Cosplay Mania 2026 will bring Nami Tamaki, MindaRyn, and ZAQ to Manila as part of its lineup of anime music performers this October.
Ahead of the event, the three artists shared with ANIMEPH their thoughts on the Philippines, performing for Filipino fans, and their connections to anime and Japanese pop culture.
For Nami Tamaki, her Cosplay Mania 2026 appearance marks a return to the convention two years after her previous performance. This time, she will bring her “STARBOUND TOUR” to Manila.
“I’m so happy to be able to come back to Cosplay Mania, where I had the chance to perform two years ago, and this time as the Manila stop of my ‘STARBOUND TOUR’!”
Tamaki said she is looking forward to bringing a full Nami Tamaki concert to the Philippines for the first time.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing a full Nami Tamaki concert to everyone in the Philippines for the very first time.”
She added:
“Please look forward to a setlist that will get you fired up, along with a dance performance packed to the absolute limit!!”
MindaRyn, who has previously performed in Manila, highlighted the reception she receives from Filipino audiences.
“What stands out to me the most is how warm and supportive everyone is. Every time I perform in the Philippines, I feel so comfortable and safe because everyone treats me almost like family. That always means so much to me.”
She also pointed to the enthusiasm of Filipino fans during her performances.
“And there’s one more thing — Filipino fans are really good singers! Of course, whenever I perform overseas, there are always fans who know my songs and sing along with me. But in the Philippines, it feels like a whole different level. Everyone sings together so beautifully that sometimes it feels like I’m performing with a huge choir!”
MindaRyn added that she is looking forward to returning to the Philippines and singing with fans again.
When asked about an anime she could rewatch forever, MindaRyn chose HUNTER×HUNTER.
“I just love the world of HUNTER×HUNTER. It has such an exciting sense of adventure, an incredibly interesting world, and of course, the friendships between the characters are one of my favorite parts.”
She added that no matter how many times she revisits the series, it remains enjoyable to watch and continues to be her number one anime of all time. MindaRyn also recommended the 1999 adaptation, praising its atmosphere and music.
Asked whether she had picked up any Filipino words or phrases from fans, MindaRyn joked that most of the Filipino words she remembers are food-related, including adobo, laing, and Jollibee.
She added that she hopes fans can teach her more when she returns to the Philippines, but already has a message she wants to share:
“Nakabalik na ako! Namiss ko kayo!”“I’m back! I missed you all!”
Meanwhile, ZAQ, who has worked on more than 25 anime themes, shared her interest in exploring new musical territory.
“I think it’s going to be very enjoyable if I get to encounter a title that could bring out music that doesn’t exist yet within me. I haven’t gotten a chance to work with an anime that is based on a shoujo manga so if I ever get the chance to work with that kind of title I would be thrilled and think to myself, ‘I wonder what kind of song would I be able to make?’”
One song that remains a staple of her live performances is “Sparkling Daydream.”
“It’s definitely ‘Sparkling Daydream.’ No matter how many times I sing it, once the intro comes in I feel like the live performance vibe changes. It’s an important song even for me and I look forward to the sing-along moments with the fans every time.”
ZAQ also shared her interest in the Philippine anime community, particularly its cosplay and event culture.
“I think Philippine’s cosplay culture, anime events, and such are very interesting! It also makes me happy that the Philippines enjoy Japanese anime and anime songs with great enthusiasm.”
She added that she is interested in traditional Philippine music and dances as well.
Cosplay Mania 2026 is scheduled for October 2 to 4 at SMX Convention Center Manila, bringing together anime, cosplay, music, and Japanese pop culture for its 2026 edition.
