Tokyo Comic Convention Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Takehiko Goto) is proud to announce the official Main MCs and PR Ambassadors for Osaka Comic Convention 2025, to be held over three days from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4, 2025, at INTEX Osaka (Suminoe Ward, Osaka City).

This year marks the third Osaka edition of the event, and leading the show as Main MCs will be the lively “Maru-MALU” combo!

Following the exciting announcements of guest appearances by Christina Ricci (The Addams Family) and Edward Furlong (Terminator series), Osaka Comic Con 2025 continues to build hype, with seven celebrities confirmed so far. The exclusive “Mads Mikkelsen & Hugh Dancy Osaka Comic Con Opening Night Party” sold out in just minutes after going on sale. Now, it’s confirmed that Yuichi Nakamaru and IMALU will serve as the Main MCs for the three-day event, energizing the venue and leading stage presentations.

Affectionately known by fans as “Yucchi,” Yuichi Nakamaru debuted in 2006 as a member of a popular idol group and has since made his mark across various fields—singing, acting, hosting music programs, and appearing on information shows as a commentator. Known for his unique talents in human beatboxing, fruit carving, and illustration, Nakamaru made his debut as a manga artist in 2023 with Yamada-kun no Zawameku Jikan in Monthly Afternoon, which was later published as a collected volume in January and exceeded 70,000 copies in circulation.
On his appointment, Nakamaru shared:

“I’ve been given the great honor of serving as the MC for Osaka Comic Con. It’s my first time hosting such a huge event with over 60,000 attendees, so I’ll be working through my nerves! Let’s enjoy this amazing three-day festival together!”

IMALU, a bilingual talent fluent in both Japanese and English, is well-known for her deep love of movies and music. She is also actively involved in animal welfare, often visiting dog and cat shelters. Passionate about social issues, IMALU hosts a discussion program that explores themes of identity, gender, relationships, and societal challenges. Her broad presence in variety shows, radio, and other media continues to earn her widespread admiration.
On becoming MC, she commented:

“I still can’t believe I’ll be standing on the very stage I once admired as an audience member! I’ll give it my all to be a great MC!”

PR Ambassadors to Join the Celebration of Osaka Comic Con 2025!

This year’s PR Ambassadors will once again include the ever-popular NMB48, returning for a third consecutive year!

The lineup includes:

Wakana Abe (serving as ambassador since the inaugural Osaka Comic Con),

Keito Shiotsuki (back for the second year),

Karin Kojima (NMB48’s captain, first-time PR ambassador),

Waka Aobara (a big fan of Western films, especially Marvel),

Kurumi Mikamo (newly appointed ambassador and huge Star Wars fan)

Each member brings their own passion and unique perspective to help promote the event.

【Wakana Abe】

“I’m excited to see how this year’s event will be different from the last! As a movie lover and an idol based in Osaka, I can’t wait to build a fun-filled Comic Con with everyone!”
Profile:
Published a novel in 2022, which was later adapted into a drama and anime. With over 100 films watched annually, she is a devoted cinephile and the only member to serve as ambassador since Osaka Comic Con’s first year.

【Keito Shiotsuki】

“I love many kinds of works, especially DC and Superman! Like Superman once said, ‘It’s not who we are underneath, but what we do that defines us.’ I want to share my love of comics and pop culture with everyone!”
Profile:
A leading NMB48 member known for her broad interests. She even visited Comic Con stores on her YouTube channel “Keito Tabi.” Appointed for the second year in a row.

【Karin Kojima】

“I’ve always heard from the other members how fun Comic Con is. I’m so excited it’s finally my turn! I’ve heard there are stylish, exclusive items and cute clothes only available at Osaka Comic Con. I can’t wait!”
Profile:
NMB48’s captain and the producer of her own apparel brand “RINNU.” Popular with female fans and now studying all things about Comic Con.

【Waka Aobara】

“I love movies and especially Guardians of the Galaxy! I’m obsessed with Groot and Rocket. After watching past footage of the event, I’d love to try cosplaying too. Let’s make this an amazing event together!”
Profile:
Rising young member who was quickly selected for a single less than a year after joining. A huge fan of Marvel heroes.

【Kurumi Mikamo】

“I’m Kurumi Mikamo from NMB48, honored to serve as a PR Ambassador for Osaka Comic Con 2025! I’ve always loved comics and movies, especially Star Wars. Since May 4 (Star Wars Day) is the final day of the event, I’m really looking forward to it. May the Force be with you!”
Profile:
Joined NMB48 after a journey that included training in Korea with the goal of debuting as an idol. Selected for a single within 3 months of joining the group.