For once, not in June, but in the month of May – on 2, 3 and 4 May to be precise – the Dutch convention AnimeCon returns to the familiar Broodfabriek in Rijswijk. For the 2025 edition, which is also the 26th instalment, the organisers have chosen a steampunk theme, fittingly titled Full Steam Ahead. The convention looks set to go big in terms of programming, especially music. But AnimeCon 2025 also offers the space to immerse yourself in all sorts of Japan-related activities, from the maid and butler cafes to a lot of Japanese food to workshops, lectures, the gaming room, the dealer room with all Japan-related goodies to buy, and of course, a lot of cosplay.
As you’ve come to expect from us by now, we want to highlight AnimeCon 2025’s musical programming. We’ve picked 10 of which we say: you shouldn’t miss out on this. Our list is a collection of suggestions, there is so much more to do at AnimeCon 2025. Be sure to check out the website for more information and inspiration.
Japone Artists
Having participated in the online edition of AnimeCon (in 2020), Japone Artists will have the chance to perform on the physical stage of AnimeCon for the first time. For this performance, soprano singer Utako Arakawa and recorder player Ayumi Matsuda will give a special performance merging traditional and modern elements, as previously seen at Heroes Made in Asia (2021) and HYPER JAPAN (2022). The performance will take place at the Hus Room (Secondary Stage on the Saturday night from 9pm. — More information here.
Village in Maier
Punk rock idol group Village in Maier will perform in the Netherlands for the first time; this is also their first performance outside Japan. That in itself is special, and even more special that they get to do this together with idols Miho and nonayu at AnimeCon 2025. The three-piece group will perform on the Pop-On Stage on every day of the convention. On the Saturday afternoon, Rei, Kohina, and Hinako will join in with a Q&A at the same location, Miho and nonayu will also join them. Formed in 2022, the group is distinguished by their ‘band sound idol’ concept, combining traditional idol elements with an energetic band sound inspired by melodic hardcore and pop punk. — More information here.
Miho
Last year, Miho was in the Netherlands for the first time for a performance with nonayu and Okinawa Electric Girl Saya (Now active as 彩Saya) under the guise of A Family Meeting. That was an experience that left her wanting to return to the Netherlands. Miho is a vocalist who decided to go on the idol route after being a musician for several years. With her experience, she blends her artistic roots into her music. As can be read in her profile, Miho is not afraid to add technical aspects and layers in her songs and play with various musical genres while telling her story with her versatile voice. During AnimeCon, she will perform three times on the Pop-On Stage. On the Saturday afternoon, she will join a Q&A at the same location. — More information here.
nonayu
Nonayu was also in the Netherlands last year for an appearance, but will make three appearances on the Pop-On Stage during AnimeCon 2025. On the Saturday afternoon, she will participate in a Q&A at the same location. For those who follow the world of underground Japanese idols, nonayu will surely be familiar, given she has an impressive history as an idol. Having been active in idol groups like Avandoned, Kaqriyo Terror Architect (also briefly in KAQRIYOTERROR) and Frun Frin Friends, she has undergone several name changes and has been operating under the name nonayu since spring 2023. From then on, she started making music interweaving the sounds of Shibuya with her distinctive voice, she has released several singles. — More information here.
Shao Dow
Seen at AnimeCon in Rijswijk in 2023, Shao Dow returns this year to put on another unforgettable show. Shao Dow is a versatile independent artist from London who is active as a rapper, manga author and martial artist. His live performances combine energetic rap in both English and Japanese, catchy beats and kung fu influences, creating a unique stage experience. He studied Shaolin Kung Fu in China and founded his own label DiY Gang Entertainment, through which he releases music as well as publishes his own manga series The Way of Shao. There is so much more to tell about this versatile artist, but most importantly, he will be on the Archonia Main Stage on Friday night for a performance and later give a panel. — More information here.
Shinko Suzuki
Shinko Suzuki is a Japanese flautist who specialises in traditional Japanese wind instruments such as the shinobue and nohkan. During AnimeCon, with his distinctive bright and expressive playing, he brings familiar melodies, including anime and pop songs, to life on the shinobue – a bamboo flute traditionally used in festivals and Kabuki theatre. Suzuki has performed worldwide, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and cultural events in India, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, among others. His performance at AnimeCon is Saturday evening at the Hus Room (Secondary Stage). — More information here.
cocoA
As lead singer of the J-Rock cover band Ongaku-Jin and as Hatsune Miku with the dance and theatre group 1-2-Wondasho, cocoA is active on multiple fronts. During her solo show, cocoA performs a mix of styles that combines both a cool and playful energy. The repertoire ranges from traditional Japanese melodies to solid metal riffs, upbeat J-pop and electronic Vocaloid songs. She has already had the opportunity to perform here and there in the Netherlands as a solo artist, including at Otakat and TomoFair Winter. AnimeCon now adds to that list: on Saturday, cocoA can be seen on the Pop-On Stage. — More information here.
Mika Hammy
Mika Hammy is a Dutch singer-songwriter and musician. Active as a member of the anime cover band Trebulence and solo artist, Mika Hammy combines influences from Japanese pop, mathrock and alternative music in his own compositions. Once active as a producer of idol projects, Mika Hammy will now take to the stage solo at AnimeCon 2025 to give an energetic idol performance. This performance will take place on the Saturday afternoon on the Pop-On Stage. — More information here.
Extra Lives
Extra Lives is an interactive and immersive show where the audience decides together how the story develops: a true ‘choose your own adventure’ concept. This is combined with a live band performing music from well-known video games of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The show, presented as an ‘Audience RPG’, has multiple endings and offers a different storyline each time, so it will be exciting what the AnimeCon audience will make of it. Meanwhile, this show has gone global, with even a sold-out show in Hollywood. The show will take place on the Friday night at the Hus Room (Secondary Stage). — More information here.
Rinalinksyy
In case you prefer some eerie music from an idol, then you have to watch the performance by Rinalinksyy on Sunday afternoon with her live show Haunting Harmonies. Besides being a very active cosplayer and also part of dance group SoLuna, she made her debut as a solo artist last year. She has already performed at several conventions in the Netherlands, including AnimeCon. This time, completely in haunting style, she will perform a number of songs that have a connection with The iDOLM@STER. The performance will take place on the Pop-On Stage, as mentioned earlier, on the Sunday afternoon. — More information here.
Pop-On Stage has been mentioned several times as a stage for various performances, and for good reason; since last year, Pop-On Stage offers a place where budding artists get a platform. The location can be found at the Horeca Plaza and throughout the weekend you will experience various performances there, as well as another interesting activities. AnimeCon provided a special page with all the information related to concerts and dance events, because there is plenty to do during 2, 3, and 4 May at the Broodfabriek in Rijswijk. Get your tickets here.
