Free Business Seminar on Japanese Pop Culture in Southeast Asia

On December 18, 2025, the Non-Profit Organization, Video Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) will host a free seminar in collaboration with SOZO. This event, titled "Introduction to Japanese Pop Culture Projects in Southeast Asia," is set to begin at 1 PM and will be held in Tokyo's Chuo City.

This seminar will feature Shawn Chin, the CEO of SOZO, who has been integral in promoting Japanese pop culture across Southeast Asia for many years. SOZO is known for organizing significant events like the Anime Festival Asia (AFA) and running concert tours and merchandise distribution. During the seminar, Mr. Chin will discuss the highlights of "AFA Singapore 2025," set to take place from November 28 for three days, along with an overview of next year's events. He will also provide insights into the latest market conditions in Southeast Asia, drawn from SOZO's diverse cultural business ventures.

This seminar is designed for those considering new business developments and expansions in various sectors such as anime, music, characters, games, and publishing. Participants will gain valuable knowledge about the current market landscape in Southeast Asia.

Event Details

- Date & Time: December 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Registration begins at 12:45 PM)
- Program:

- 1:00 PM - 1:05 PM: Opening remarks by Shawn Chin, CEO of SOZO (with consecutive interpretation)
- 1:05 PM - 1:50 PM: Presentation by Hiro Taneoka of SOZO Business Development
- 1:50 PM - 2:10 PM: Q&A Session
- 2:10 PM - 2:30 PM: Networking session

- Venue: VIPO Conference Room
- Capacity: Limited to 100 participants (approximately two representatives per company, first-come-first-served basis)
- Participation Fee: Free
- Target Audience: Businesses related to anime, music, characters, games, and publishing
- Application Deadline: By 12:00 PM on December 17 (Registration will close once capacity is reached)

Please note: If you need to cancel your participation after confirmation, please contact the office promptly at [email protected]. The seminar may be canceled if the attendance is too low or due to other factors.

About AFA (Anime Festival Asia)

Anime Festival Asia (AFA) is one of the largest events in Southeast Asia that connects Japanese pop culture with local fans. Since its first event in 2008, AFA has delivered premium experiences to fans for over 15 years. Starting in 2026, AFA will expand its reach with events planned in Hong Kong and Thailand, in addition to Singapore and Indonesia, now hosting four events annually.

Speaker Profile

Shawn Chin is the founder of SOZO PTE LTD, established in Singapore in 2009 from his passion for Japanese culture and pop culture. Under his guidance, AFA has grown into one of the world's premier Japanese pop culture festivals. Besides the festivals, he is actively involved in organizing numerous concerts and events to support Japanese pop culture throughout Southeast Asia.

About SOZO PTE LTD

Founded in 2009 with the aim of managing AFA, SOZO (headquartered in Singapore) has since expanded its operations beyond festivals. It now engages in planning and executing pop-up shops, exhibitions, concerts, product manufacturing, distribution, sales, and promotional support, all related to Japanese pop culture across Southeast Asia. Learn more about SOZO at their official website.

For inquiries, please contact:
Video Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO)
Tel: 03-3543-7531
Email: [email protected]
For press inquiries, contact PR Department at [email protected].