Fans of anime, comics and games braved black rain and sweltering heat on their way to Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2025, where they manoeuvred their way through a maze of booths in search of merchandise and the perfect photo spots.
This year’s event, which took place at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre in Wan Chai from July 25 to 29, marked the largest Ani-Com to date.
“I haven’t explored much yet, but I’ve heard from some friends that there’s a new section … they moved it to a bigger venue and there’s a second floor which is all artist alley. It’s better than last year,” said Lycan, 20, who only gave a first name.
With almost 800 booths run by 160 local and international exhibitors and over 610 individual participants, visitors were guaranteed to discover something to their liking.
“There are more stalls and more workers helping people, so it’s faster and more efficient,” said Nicholas, 13, comparing this year’s event with the last time he attended Ani-Com, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ani-Com, now in its 26th year, is organised by the Hong Kong Animation and Comics Federation Limited. The convention aims to unite the animation and comics community, promote their culture and cultivate local talent.
Many Ani-Com attendees were excited to cosplay – dress up as their favourite characters – and buy merchandise from their favourite TV shows, films and other media.
Nicholas, who only gave his first name, attended the event dressed as Xiao from the video game Genshin Impact. “The whole event arena is my favourite part because you have the freedom to explore … basically, [you can] just look at cosplayers, take pictures with them and buy merch,” he said.
Lillian Wong, 15, was excited to buy merchandise from Needy Streamer Overload. The video game features a character called Ame who wants to become a popular streamer. “The highlight for me was the different booths at Hall 3 because there was a lot of merch from franchises I like,” she said.
Eighteen-year-old Joshua Poon cosplayed as Kaguya-sama from the anime and manga, Love is War: “Although it was nerve-racking to cosplay as another gender, it was quite fun and certainly made memories,” he said.
For him, the highlight of the day was the Creative Paradise Hall, where attendees could buy fan-made merchandise.
“After looking at the official stores with bumped-up prices in Hall 1, it provided a cheap way for me to fulfil my consumerist lifestyle,” he said.
Poon said he was excited to attend future Ani-Com conventions. “I would go again, as new anime is continually releasing, which I may want merch from. Going with friends also makes the experience way more fun and enjoyable.”
