Photo/Illutration A scene from the Saudi Anime Expo 2019 (c) SAE2019

A Japanese anime-themed convention was held in Saudi Arabia of all places for the first time last month to much fanfare, and drew about 37,800 local fans.

The Saudi Anime Expo 2019 opened at Riyadh Front Expo Land Hall 3/4 in the capital on Nov. 14, taking place over three days. It was hosted by the country as part of Riyadh Season, Saudi Arabia’s initiative to shift from dependence on oil and expand the entertainment industry.

Faisal Bafarat, CEO of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Japan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tsukasa Uemura and other experts and artists attended the opening ceremony.

It was announced during the ceremony that a new animated TV series of “Captain Tsubasa,” which is also popular in Saudi Arabia, will be airing in the country. Bafarat and Yoichi Takahashi, the author of the original soccer-themed manga series, joined a signing ceremony.

The expo offered a wide variety of shows and events during its three-day run.

Popular anime singers and artists such as Isao Sasaki, Ichiro Mizuki, Taku Takahashi, Linked Horizon, DJ MarGenal, Flow and DJ Kazu appeared on the main stage area to give live performances and attend talks. Other events included a talk featuring a famous Arabic-speaking voice-recording artist, an e-sport event and various cosplay competitions. In particular, a throng of “Captain Tsubasa” fans came flooding in for a talk featuring Takahashi.

A total of 41 Japanese companies set up booths in the exhibition area to show off their anime-related displays. Visitors also partook in a Japanese traditional culture-themed cosplay experience, anime screenings and Japanese food in other areas.

The organizers intend to continue to promote Japanese anime in Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to bolster the entertainment industry.

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To learn more about the latest developments in Japanese anime, visit the official site of Anime Anime (http://animeanime.jp/).