Guests

Meeting your favourite sports star might get your heart pumping, but what about seeing the faces behind your waifus and husbandos? Does it excite you to find out how your favourite manga, anime, and stories are created? How can you not take a selfie with your idol cosplayer if you had the chance?

Get pumped up! Every year, SMASH! invites international guests to Sydney for the con, including voice actors and actresses from popular anime, directors, artists, cosplayers and more! Not only that, you can see them at a SMASH! Guest Event, or bring a trophy home in the form of an autograph.

Your questions are what our guests look forward to and love hearing from their fans! So… if you have a question you want answered, fill out our form below!

Past Guests (History)

Thames Malerose, Cosplayer
Thames MaleroseCosplayer

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

Notable Cosplays

Honey Bee Cloud, Final Fantasy VII
Honey Bee CloudFinal Fantasy VII
Jiyan, Wuthering Waves
JiyanWuthering Waves
Kento Nanami, Jujutsu Kaisen
Kento NanamiJujutsu Kaisen
Blade, Honkai: Star Rail
BladeHonkai: Star Rail

    Erica Mendez, Voice Actor
    Erica MendezVoice Actor

    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!


    Lucien Dodge, Voice Actor
    Lucien DodgeVoice Actor

    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!


    Kenji Nojima, Voice Actor
    Kenji NojimaVoice Actor

    We are welcoming Japanese Voice Actor, Nojima Kenji!

    Affiliated with Aomi 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!


    Masaya Fukunishi, Voice Actor
    Masaya FukunishiVoice Actor

    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)


    Virtulantes, VTuber
    VirtulantesVTuber

    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!


    Aimi, Voice Actress
    AimiVoice Actress

    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!


    Hokuyuu, Illustrator
    HokuyuuIllustrator

    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!


    Namie, Illustrator
    NamieIllustrator

    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!


    Guest 10, Special Guest
    Guest 10Special Guest

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

    Keep your eyes on our socials!