Saudi Arabia’s anime and manga boom is a cultural revolution

• Industry can create jobs, says Manga Arabia editor Nouf Al-Hussein
• Creation of Arab characters will help build national identity, she adds

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning interest in manga and anime, a trend that can be traced to the 1970s, is helping to usher in a revolution in cultural production.

These Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture and education has made them of great interest to Saudi Arabia society.

Manga, a form of Japanese graphic novels, differs from Western comics in several ways, including its reading direction which is from right to left.

To foster this growing culture, the General Entertainment Authority has been actively involved in organizing events and exhibitions. This includes the prominent Saudi Anime Expo, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, which has attracted visitors from around the world.

Furthermore, Riyadh’s “Anime Town” has solidified its position as the world’s largest anime city, featuring four distinct areas, and the Sakura Music Festival, held for the first time outside of Japan.

Jeddah also recently hosted the “Anime Village” event, which attracted many visitors and offered a variety of activities, including cosplay competitions, live shows, themed restaurants, and screenings of the latest films.

Manga Arabia magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Nouf Al-Hussein expressed optimism about the future of the local industry.

She said the growing interest in creative initiatives within the education and culture sectors would contribute to a more robust labor market and increased opportunities for growth in the industry.

Al-Hussein said: “Saudi society has become increasingly aware of the importance of nurturing diverse talents and skills, including those related to the Saudi manga and anime industry.”

She emphasized that achieving success in this field requires a strong foundation in drawing, writing and creative thinking.

Al-Hussein added that this trend would foster the development of local characters that embody authentic Arab values, the Saudi Arabia spirit, and a distinctive national identity.

She emphasized that such content could resonate with audiences on a global scale, contributing to the enhancement of Saudi Arabia culture.

Anime and manga critic and analyst Majed Al-Amer said the anime industry in the Kingdom has experienced remarkable growth.

Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi Arabia anime industry has surpassed many other countries that have been developing this culture for a longer period.

Al-Amer said the Kingdom has gained recognition as a producer on global entertainment platforms including Netflix, Shahid, StarzPlay and Crunchyroll. These platforms operate in Saudi Arabia and offer Arabic translations, demonstrating the industry’s significant potential.

He said manga rights are being acquired and distributed locally, with Arabic translations available in various outlets, including libraries and cinemas.

Regarding the most prominent challenges facing anime and manga creators in the Kingdom, Al-Amer said the biggest hurdle is social acceptance.

He emphasized the importance of society embracing the job opportunities available in this industry, including for manga writers and animators.

Al-Amer added that the anime industry would become a key component of the Kingdom’s economy within the next seven years.

He said the industry’s growth would drive the production of local content, leading to the creation of a new form of entertainment tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Amer said content produced by domestic talent would authentically reflect local culture without external influences. This would contribute to spreading Saudi Arabia culture globally.

He expressed appreciation for the government’s support and promotion of the anime and manga industry.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant manga and anime culture is evident in its recent initiatives.

The “Manga Education” program, launched by the ministries of culture and education, aims to develop students’ capabilities in this field. This program aligns with the broader strategy of incorporating culture and arts into public education.