Japanese singer and voice actress Naomi Payton performed in the Philippines for the first time as part of the JAM Concert at Cosplay Carnival 2026: Eternal Emerald, held on March 28–29, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. She shared the JAM Concert stage with halca and Who-ya Extended.
Payton spoke with local media including ANIMEPH ahead of the show, describing the opportunity as one she had long hoped for.
The nature of the event itself was a draw. “When I heard that the cosplay event will have a JAM concert, I thought it’s definitely going to be a fun event and there will definitely be cosplayers in the audience,” she said. “I’m very happy I’ll be in the place where people who love anime will gather.”
Since her debut in 2023, Payton has released four singles and staged three live performances. Her first full album is scheduled for release this summer.
Connecting with a non-Japanese-speaking audience was something Payton addressed directly. She said she relies on smiling and gestures during musical sets, while making deliberate efforts with language during MC portions. “I know only a little bit of English, so I give it my all to speak and talk to everyone,” she said.
To local fans, she expressed gratitude for their patience. “I want to say thank you very much for waiting. Today I’ll finally be able to make my dream of meeting everyone come true.”
For fans supporting her from around the world, her message was straightforward. “If I have to summarize, I think it would probably be: I love you,” she said.
ANIMEPH is a media partner of Cosplay Carnival 2026.
