Guests

We’re welcoming….

Thames, as our first special guest for 2025! He’s a Thailand-born cosplay sensation who’s been crafting epic costumes since 2006! He’s a celebrated figure in the cosplay world, dazzling fans as a guest and judge at events across Thailand and beyond. He snagged third place at the World Cosplay Summit 2022 in Nagoya, Japan with his partner Jasper Z, then claimed the title of Best Cosplay Influencer 2024 at the Japan Expo Thailand 2024.

His jaw-dropping cosplays have made him a beloved icon in Thailand and internationally. Thames also shines as a cosplayer model, endorsing products and games with his signature flair. When he’s not slaying the cosplay scene, he’s streaming on his thriving Facebook page, strumming out as the songwriter and bassist of the Malerose Band, and capturing newcomers with his musical talent!

Check out Thames’ Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | TikTok

We’re welcoming, Erica Mendez! A Chicago-born, Los Angeles-based voice actress who’s brought to life some of your favourite characters!

She is adored as Retsuko in Aggretsuko, Ryuko in KILL la KILL, Gon in Hunter x Hunter, Megumin in Konosuba, and Sailor Uranus in Viz Media’s Sailor Moon dub, alongside many more roles; like Raphtalia in The Rising of the Shield Hero, Akko in Little Witch Academia, and Kamisato Ayaka in Genshin Impact!! Her voice shines in video games too, from Final Fantasy VII Remake and Octopath Traveler II to The Fire Emblem series and the New Pokémon Snap! You can also catch her in shows like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Delicious in Dungeon - a true jack of all trades!

Beyond acting, Erica’s talents extend to script adaptations for hits like The Promised Neverland and Carole & Tuesday. She even stepped into directing with the animated film I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, which she adapted herself.

Check out Erica’s X (Twitter) here!

We are welcoming American Voice Actor, Lucien Dodge!
Lucien is a voice actor specialising in characters for animation, video games, commercials, and other media.

His known works in animation includes Robin in include Robin in Batman: Mechs vs. Mutants, Akaza in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, Mahito in Jujutsu Kaisen, Zoicite and Motoki in the Viz Media dub of Sailor Moon, Waver Velvet in Fate/Zero and Lord El Melloi II’s Case Files, Amuro Ray in Gundam: The Origin, Okami in Aggretsuko, Takumu Mayuzumi in Accel World, Ja'far in Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic and Magi: Adventure of Sinbad, Keisuke Baji in Tokyo Revengers, Tatara Totsuka in K, and Blue in Pokémon Origins.

Other than animations, his reach extend to games! His works include Felix in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Dust in Dust: An Elysian Tail, Kibo and Hifumi Yamada in the Danganronpa series, Clover Cookie in Cookie Run: Kingdom, Elliot Craig in Trails of Cold Steel, Hojo in Monster Hunter: Rise, Aries in Fallout 76, Amador Jack in Deathloop, Spartan Voiceprint 2SAW in Halo Infinite, and additional voices Spider Man: Miles Morales, World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Elder Scrolls: Blades, and a multitude of characters for Shadowverse.

Check out Lucien's Website | X (twitter) here!

We are welcoming Japanese Voice Actor, Nojima Kenji!

Affiliated with Aoni Productions voice talent agency, Nojima made his debut as a voice actor in the mid nineties and has lent his voice to many young male characters in both anime and games.

His known works include Hikaru Ichijyo in a number of Macross-related video games in the 2000s. Other major roles include Yuto Kiba in High School DxD, Jade in Ultimate Muscle, Nobuchika Ginoza in Psycho-Pass, Keisaku Sato in Shakugan no Shana, Taihei Doma in Himouto! Umaru-chan, Yuna Roma Seiran in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Hazard/Submarine Robo in Sortie! Machine Robo Rescue, Prince Cayenne in Lady Jewelpet, Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon Crystal, Fumito Nanahara in Blood-C, and Masaki in Time of Eve.

Check out Nojima’s Instagram | X (Twitter) here!

We’re welcoming… Masaya Fukunishi! A talented Japanese voice actor from Nara Prefecture, affiliated with Ken Production! A rising star in the voice acting world, Masaya claimed the 2012 Best Anime Scenario Award at Seiyu Koshien and showcased his skills in the 3rd Seiyū Damashī 2014. He’s caught the ears of fans from the iconic roles like Ken Ryūgūji in Tokyo Revengers and Gege in Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger, stepping into these roles with brilliance.

In 2023, Masaya took on the lead as Kafka Hibino, the titular protagonist of Kaiju No. 8, solidifying his place as a fan favourite. With his dynamic performances and undeniable charisma, Masaya is a must-see at our convention. Don’t miss the chance to meet this voice acting sensation!

Check out Masaya Fukunishi more on X (Twitter)

A group of friends from Australia here to save the day with our Virtual antics!

You need a team to take on the very worst. Enter the Virtulantes—a bold new PPO initiative designed to harness the untamed potential of five unique individuals. Whether it's a destructive supernatural force or a threat that defies scientific explanation, the Virtulantes are ready to face whatever challenges are thrown their way—because when they work together, there’s no threat they can't conquer.

With goals to support one another in their creative endeavours, they want us to have fun together making those around laugh with endless joy. They strive to help other VTubers through the efforts of creating uplifting educational content, sharing their experiences and trying to take Aussie vtubing to new heights!


Check out Virtulantes' X (Twitter) here!

We’re welcoming… Aimi! A renowned Japanese voice actress and singer, shining bright from her debut and now making her Australian debut at SMASH! 2025!

A beloved talent in the anime and music world, Aimi has enchanted fans with iconic roles like Kasumi Toyama in BanG Dream!, Kyoko Yamate in D4DJ, and Julia in THE iDOLM@STER Million Live!. Her fiery performances and infectious energy has made her a standout in every form imaginable!

Don’t miss the chance to meet Aimi in the flesh, and experience her endearing first hand at our fan and guest signing panels!

Check out Aimi’s Website | X (Twitter) | YouTube here!

We’re welcoming… Hokuyuu! A brilliant illustrator from Japan, acclaimed for his stunning artwork in TCGs, games, and books!

As a creative force in the industry, Hokuyuu has left their mark on Bushiroad titles like Cardfight!! Vanguard and Future Card Buddyfight. Fans of the genre will remember their iconic card illustrations, including those for “Demonic Jewel Dragon, Drajeweled,” “Keeper of the Moon Gate, Veissrugr,” and “Vairina Esperaridea,” each as memorable as the next!

Don’t miss the chance to meet Hokuyuu at SMASH! 2025 and prepare to get the opportunity to learn about their creative experience!

Check out Hokuyuu’s Website | X (Twitter) here!

We’re welcoming Namie! A brilliant illustrator based in Australia, known for her delicate colours and cute character art!

Namie has made her mark in the industry with notable contributions to globally renowned mobile games, Fate/Grand Order and Arknights. Through her signature cute character art with the use of delicate colours, she brings life and personality to beloved characters.

Don't miss your chance to meet Namie at SMASH! 2025!

Check out Namie’s Instagram | X (Twitter) | Youtube | Pixiv here!

We’re welcoming… Haato! A spirited and sassy kouhai bursting with charm and personality!

Known for her prickly yet endearing nature, Haato or better known as Haachama by her loved ones, brings all new friends in her growing community of Haatons with her explosively endearing spirit and playful attention-grabbing antics. Her love for red ribbons and heart shapes shines through in her iconic hair accessories and stylish outfits, naturally – the spotlight will always catch her amongst any crowd!

SMASH! 2025 is giving you all the pleasure to meet Haato at our Guest Panels so don’t miss the chance to connect with this unforgettable star!

Check out Haato’s X (Twitter) | YouTube here!

We’re welcoming… Kobo! A carefree and spirited girl living atop a lighthouse, carrying the legacy of the region’s strongest rain shaman!

Blessed with immense potential to command rain, Kobo’s heart lies in freedom rather than duty. To reclaim her Rain Master title, she’s training daily and crafting a daring virtual marketing strategy to keep her family’s shaman legacy thriving. Her tenaciousness and exhilarating energy makes her a true force of nature.

Meet Kobo at SMASH! 2025, where you will witness her glowing charm at our Guest panels! This is a rare opportunity that you do not want to miss out meeting this one of a kind Shaman!

Check out Kobo's Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | TikTok | YouTube here!

Warmest, Welcome to BABYBEARD! A sensational kawaiicore pop-metal trio from Japan, renowned for their explosive blend of adorable charm and headbanging intensity!

As a powerhouse in the music scene, BABYBEARD, led by cross-dressing Aussie pro-wrestler Ladybeard and joined by Japanese pop idols, has fans screaming with their electrifying live shows and addictive singles like “NIPPON KARA KONNICHIWA” and “PIENNIZER.” Their unique fusion of cute vocals and brutal screams is a vibrant celebration of joy and chaos, winning new crowds worldwide!

Don’t miss the chance to experience BABYBEARD at SMASH! 2025 and prepare for an unforgettable campfire sensation!

Check out BABYBEARD’s Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) here!

Joining us to judge the final round of the Karaoke Competition at SMASH! 2025, Raina Illune is a vocalist who has been singing covers online since 2015. While she usually works as a motion designer for other people's vocal covers & originals (e.g. Hololive), she also had vocal training in choir and musical theatre for 14 years and has supplied critiques in vocals, use of audio equipment, and general stage presence.

Check out Raina Illune’s X (Twitter) | YouTube here!

Joining us for our Karaoke Competition, Vedra, alongside Raina will be judging the final competitors at SMASH! 2025. He is a music producer, composer, songwriter, singer and mixer with a passion for helping people fill the world with their own musical voice. Some of his clients include Will Stetson, Hoyoverse, Phase Connect and other companies, VTubers and online creators.

Check out Vedra's Website | X (Twitter) here!

We are welcoming VyeCos as one of our special guests for SMASH 2025! An internally award-winning cosplayer from Melbourne, Australia. A true scene veteran with over 18 years of costume creation and 16 years of competition experience.

Vye has competed at prestigious events like the Extreme Cosplay Gathering Finals in Paris, and the International Cosplay League in Madrid, and won the Dreamhack Cosplay Competition in Australia!

Known for their passion for artistic expression of cosplay, Vye enjoys the process of bringing characters to life through intricate costume work, performance, and cinematic location-based photoshoots. Their dedication to the craft continues to be a big inspiration to both newcomers and veterans in the cosplay community!

Check out Vye's Website | Instagram | Facebook | X(Twitter) | Twitch | Tiktok

We are welcoming... Scrap from Hench & Scrap, a master of making and co-founder of the prop and costume studio as one of our guests!

Scrap is a self-taught creative who craved a reputation for precision and imagination in their craft. With over half a decade of experience as a prop and costume maker, his expertise is in 3D modelling, fabrication, and 3D printing.

From Queensland's magical rainforest, Scrap grew up in a family full of artists. Over time, his creative journey evolved, and he found his calling as a prop and costume maker, gaining a diverse skill set of niche technical skills along the way.

Check out Scraps' Website | Instagram | Facebook | X(Twitter) | Youtube

The Song of the Galaxy reincarnates here to touch your heart with her music! From wrestling dinosaurs to scuffed meme streams, Nana Asteria has illuminated the internet with her indomitable idol spirit since her debut in 2022. As an indie Vtuber and former adopted talent under Sony Music Entertainment Japan's PRISM Project, Nana has an extensive career making waves in both spheres.

When she isn't being technologically PON, giving bombastic Asian Aunty advice, or writing diss tracks, she is known for her powerful emotional voice in her beautifully crafted covers and original music. Beyond her musical endeavours, Nana engages her community through interactive streams on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where she has singing, gaming and iconic just chatting advice streams. Her unique blend of talents, down-to-earth personality and genuine connection with her audience makes her a diamond in the rough from the land down under.

Check out Nana Asteria’s Website | YouTube | X (Twitter) | Twitch

We’re welcoming back Swallowtail to SMASH! 2025!

Since its inception in 2006, Swallowtail Butler Cafe has refined its elegance through its unparalleled service and distinctive ethos. Infused with the charm of Victorian nobility and a commitment to impeccable hospitality, it offers a serene and majestic escape for all who visit.

The devoted butlers warmly await your arrival, poised to provide a tranquil interlude with a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Renowned for their gracious service, they also captivate as the Swallowtail Butler Opera Group, delivering enchanting musical performances, including operettas and concerts, while gracing public events with their talents.

Over the years, this gifted ensemble has crafted and performed a wide array of productions, releasing more than a dozen CDs and DVDs that showcase their artistry.

SMASH! Maid Cafe is thrilled to welcome back these exemplary butlers to SMASH! 2025, where their dedication and flair promise to delight and inspire.

Check out Swallowtail’s Website | Instagram | X (Twitter) here!

We're welcoming, at-home cafe to SMASH! 2025!

This iconic maid cafe, a beloved staple in the world of themed entertainment, has been enchanting visitors for over two decades with its unique blend of immersive experiences and heartfelt hospitality. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, at-home cafe has welcomed over 7.5 million patrons, creating an inviting space where everyone inclusively can relax and enjoy the bubbly charm of the atmosphere that's built.

Known for their famous “moe moe kyun” phrase by hitomi, at-home cafe is excited to bring their energy and engaging spirit to SMASH! 2025, offering attendees a delightful taste of its one-of-a-kind service.

Check out their Instagram | X (Twitter) | Website here!

Who could it be this year? More info coming soon...

Keep your eyes on our socials!