Arab News Japan

RIYADH: The global influence of Japan’s manga and anime industry took center stage at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 2025 in Riyadh, where Tokyo Governor KOIKE Yuriko and “Captain Tsubasa” creator Yoichi Takahashi discussed how Japan’s creative industries are driving new opportunities for international investment and cultural tourism.

The session, titled “How Can Tokyo’s Manga and Anime Fuel a Surge in Creative Investment,” explored how Tokyo is positioning itself as a global hub for animation, a sector now valued at $900 billion worldwide.

“The content industry has grown into a global market worth $900 billion and is attracting significant attention as a major growth sector,” Governor Koike said. “Within this vast marketplace, the key challenge now lies in how effectively Japan can elevate its international presence and take the lead.”

Koike said the Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to expand the city’s creative economy by supporting animators and manga artists directly, helping them refine their craft while accessing business training and funding.

“We will establish in Tokyo a facility to support these efforts,” she announced. “It will empower animators and manga creators by providing them with practical support, refining their production skills, preparing them for entrepreneurship, and allowing them to gain the know-how required to secure funding.”

She added that Tokyo will “unlock the earning potential of the content industry and enhance the city’s competitiveness,” making it “the ultimate place for creators aiming to shine on the global stage.”

Appearing alongside the governor, Yoichi Takahashi, author of the iconic football manga Captain Tsubasa, known in the Arab world as Captain Majed, reflected on why the story continues to resonate across generations and continents.

“The key factor was that it was all about football, which is a sport beloved all over the world,” Takahashi said. “And also, the theme of the work was the children thriving toward realizing their dream, for example, wanting to be the world’s number one footballer or the world champion. Those were the two factors that attracted a borderless audience.”

Takahashi said the series’ success extended far beyond print and television, inspiring collaborations with football clubs, national teams and consumer brands.

“Beyond the animation and the original manga, we have seen success in various ventures derived from the work, including games, merchandising and collaborations with football teams,” he said. “That comes from the big love for the characters in the story.”

Governor Koike also highlighted how manga and anime have become powerful tourism drivers for Japan, particularly in Tokyo, where fans visit real-life locations linked to their favorite works.

“Japanese anime and manga are very popular all over the world, and they are one of the key attractions to inspire overseas travelers to experience Japan,” she said. “Tokyo is actively utilizing anime and manga as tourism resources, and we are working to promote the tourism industry through these efforts.”

She pointed to Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant cultural districts, as a hub of anime-related attractions.

“The Ikebukuro district has become a sort of landmark, a hub for anime culture, attracting fans from all over the world,” she said. “It is home to the world’s largest anime shop recognized by Guinness World Records, and the area features many collaborations with anime films, fashion stores and themed cafés.”

Koike also cited initiatives such as Anime Tokyo Station, an exhibition venue that has already drawn more than 220,000 visitors, and stamp rallies featuring anime-themed statues and manhole covers designed to draw fans across the city.

“Through these initiatives, we are trying to connect the various anime locations across Tokyo,” she explained. “The goal is to transform the entire city into a dynamic center of animated tourism. We warmly invite all of you to visit Tokyo and experience the vibrant and diverse charm of this dynamic city for yourselves.”

In his closing remarks, Takahashi said the longevity of Captain Tsubasa comes from a commitment to consistency and emotion.

“Because it’s been a long-standing work, it had to be very consistent,” he said. “I insist on consistency in the characters, the way they move, the way they speak, the words they use, and, more importantly, to pour passion and love into every single character, even though the number of characters grows over the years.”

When collaborating internationally, Takahashi said he seeks partners who share that same devotion.

“I have to be sure that the person I work with has the same amount of passion and love for my work, so that we can have a long-lasting relationship,” he said.