RIYADH: Artist and creator Yoichi Takahashi walked onto the stage at the Anime Expo to warm cheers on Friday as fans welcomed Thursday’s announcement of the upcoming “Captain Tsubasa” remake.
“Happy to be here with this large crowd. Maybe it’s too short a time, but I hope we’ll all enjoy it together,” he told his Saudi fans.
Takahashi’s football-focused anime “Captain Tsubasa” is held in high regard in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Three quarters of Arabs surveyed in a recent Arab News / YouGov poll said it was their favorite anime.
Anime Expo marks the manga artist’s first visit to Saudi Arabia. “I heard there are many fans here — I’m truly happy to be here,” he said.
Takahashi revealed that he was initially working on a different story while watching the FIFA World Cup, which inspired him to focus instead on “Captain Tsubasa.”
The remake will air on MBC on Dec. 1 under an agreement signed between Takahashi and the General Entertainment Authority.
“In Japan, the remake aired last year. I’m honored to see it will air so soon in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
The message behind “Captain Tsubasa” is about making dreams a reality, he added, “and I hope we all make our dreams come true.”
Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the anime’s creation, but Takahashi is by no means finished with the franchise. “Tsubasa+,” a smartphone game, will be released in 2020.
“Globally, people will be able to play and enjoy ‘Captain Tsubasa,’ not just watch it,” he said.
Ending his talk with a bang, Takahashi announced that he was giving five signed illustrations of “Captain Tsubasa” to lucky winners.
He played “rock, paper, scissors” with the crowd to pick the winners: Four young men and a woman.
Manga legend, ‘Captain Tsubasa’ creator graces Anime Expo in Saudi Arabia
Manga legend, ‘Captain Tsubasa’ creator graces Anime Expo in Saudi Arabia
- Ending his talk with a bang, Takahashi announced that he was giving five signed illustrations of “Captain Tsubasa” to lucky winners
Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference
- Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
- Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan
RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.
The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.
Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.
Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.
“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.
“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”
