KUCHING, April 26 — The OtaZo KrARTif 2026 event has successfully concluded after drawing more than 5,000 visitors over two days, reflecting the growing strength of youth-driven creative culture in Sarawak.
Held at Boulevard Shopping Mall from April 25 to 26, the event was organised by GEKI Events Management under the Otakyun brand. Open to the public with free admission, the programme ran from 10:00am to 7:00pm daily, offering a mix of anime, comics, games (ACG) culture alongside local creative arts.
The first day began with strong momentum as visitors gathered early for the M.I.M & Itasha Sarawak Itasha Showcase featuring Fluffy Gem at the Ground Floor West Atrium. The showcase attracted car enthusiasts and fans of Japanese pop culture, setting the tone for a lively opening.
Throughout the day, interactive activities kept the crowd engaged. The OtaZo x Aviltone Art Wall Doodle allowed visitors to contribute to a large collaborative artwork, while the LookEazt Digital Art Battle brought together talented artists competing live in front of an audience. Virtual entertainment also played a major role, with VTuber appearances by Kuriyama Sakuta and Fluffy Gem drawing strong attention from fans.
The South Atrium stage featured energetic performances, including a crowd-favourite appearance by Luminous Wotagei, which added to the festive atmosphere. The first day concluded at 7:00pm with steady attendance recorded across the venue.
The second day continued with similar enthusiasm, as returning visitors and new attendees took part in ongoing activities. The Itasha showcase and art doodle sessions resumed, while the LookEazt Digital Art Battle returned alongside a Prop Making Competition, highlighting creativity and technical skills among participants.
Stage performances and VTuber sessions remained key highlights, keeping visitors engaged throughout the day. The event ended with a Lucky Draw Session and Prize Giving Ceremony at 6:00pm, before officially closing an hour later.
One of the main attractions was the KrARTif 2026 Market, where local artists, crafters and small business owners showcased their products. The market provided valuable exposure for independent creators, allowing them to connect directly with the public and expand their reach.
In addition to the event highlights, the CEO of SarawakDaily received a Certificate of Appreciation for strong support as a media partner at OtaZo 2026. The award was presented by Carol Chin, Creative Director of GEKI, in recognition of SarawakDaily’s role in promoting and supporting the event. The recognition highlights the importance of collaboration between media platforms and creative organisers in building successful large-scale events in Sarawak.
The success of the event was also supported by venue partners, including Boulevard Shopping Mall and Furama Shopping Mall, ensuring smooth operations across both days.
The strong turnout signals a rising interest in ACG culture and creative industries among youths in Sarawak. Events such as OtaZo KrARTif continue to play an important role in nurturing local talent, encouraging community participation and promoting cultural exchange.
With increasing public support, organisers are expected to scale up future editions, further positioning Kuching as an emerging hub for creative and pop culture events in the region.
