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. The event was held on March 28–29, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila where she shared the stage with halca and Who-ya Extended.
ANIMEPH, together with other media got the chance to sit down with Payton during the event.
She spoke openly about finally getting to perform for the first time in the Philippines.“That feeling of ‘I just got a very amazing chance’ still lingers in my heart,” she said. “I’m very honored to receive this very rare chance and amazing experience.” Performing at a cosplay event was something she was especially excited about. “I’m very happy I’ll be in the place where people who loves anime will gather,” she added.
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.
Payton also described herself in one word when asked. “I think it would be: stubborn,” she said. “I’m the type of person that once I have decided on something, I don’t give up and makes sure to have it realized.”
Like many Japanese artists performing abroad, bridging the language gap is something Payton navigates with intention. She relies on smiles and gestures to connect during performances, and pushes herself to communicate 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, adding that when performing in non-English-speaking countries, she makes the effort to pick up a few words of the local language.
To Filipino fans who had been waiting, she offered her thanks.“I want to say thank you very much for waiting. I also have been really really wanting to meet everyone. I wasn’t able to meet everyone for a long time ever since my debut but 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. “It warms my heart when I see people from far away places discover me, support me, give me kind messages, and even to learn Japanese from zero.”
ANIMEPH is a media partner of Cosplay Carnival 2026.
