SMASH! 2026 is shaping up to be a massive weekend for Australian anime fans. The Sydney Manga and Anime Show is returning on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026 at the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre, and the official guest list includes Mackenyu as an actor guest. 

For One Piece fans, this is a big one. Mackenyu plays Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s live-action ONE PIECE, which is exactly why his SMASH! appearance is already on the radar for anime fans, cosplayers and collectors heading to Sydney this July. 

And yes, Otaku-Taco will be there too. We’ll be trading in the exhibitor area at SMASH! 2026, bringing our usual mix of kawaii finds, anime convention essentials, ita bags, plushies, blind boxes, skirts and accessories for fans who want to shop in person

Mackenyu at SMASH! 2026: what fans need to know

SMASH! has confirmed Mackenyu as part of the 2026 guest line-up. The official SMASH! site also lists a full guest program across actors, DJs, VTubers, cosplayers, illustrators, singers and voice actors, so it will be worth checking the app and official updates before the weekend. 

If you are planning your weekend around Mackenyu, do not leave the details until the last minute. SMASH! has stated that all Mackenyu guest events, including panels and signings, are paid events and will be allocated via lottery. SMASH! also recommends buying tickets in the same order if you want to sit with friends, as group seating is not guaranteed across separate orders. 

In short: plan early, check your ticket details, keep an eye on official SMASH! updates, and make sure your group has a plan before the weekend.

Visit Otaku-Taco at SMASH! 2026

We love convention weekends because they let us meet the people who usually only shop with us online. If you have been eyeing off an ita bag, skirt, plushie, blind box or kawaii accessory, SMASH! is your chance to see pieces up close before you choose.

We’ll be bringing a con-friendly selection for collectors, cosplayers and gift hunters, including:

• Ita bags and display bags for pins, charms and badges
• Kawaii accessories for outfits and everyday use
• Pleated skirts and cute styling pieces
• Plushies and character gifts
• Blind boxes and mystery toys
• Convention-ready pieces that are easy to carry around the expo floor

Booth details will be shared closer to the event, so follow us on TT and Insta @Otaku.Taco.Store for our exact location, stock sneak peeks and any SMASH! weekend updates.

Building a con outfit for SMASH!

SMASH! is one of the biggest weekends of the year for anime outfits, cosplay details and character-inspired styling. You do not need a full cosplay to dress for the day. Sometimes the best con outfit is a simple base with one standout accessory.

If you are heading in for Mackenyu, panels, shopping or photos with friends, think practical first:

• Wear shoes you can handle all day
• Use a bag that keeps your hands free
• Bring a portable charger
• Leave space for prints, plushies and merch
• Add an ita bag if you want to display pins, badges or charms safely
• Pack light if you are planning to line up for guest events

An ita bag is especially useful for SMASH! because it lets you show your fandom without losing smaller collectibles inside a crowded bag. It also keeps badges and charms behind a clear display panel, which is much better than clipping everything loose to your outfit.

What to shop from Otaku-Taco before SMASH!

If you want to plan before the rush, browse online first and make a wishlist. That way, when you find us at the booth, you already know what you are looking for.

Start with:

Ita bags

Perfect for pin collectors, charm collectors and anyone building a character-themed display. Choose the size and style based on what you want to carry for the full day.

Pleated skirts

A strong base for kawaii, animecore, Harajuku-inspired and casual cosplay outfits. Easy to style with tees, cardigans, leg warmers, bows and bags.

Plushies and gifts

Good for collectors, birthday gifts, room decor and last-minute con treats. Just remember to leave space if you plan to carry plushies around all day.

Blind boxes

The dangerous part of any convention shopping trip, in the best way. Set a budget before you start opening boxes or bring a friend who will stop you from going full gremlin mode.

Quick SMASH! 2026 checklist

Before you head to ICC Sydney, check:

• Your SMASH! ticket
• Any Mackenyu guest event or lottery details
• The SMASH! app or official schedule
• Your transport plan to ICC Sydney
• A portable charger
• Water bottle
• Comfortable shoes
• Ita bag
• Cashless payment options (We take both cash and card ;)
• Otaku-Taco booth updates on socials

Come say hi

Whether you are coming for Mackenyu, cosplay, the Artist Market, panels, shopping or the full weekend chaos, make sure you stop by Otaku-Taco at SMASH! 2026.

We’ll share our booth location as soon as it is confirmed. Until then, follow us on socials, start planning your outfit, and get your wishlist ready.