The 13th Taipei International Comics and Animation Festival will take place from February 6 to 10 at Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1. Organized by the Chinese Animation and Comic Publishers Association, the event is expected to draw 480,000 visitors over its five-day run, with an estimated NT$250 million (US$7.63 million) in business opportunities.
The festival will feature over 100 exhibitors showcasing comics, merchandise, and nonstop stage activities. Highlights of the event include appearances by renowned Japanese voice actors Noriko Hidaka and Shion Wakayama. Hidaka, known for voicing iconic characters such as Totoro, expressed her excitement to meet Taiwanese fans again after 12 years.
Wakayama, the voice of Momo from the hit anime “Dandadan”, will also be making a special appearance. “Dandadan,” which debuted last year, became a highly popular animation. It follows the adventures of Momo, a high school girl from a family of spiritual mediums, and her classmate Ekarun, who loves the occult.
Organizers said that following the Culture Ministry's initiative, the festival will also promote the use of cultural coins and over 50 exhibitors will accept the coins for discounts on designated items.