink will entitle fans to the limited cup sleeve as well as an autograph and exclusive cheki (instant photo) session with the One-day Store Manager cosplayers during their appearance time, only from 12pm to 3pm on each day.
The exclusive collaboration items will only be available during OtaZo 2023 at Ding Tea Boulevard, Kuching.
As many as 30 ACG-themed booths are expected to make an appearance at the two-day event.
For more information about the event, its guests and special collaborations, please visit their social media pages on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Otakyun.my) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/otakyun.my/). — DayakDaily
