RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions made a historic debut as the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world’s largest anime events.

Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors, organizers said in a statement.

A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as Misk, Manga Production’s participation underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing position in the global anime industry.

Attendees experienced interactive exhibitions, including traditional Saudi attire try-ons and authentic Saudi coffee tastings, offering a unique fusion of heritage and creativity.

Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote speech titled “A New Era of Animation! The Future of ‘Saudinimation’ Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia,” outlining the collaborative opportunities between the two nations.

He said: “The overwhelming response reflects our mission to position Saudi creativity globally. AnimeJapan 2025 was a milestone in fostering co-production and content partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision to be a hub for entertainment innovation.”

The pavilion also welcomed high-profile Japanese officials, including Akamatsu Ken, vice minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, and Kobayashi Fumiaki, vice minister of the environment, signaling strong governmental interest in cultural exchange.

Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, director of marketing and communications, said: “This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia’s creative identity while forging strategic media and industry connections.

“Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and the event proved the power of our narrative.”