Frontier Works Inc., in collaboration with internationally acclaimed illustrator Maniani, will bring the original brand Maniani World to Anime Expo 2025 this July in Los Angeles. Known for its distinctive blend of eerie and adorable aesthetics—described by the artist as “Kowai (scary) + Kawaii (cute) = Kowaii (scarily cute)”—Maniani World continues to capture the imaginations of fans worldwide.
From July 3 to July 6, attendees can visit the Maniani World booth (SH-4908) in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The booth will debut a variety of new merchandise, including Shadow Cat acrylic stands, keychains, T-shirts, and a new illustration book. An exclusive talk event hosted by Frontier Works’ creative director Yuka Mochizuki will also provide fans with insight into the visual storytelling and unique design philosophy behind Maniani’s monster creations.
In addition, a limited-edition Maniani World skateboard deck will be made available as a made-to-order product, exclusively through Animate International’s e-commerce platform. The deck will be on display at the booth, giving attendees a firsthand look before placing their orders online.
Skateboard Deck Pre-Order Details
Pre-order period: June 6, 2025 at 3:00 AM PDT – July 28, 2025 at 7:59 AM PDT
Product page: Animate Shop – Maniani World Deck
*Note: Not available for purchase in Australia, New Zealand, or Japan.
Merchandise Lineup
- Shadow Cat Acrylic Stand (5 types)
- Shadow Cat Hologram Can Badge (5 types)
- Shadow Cat Acrylic Keychain (3 types)
- Shadow Cat T-shirt
- Maniani World Illustration Book
- Additional exclusive items
Talk Event: “The Visual Expressions Hidden in the Characters of Maniani World”
- Date: July 3, 2025
- Time: 5:15 PM – 6:05 PM
- Location: Room 402AB
Presented by Frontier Works, this panel will feature creative director Yuka Mochizuki as she discusses the development and design behind Maniani’s monsters and the growing appeal of their “kowaii” world.
Special Collaboration with Animate GROUP
A limited number of exclusive Maniani World ticket-style cards will be distributed at the Frontier Works exhibition space inside the Animate GROUP booth (SH-504). Visitors can bring the card to the Maniani World booth (SH-4908) to receive a commemorative giveaway item. Distribution will be limited each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
About Maniani
With a social media following exceeding 150,000 on X alone, Maniani has built a devoted fanbase through their signature “kowaii” monsters. Their work spans from original illustrations to game characters and book designs. Their art invites viewers into a world where creepy and cute collide in striking harmony.
Official Website: maniani-world.com
X: @maniani0122
Instagram: @maniani0122
Pixiv: Maniani
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