SMASH! has been consistently blowing it’s attendees away with their extensive guest list. Like how they’ve put it themselves, SMASH! is “committed to bringing the best possible talent from across the world to discuss the anime industry, meet with fans and share their experiences.”
It’s no different this year as they welcome veteran Japanese voice talent Shizuka Itoh, Daisuke Sakaguchi and Shiori Mikami to the event.

Shizuka Itoh is a prolific voice actor and singer who is best known for her roles as Minako Aino/Sailor Venus (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal), Koko Hekmatyar (Jormungand) and Lenalee Lee (D.Gray-man). With more than ten years of experience under her belt, Shizuka Itoh brings with her an extensive and varied list of roles from Anime to Games that she would be sharing with the fans in Australia who are interested to learn about the industry in Japan.

Joining her in the lineup this year is also voice actor Daisuke Sakaguchi. This would be his maiden appearance in Australia. A renown veteran with twenty years in the industry, Daisuke Sakaguchi has dabbled in everything from Anime to Game. He is best known for his roles as Shinpachi Shimura (Gintama), Leonardo Watch (Blood Blockade Battlefront), Satoshi Fukube (Hyouka), Youhei Sunohara (Clannad), and Uso Ewin (Mobile Suit Victory Gundam).

The third Voice Actress to be guesting at SMASH! is Shiori Mikami! Best known for her work as Krista Lenz (Attack on Titan) and Akaza Akari (Yuru Yuri), Shiori Mikami was winner of the “Best New Actress” award in 2012 and is one of Japan’s next big voice acting star. 
The Manga/Illustration representative from Japan would be Asami Hagiwara – a Japanese Manga Artist and Illustrator. Having worked for Shueisha’s SD &GO!, Hagiwara is currently working on the Shonen Jump Plus series, “Bye-bye Jinrui”.
When she is not busy drawing cute female characters, something her art is known for, she can be found illustrating cover artwork for Japanese pop singers. She recently worked on the CD cover art for Japanese pop group Sangatsu no Phantasia’s 4th single release ‘Rubikon’ (Ki/ on Music). This will be her forst appearance in Australia.
Cosplay Guest this year would be the beautiful boy duo – Baozi and Hana from China. Having formed since 2011, the duo is known for their accurate and flawless portrayal of characters from both genders. With more than 232,000 followers on Facebook and 148,000 followers on Instagram, the cosplay duo has an international fanbase that spans from Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Brazil.

2. Cosplay Competition:

Colourful, vibrant, entertaining and inspiring. It’s no surprise Cosplays are taking center stage in anime conventions around the world.

Multitudes of Cosplayers gather at the Cosplay Competition in S.M.A.S.H every year to showcase their workmanship and talent – making the competition one of the biggest highlight of the weekend.

3. Workshop & Panels:

There’s nothing more boring than a convention with absolutely nothing to do. Not only are Panels and Workshops one of the best ways to liven up the convention, it’s also a great way to interact with new friends and learn something new.
Since it’s formation, SMASH! has always focused on bringing quality and diverse Panels to its attendees. From cosplay to art, Japanese culture to gaming, there’s bound to be something that fits your jam.

Detailed information and schedule of the workshops are not out yet but you can check out what they’ve done previously to get an idea.

4. Maid Cafe:

While the quintessentially Otaku experience can be seen practically everywhere in central Tokyo, Maid Cafe remains elusive outside of its homeland. For your slice of kawaii Japanese culture, pop into the Maid Cafe at SMASH! this year.

SMASH! has decided to make the Cafe extra fun this year by running exciting mini-games and raffles with exclusive event merchandise to commemorate its 10th year anniversary.

5. Games & Gundam & more!:

From Gaming Tournaments to Free Play Console areas, SMASH! has every form of gamer covered. For the first time ever, SMASH will also be introducing an Arcade Zone and Indie Alley.

6. Art & Merchandise Booths

And no convention will be completed without a place for independent creators to showcase their handmade merchandise or wow Art-Fans with their artistic creations. SMASH! has always been supportive of the independent creators so prepare to see rooms after rooms of booths selling everything from Art Book to T-shirts and even Makeup!

7. After Hour

Ain’t nobody says you gotta stop when the sun goes down and SMASH! is all about smashing expectations to make the fun last forever. Dance your night away with live music, performances, cosplay, gaming and more on Saturday night. Popular DJ/Producer TEDDYLOID and DJ/Cosplayer YUI KANA from Japan is also performing at After Hours to bring the best electronic dance music and Anime covers to the fans.
DJ TeddyLoid is the producer of GAINAX’s “Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt” soundtrack which has garnered much attention. But he didn’t just stop there, he also provided the background music to Mekakucity Actors anime; sound-produced Momoiro Clover Z’s Neo STARGATE; produced vocaloid IA tracks and remixes; and handled Square Enix’s Mugen?Knights.
DJ Yui Kanan is the leader of YUIMINO+ and CEO of a professional cosplay company titled ‘ONIGIRI PLUS Inc.’ Working closely with clients from various industries including animation and gaming, it is Yui Kanan’s goal to create a professional work environment for cosplayers whilst making the art of cosplay acceptable in society. Inspired by popular EDM mixed with J-pop culture, Yui Kanan wants to create a new musical expression in which there can be a crossover between cosplay and EDM music.
For more information about AFter Hours! and tickerting, click here!

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And the list don’t end here! The smashing thing about SMASH! is the endless activities it provides to its attendees. I covered seven items here but SMASH! really gives you wayyyyy more than that! Pop over to their website to learn more about the Karaoke, Gundam building, Doodling competition and Video screening it will be having!
Website: https://www.smash.org.au