Arab News Japan

Manga Arabia is set to make a significant cultural impact at the Expo 2025 Osaka through the Saudi Arabia Pavilion with exclusive Japanese editions of celebrated Saudi manga magazines, ‘Manga Arabia Kids’ and ‘Manga Arabia Youth’.

The newly released manga magazines will feature prominently alongside a curated list of locally produced manga volumes giving Japanese visitors to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion a unique opportunity to engage with the Kingdom’s evolving creative landscape.

Highlighting a commitment to cultural exchange, this initiative provides Japanese readers with an authentic glimpse into the Kingdom’s storytelling traditions through the lens of manga. By bridging cultures through art, Manga Arabia continues to solidify its influence, delivering original and inspiring narratives deeply rooted in Arab and Saudi values.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, General Manager of Manga Arabia and Editor-in-Chief of Manga Arabia Magazine emphasized the significance of this milestone stating: “We are honoured to present our creative content at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, offering Japanese and international audiences a glimpse into Saudi storytelling through the art of manga.”

“This initiative represents more than just an exhibition; it is a cultural exchange that celebrates our heritage and values in a universally beloved medium. As we mark 70 years of Saudi-Japanese relations, we look forward to creating a meaningful and memorable experience for visitors.”

Manga Arabia’s influence extends well beyond this event. With a digital platform that has attracted over 12 million users across 195 countries, the company has emerged as a key player in the global manga entertainment market.

Building on this success, the company has now firmly established its presence in Japan through the establishment of Tokyo based subsidiary, Manga International, reflecting a strategic effort to strengthen its international presence. Additionally, the company has forged successful partnerships with leading Japanese publishers, including Shueisha, Kodansha, Shogakukan, Kadokawa, and Hakusensha, further solidifying its position within the industry.

Manga Arabia’s contributions to intellectual property protection have been applauded by the global industry. The Japan Patent Office recently honoured the company for its efforts in combating content piracy and promoting copyright awareness in the Arab world.

As a subsidiary of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), Manga Arabia remains dedicated to promoting Saudi and Arab creativity on the global stage. Through innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships, the company continues to elevate Arabic content and promote a culture of reading across the region.

Since its inception, Manga Arabia has published 84 magazine issues across more than 220 distribution points in the Arab world, with a monthly circulation exceeding 250,000 copies. The company has also played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, empowering over 170 young creatives across the region.

By participating in Expo 2025 Osaka through the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, Manga Arabia reaffirms its commitment to bridging cultures, fostering creative exchange and shaping the future of global manga for generations to come.