Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A seminar focused on the global expansion of Japanese entertainment, particularly anime and manga, in the Middle East gathered 180 business professionals to discuss rising trends.

Held at Japan’s tallest skyscraper, Azabudai Hills, and hosted by SHIFT Inc., the seminar titled “Captivating the Middle East: How Japanese Entertainment is Making Waves” explored the growing opportunities for Japanese content in the Gulf region.

The event combined both in-person attendance and online participation, reflecting the strong and widening interest among Japanese enterprises

In recent years, the Japanese government has emphasized the economic potential of cultural exports, reporting that overseas sales of Japanese content, including entertainment, media, and creative industries, now rival the export revenues of traditional heavyweights like steel and semiconductors.

With Middle Eastern countries rapidly expanding their entertainment sectors, Japanese firms see a fertile new frontier for their IP.

Speakers at the seminar included the Japanese Ambassador to Bahrain, representatives from Arab News Japan and Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, and executives from Asahi Shimbun Middle East Holdings.

Additionally, Saudi-based influencers and entertainment companies specializing in eSports and live events shared on-the-ground insights.

The panel discussions and keynote speeches sparked exchanges about cultural adaptation, market entry strategies and collaboration opportunities between Japan and Middle Eastern countries.

Participants noted the region’s appetite for Japanese pop culture and the growing governmental support for entertainment initiatives across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.