Singer-songwriter Maki Otsuki, born in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture, debuted in 1999 with the song memories—the first ending theme of the popular One Piece anime series—and was inextricably linked to the series for fans by the time the second ending song RUN! RUN! RUN! followed. Her songs continue to accompany the adventures of Luffy & Co. to this day: in 2026, Maki Otsuki contributed the song Sekai wa Hitori ja Nakatta (Never Was Alone in This World) for the reunion of Robin and Sauro in episode 1163.

One Piece-Songs by Maki Otsuki (selection):

• memories (1999, ED, episode 1–30)
• RUN! RUN! RUN! (2000, ED, episode 31–63)
• Destiny (2016, Heart of Gold TV Special Theme Song)
• Dear sunrise (2024, ED, Eggheard Arc, 25th Anniversary Song)
• Never Was Alone in This World (2026, insert song, episode 1163)

Read more about Maki Otsuki on the official website.

Look forward to two concerts at Musensaal and three autograph sessions by Maki Otsuki at AnimagiC 2027 – more information to follow!

Der Beitrag Maki Otsuki erschien zuerst auf Die Anime-, Manga und Japan-Convention in Mannheim.

The wind orchestra of Musikverein Siershahn 1905 e.V. has been performing at AnimagiC since 2018 and has already played Anime in Concert six times with an alternating selection of instrumental anime song covers and anime soundtrack interpretations. In 2026, the concert titled VIDEOGAMES live in concert (see pictures) for the first time, featuring iconic Japanese game soundtracks and songs—including a Mario Kart live session with live scoring by the orchestra. Of course, an AnimagiC concert wouldn’t be complete without anime music: in 2026, a guest appearance by Japanese singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi with her Attack on Titan song Akuma no Ko earned a storm of applause. Since the Japanese gaming universe holds countless additional soundtrack and song highlights, there will be more VIDEOGAMES live in concert in 2027. Which songs, tracks, and surprises await you in the RELOADED version, you wonder? Stay tuned—more information to follow!

Read more about the wind orchestra from Siershahn on the official website musikverein-siershahn.de!

The exact times for the two concerts (Saturday & Sunday) will follow later!

Der Beitrag VIDEOGAMES live in concert erschien zuerst auf Die Anime-, Manga und Japan-Convention in Mannheim.

Hironobu Kageyama launched his professional music career in 1977—at the age of 16—as a member of the band LAZY. Following the dissolution of LAZY, he embarked on an extraordinary solo career as a vocalist. To date, he has performed over 1,000 anisongs, including iconic, internationally beloved anime and tokusatsu anthems such as Saint Shinwa Soldier Dream (Saint Seiya, 1989) and CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA (Dragon Ball Z, 1989). He is also the leader of the anisong giants JAM PROJECT, formed in 2000.

In 2026, he contributed ZERO, the theme song for the major DLC for the video game Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO,—the release marks his first time singing a theme song for the Dragon Ball Z Sparking! series in about 18 years.

As an Anisong artist who writes lyrics, composes, arranges, and produces music, Hironobu Kageyama is also actively involved in various projects, providing songs for other J-pop acts and virtual artists.

Read more about Hironobu Kageyama on the official website.

Look forward to two concerts by Hironobu Kageyama at AnimagiC 2027 – more information to follow!

Der Beitrag Hironobu Kageyama erschien zuerst auf Die Anime-, Manga und Japan-Convention in Mannheim.

The female vocal group Little Glee Monster celebrated their major debut in 2014 with Houkago High Five. In 2017, they performed their first solo concert at Budokan and appeared as a support act for Earth, Wind & Fire and Ariana Grande. In 2018, they successfully completed their first Asian tour and have been active not only in Japan but also internationally ever since. Their songs have been featured in numerous commercials and television shows. In July 2022, they held a casting call for new members, the M∞NSTER AUDITION. From 7,002 applicants, Mika, Yumi, and miyou were selected as new members, marking the start of their second chapter. The singers’ success continues unabated: in September 2026, their album BREATH will be released, and they’ll head out on the nationwide Little Glee Monster Live Tour 2026–2027 “BREATH”—with 16 shows in 15 Japanese cities.

Anisongs by Little Glee Monster (Selection):

• OVER (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, 2017)
• Dakara, Hitori ja nai! (My Hero Academia Season 2, 2017)
• Toumei na Sekai (Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon – The Second Act, 2021)
• Yume janai nara nanna so na (Rock is a Lady’s Modesty, 2025)
• Pages (Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke, 2026)

Read more about Little Glee Monster on the official website: https://www.littlegleemonster.com/

Look forward to 2 concerts and signing sessions with Little Glee Monster at AnimagiC 2027 – more information coming soon!

Der Beitrag Little Glee Monster erschien zuerst auf Die Anime-, Manga und Japan-Convention in Mannheim.

Eir Aoi is a Japanese singer who has secured the passionate support of anime fans both in Japan and abroad with her powerful, soaring voice and outstanding expressive range. Her music is marked by emotionally stirring lyrics and melodies, as well as dynamic live performances.

She has already performed successfully at the Nippon Budokan four times and played concerts at Yokohama Arena. She has also performed in 15 countries and regions worldwide (in 2013, she performed at AnimagiC in Bonn) – and continues to enjoy a strong international fanbase.

Read more about Eir Aoi on the official website.

Look forward to two concerts by Eir Aoi at AnimagiC 2027 – more information to follow!

Der Beitrag Eir Aoi erschien zuerst auf Die Anime-, Manga und Japan-Convention in Mannheim.

Taiko is fun and generates unique energy. The shows by Taiko Heidelberg truly awaken the audience, conveying enthusiasm, joy, and positive vibes.

Led by Japanologist Ilka Haase (5 years in Asia, drumming for more than 35 years), the ensemble has been presenting a mix of originals, traditional and modern compositions since 2017. Twelve of around 50 students are part of the performance group. Read more on the official website www.heidelberg-taiko.de.

Exact dates to follow!

Der Beitrag Taiko Heidelberg erschien zuerst auf Die Anime-, Manga und Japan-Convention in Mannheim.

SHIHORI is an internationally active J-pop singer and songwriter from Japan who both composes and performs her own songs and writes music for film, television, anime, games, and other J-pop artists. The energetic singer, who was born deaf in one ear and with ASD, is known for delivering powerful, inspiring messages and performances to large audiences.

She began her music career in Tokyo in 2001 and has since recorded, released, and performed numerous songs—providing more than 130 tracks for J-pop artists. Under her former stage name Sena, her first single Tsubasa (ending song for Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula) was released via Lantis in 2007. SHIHORI ist beispielsweise für ihre Fan-Songs Holy Steel und GO BEYOND zu Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, ihre Arbeit für Anime-Serien wie Fairy Tail (Ending-Song Don’t think. Feel!!!) und The irregular at magic high school (Ending-Song Millenario), ihre Songs für Nana Mizuki (Chinmoku no Kajitsu) und Momoiro Clover Z (SeishunFu) sowie für Videospiele wie League of Legends, Call of Duty × Gundam und Path to Nowhere × Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: STONE OCEAN. SHIHORI has been active in the USA since 2018.

With her songs and infectious, captivating performance, SHIHORI is set to take the Musensaal in 2027 by storm! Look forward to concerts, signing sessions, and a special 20th Anniversary SHIHORI-panel! More information to follow.

Der Beitrag SHIHORI erschien zuerst auf Die Anime-, Manga und Japan-Convention in Mannheim.