From 13 to 16 May 2025, Taylor’s University was swept up in a dazzling display of pink blossoms, pastel tones, and vibrant otaku culture as the Taylor’s Anime Society (TAS) hosted Kiyoko no Hana Matsuri — an anime-themed campus festival that transformed the Lakeside Campus into a bustling Japanese spring fair.

Blending the charm of a traditional matsuri (festival) with modern anime fandom, the event was not just an aesthetic treat — it was a hub of creativity, community, and shared passion. Whether you were a dedicated con-goer or just curious about the noise and colour taking over your daily walk to class, Kiyoko no Hana Matsuri had something to stop you in your tracks.

True to its name — which roughly translates to “Kiyoko’s Flower Festival” — Kiyoko no Hana Matsuri bloomed with colour, energy, and heart. Booths flanked outside of LT1 and LT2, each decorated in signature anime art styles, creating a scene reminiscent of Tokyo’s bustling Comiket — only more relaxed, and shaded by Lakeside’s greenery. Visitors browsed handmade prints, fan merch, stickers, badges, zines, keychains, tote bags, and plushies, much of it created by Taylor’s very own student artist, alongside external artists.

Beyond just shopping, the event also invited students to participate in a series of creative workshops and interactive experiences. Daily activities included:

Throughout the event, a Plushie Gacha Station and TAS Merch Contest voting booth kept foot traffic high. And with each draw or vote, students were one step closer to winning free merch or limited-edition collectibles. 

The result? A bustling, multifaceted experience that offered something for every type of anime fan — from casual viewers to hardcore collectors. "There was just so much to see and do," one visitor remarked. "It’s like the campus had a personality shift — suddenly we were living in an anime episode."

Behind the scenes, Kiyoko no Hana Matsuri was a labour of love by the TAS committee and volunteers. Among them was Loh Kai Xuan, a member of the design team and a student vendor. She shared her dual role with enthusiasm:

“I designed the Instagram promo posts and also ran a booth with a friend,” she said. “It was so much fun seeing people’s reactions, especially when someone literally ran down from the second floor after realising we were in the same niche fandom!”

She added that compared to large-scale conventions, the smaller size of this event gave it an unexpected charm.

For Sim Hong Bin, President of Taylor’s Anime Society and co-host of the event, the matsuri was the culmination of months of careful planning and collaborative hustle.

“My role was strategic oversight — aligning everything with our club’s mission and ensuring all moving parts worked together,” he explained. “It took us around three months from ideation to execution.”

So why the name Kiyoko no Hana Matsuri?

Despite challenges like vendors pulling out last-minute and unpredictable crowd lulls, Hong Bin is proud of what the team pulled off.

To bring a little extra magic to this coverage, we asked:

The answers were as delightful as the event itself:

These genre musings weren’t just playful — they perfectly reflected the energy of the event. Kiyoko no Hana Matsuri wasn’t just about fandom; it was about connection, nostalgia, and shared joy.

As Kiyoko no Hana Matsuri wraps up, one thing is clear: it succeeded in bringing together anime lovers of all kinds — artists, cosplayers, vendors, students, and curious passersby — in a celebration that felt personal, creative, and most importantly, joyful.

And just like any good anime festival episode, it left everyone wanting a sequel. And we are lucky. This year is extra special for TAS as they celebrate their 20th anniversary, and they’re going bigger than ever.

“We’re planning Kiyokocon — our first full-scale anime convention — right here on campus,” an insider note from Hong Bin. “There’ll be live performances, more booths, collaborations, and niche activities. We’re pulling out all the stops.”

Alongside Kiyokocon, TAS is also ramping up weekly meetings, anime screenings, hobby workshops, and collaborations, offering something for everyone in the anime, manga, and gaming communities.

“We want to continue creating a space where students can express their passions loudly — and proudly.” Hong Bin quoted.

Whether you’re a long-time anime fan, a cosplay lover, or just someone curious about Japanese culture — TAS welcomes you. They’re more than just a society; they’re a hub for friendships, fandom, and fun. Follow them at @taslakeside on Instagram to keep up with events, contests, and anime movie screenings.

Until next time — may your anime arcs be happy, your gachas lucky, and your fandoms forever thriving.