Akihabara, often known as a paradise for otaku culture, is no stranger to events and showcases featuring figures, anime, gaming, and everything in between. And this time, to ring in the summer, Good Smile Company brought together fans with Smile Fest 2024!
Held at the iconic Bellesalle Akihabara venue in the heart of the electric town, Smile Fest 2024 offers a celebration of Good Smile Company and their partners’ figures, from the latest releases to upcoming prototypes. Welcoming countless excited fans and collectors from all across the globe, the event showcased figures from Good Smile Company’s past, present, and future, with a plethora of interactive shows, giveaways, activities, photo opportunities, and displays!
The event showcases an extensive range of figures from Good Smile Company and its affiliates, including Nendoroid, PHAT, figma, POP UP PARADE, and more. Celebrating POP UP PARADE’s 5th anniversary, for example, a massive rotating cake decorated in figures stood prominently in the center of the hall, and those wanting to explore Good Smile Company’s history could follow their Figure Chronicle walk upon entering, which showcases popular figures year after year since Good Smile Company’s founding.
The event was more than just a showcase as well, with plenty of interactive activities and events present to give attendees a fully immersive experience. A lottery giveaway was held for those who completed different activities, such as a stamp rally, where the winners would be announced on Good Smile Company’s official channel during a livestream after the event. There were also special Smile Fest drinks for sale featuring exclusive art on the can, and custom parka accessories for Nendoroid figures available for purchase that were cast, painted, and printed in person!
Hatsune Miku, a staple in Good Smile's lineup, was also prominently featured, notably with a new range of figures based on artwork and illustrations that were re-imagined and sculpted in brilliant detail. Popular franchises in Japanese pop culture were also extensively covered, with figures from Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Blue Archive, and many more taking center stage with brand-new and upcoming figures gaining massive attention with beautiful displays.
Smile Fest 2024 also featured many unreleased and in-development figures. From full-scale statues inspired by illustrations to unpainted prototypes, Good Smile Company and its partners utilized the showroom space effectively, which stretched to a showroom in the basement of the high-class Bellesalle event space. The Nendoroid wall, occupying nearly an entire side, was a fan favorite, and another section previewed upcoming figures. The "Hello, Good Smile!" series of collectible vinyl figures were also displayed, even featuring massive statues of some of the figures!
Spaces where fans could take their own photos with figures were in place as well, with a small room dubbed the “Nendori Room” that was decorated and set with accessories, backdrops, and decorations available for attendees to take stunning photographs with either the pre-prepared figures or their own that they brought from home.
Covering a vast array of anime and game franchises while also celebrating Good Smile Company’s history, Smile Fest 2024 delivered a spectacular showcase for fans and collectors. Whether you're looking to see characters from the latest series or sneak a peek at future releases, fans from all over the world came together in Akihabara to enjoy the world of figures and Good Smile Company!
