Anime Fever Sweeps Malaysia: From Big Screens to Community Scenes
- Cai Leyao
- Nov 1
- 4 min read
Big Screen, Big Fandom
Malaysia's cinemas have recently been taken over by a wave of anime excitement, with three major movies, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle", "Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death", "Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc" released in quick succession. Inside the cinema, you could see audiences dressed up as their favorite characters everywhere. The whole scene is full of energy, as if into a mini animation exhibition.
Nearly all popular showtimes sold out in advance. Fan screenings attracted especially big crowds. The fan screenings were especially lively, with crowds of fans dressed to the nines gathering at the entrance. Nearly all popular showtimes sold out in advance. Fan screenings attracted especially big crowds. It became common to see someone wearing a Demon Slayer uniform or Gojo's signature blindfold. Denji's chainsaw headgear also appeared more than once, catching the eyes of passersby. Fans struck poses, exchanged smiles, and took countless photos.
For many anime fans, seeing these films on the big screen was an unforgettable thrill. Audiences laughed, gasped, and whispered in excitement as familiar characters appeared and tense moments unfolded. This shared excitement created a strong emotional connection. Even after the movie ended, the atmosphere stayed lively. Groups gathered outside the theater, eagerly talking about the plot twists, the animation, and the scenes that left the deepest impression.
Topics related to these three movies quickly climbed the local social media trends. From offline cinemas to online social media platforms, animated movies have become an important bridge connecting fans, while also promoting anime culture to enter a more mainstream perspective.
Exhibitions Bring Fans Together
Beyond the cinema, anime exhibitions are popping up across Malaysia. These events create another gathering space for fans. The major exhibitions like Comic Fiesta and Animangaki attract tens of thousands of anime enthusiasts every year. The venues are always crowded with people. Whether you are an experienced cosplayer or a newcomer trying it for the first time, you can all find a sense of belonging here.
Exhibitions activities come in all forms. Some fans stepped onto the stage to join cosplay contests, showing off their detailed costumes and performances. Others set up booths to display and sell their original artworks and handmade goods. Around the venue, interactive games and character meet-and-greet sessions drew long lines of excited visitors. The whole atmosphere was like a grand festival, warm and cheerful.
More importantly, such activities have enabled the local anime community to move from online to offline. People who once only chatted on the internet become real-life friends. It's common to see groups wearing matching series themed outfits, taking photos, and celebrating the stories they love. For many fans, the anime exhibition is the most anticipated cultural feast of the year. It has also become a powerful testament to the continuous growth of the Malaysian anime community.
Inside the Community
Behind each fan screening and anime exhibition, there is a group of anime enthusiasts who actively promote and participate in them. They form clubs and organize activities, extending their love for their works to the campus and daily life. To find out more about this kind of anime craze in Taylor's Campus, and to learn more about how this passion thrives within local campuses, we spoke to Sim Hong Bing, the president of Taylor's Anime Society (TAS), one of the most active anime communities among Malaysian universities.
"When I first joined Taylor’s, I was looking for a community where I could connect with people who shared the same interests," Sim recalled with a smile. "TAS gave me that space, a place where we could hang out, have fun, and just enjoy the things we love."
Every week, the club hosts casual gatherings and themed activities, from anime trivia nights and Japanese game sessions to cosplay workshops. "Our activities are really flexible," Sim explained. "They're meant to be chill and inclusive, so anyone can join in, whether you're a hardcore anime fan or just curious." Attendance averages around thirty members each week, but excitement is building for their biggest event of the year, KiyokoCon, an anime convention happening on November 1st-2nd, which is expected to attract over a thousand participants from across the campus and beyond.
Speaking about Malaysia’s growing anime scene, Sim noted, "Anime culture here is becoming more and more accepted, it reflects how open our society has become. Clubs like TAS play an important role in that. We give students a chance to express themselves, explore their hobbies, and find people who share the same passions. It's about creating a supportive space where everyone feels they belong."
From Niche to Mainstream
Anime culture in Malaysia is clearly changing, it's moving from a niche interest into accepted mainstream entertainment. Not long ago, most fan interaction happened in small online groups or private gatherings. Today, anime blockbusters screen nationwide, and large-scale exhibitions attract people of all ages and backgrounds.
Even shopping malls are catching on. For example, at LaLaport Bukit Bintang, a new "ACG Base" zone has opened up recently. It now houses stores like the permanent Animate outlet and its first in Malaysia cafe. At the zone, you'll find official merchandise stalls, themed photo zones, and even pop-up character parades. Whether you're snapping a picture with a life-sized statue or hunting for limited-edition goods, these spaces let fans keep the anime spirit alive long after the movie ends.
The Story Goes On
Whether in the cinema, or in the crowd of anime exhibitions and shopping malls, or in the campus club, animation has already broken through the boundaries of the screen, into a link to connect the soul. As the community grows larger and the forms of activities continue to diversify, this cultural craze will keep extending. In the future, Malaysia's animation culture is bound to continue to write more vivid stories in a unique way.
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