22/05/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | MAY 22, 2026

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Immersify KL has 14 different zones, each with its own theme.

Immersify your experience in KL A multi-coloured tiger is projected on a wall as part of the attraction. Visitors can enjoy a dynamic visual environment.

FROM themed stays to global conventions, Malaysians fans are embarking on seichi junrei – anime pilgrimages across Asia, evident by a growing demand for anime and comic-related experiences when travelling with a 121% spike in searches by Malaysians year-on- year (y-o-y). This interest also translates to actual demand, as Malaysian fans are showing up for some of the region’s biggest events. Based on Trip.com’s ticket sales data, Malaysia ranked among the top 10 markets leading ticket sales for AnimeJapan 2026 and Hong Kong’s first-ever official Comic Con. Globally, Trip.com’s international T ECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN entertainment and digital art experiences are increasingly becoming the preferred choice among urban residents and travellers seeking more interactive, experience-based activities. In line with this growing trend, Immersify KL, located in Bukit Bintang, is strengthening its position as a digital media art space that also serves as a multi-purpose venue for entertainment events, brand launches and creative technology driven activations. Spanning 30,000 sq ft, the immersive venue combines South Korean projection technology, large scale visual installations and a 360° spatial sound system to offer visitors a fully immersive sensory experience. Immersify KL growth director o Treat your eyes, ears to one-of-a-kind urban experience

ticket sales jumped 697% y-o-y as the exclusive overseas ticketing partner for AnimeJapan 2026. Being one of the world’s largest anime events, travellers spanned across 82 countries and regions. Highly popular among Gen Zs and millennials, more than half of ticket buyers were aged between 25 to 34 years old and over half were males. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 has gained the attention of overseas fans from mainland China and Southeast Asia. Over eight in 10 ticket buyers are Gen Zs and millennials, demonstrating the popularity of anime culture among this age group. Interestingly, women constituted Muhamad Hasif Nasrudin said the concept allows visitors to feel as though they are physically inside a dynamic visual environment without the need for virtual reality devices. “Visitors are not just observing visuals, but experiencing being inside the space itself. This is what sets immersive media art apart from conventional galleries,” he said to Bernama during the Spectrum of Possibilities showcase recently. Hasif said of the venue’s 14 zones, several incorporate elements of nature and wildlife as part of efforts to infuse local identity into modern digital experiences. As part of efforts to strengthen its role as an urban tourism destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, Immersify KL is also expanding collaborations with players in the tourism, hospitality and transportation sectors to improve accessibility and enhance visitor experiences. The venue has continued to attract attention as a preferred location for large-scale launches, entertainment productions and

Immersify KL is a new high-tech attraction located in Bukit Bintang. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

film titles such as Malam Terlarang , Keluang Man and Polis Evo into its digital experiential space. With its blend of digital art, technology and interactive

experiences, Immersify KL reflects the growing shift in Kuala Lumpur’s entertainment and creative tourism landscape towards more experience driven offerings.

immersive brand activations. Most recently, Immersify KL announced a collaboration to explore cinematic immersive experiences, including the integration of selected

Anime tourism: How fandom shapes travel in Malaysia, region

more than 80% of ticket sales, highlighting the genre’s growing appeal among this audience group. Real-life to local impact More than a passing trend, reports show the demand for anime and comic-related content is growing exponentially in Southeast Asia where there are many young and digitally native consumers. In Malaysia, local anime events have also seen growing success and attention. The recent Anime Fest+ 2026 featured a mix of international and local acts, as well as appearances from popular cosplayers from China, Indonesian VTubers and industry creators from Japan. Held at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Trip.com’s data found hotel bookings made within 3km of the venue increased by 36% y o-y during the duration of the event. International bookings were made predominantly by visitors from China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia, while Malaysians were also among the top five guest bookings, suggesting how local and overseas fans are willing to travel to participate in such conventions. From events to immersive travel experiences The influence of anime culture extends beyond event attendance to

By hosting anime festivals, non-anime-producing countries are seeing more visitors and hotel bookings.

franchises to bring a variety of anime experiences to visitors. This includes a new, immersive storywalk set in the world of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and three thrilling attractions based on Detective Conan: The World . Meanwhile, Trip.com offers a variety of curated tours that bring fans on an immersive journey through famous anime and manga sites, such as a Slam Dunk pilgrimage and Kamakura city day tour. While entertainment continues to be a huge part of what influences people’s identities and travel motivations, anime culture has become a global movement that goes beyond set-jetting but a shared community across borders.

broader destination travel behaviour. Fans and travellers today are also seeking a deeper and more immersive cultural experience, from their accommodation to the activities planned on the trip. For example, newly-launched themed glamping rooms at The Farm, a Japan country retreat, invite visitors to step into the fantasy world of Frieren , a popular anime and manga series, through physical photo spots and monuments throughout the camp grounds that recreate memorable scenes. Universal Studios Japan, one of Trip.com’s top-booked attractions in Asia this year, has also recently collaborated with five blockbuster

Anime tourism shows no sign of stopping based on year-on-year data.