• The project will tell the history of the Kingdom in the popular Japanese animation style known as manga

Arab News, Riyadh

Manga Production Company, an affiliate of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation (Misk), and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) will collaborate on a manga-style adaptation of the history of Saudi Arabia.

The two entities signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday, December 1, in the presence of Bader Al-Asaker, chairman of the Misk Initiatives Center and Manga Production Company, and Dr. Fahd bin Al-Samari, secretary-general of Darah.

The project will tell the history of the Kingdom in the popular Japanese animation style known as manga — documenting important figures and events from the founding of the Kingdom in 1932 through to the present day. Japanese companies will also reportedly be involved in the production, which is scheduled to start within weeks. Darah’s role will be to supervise and review the historical facts of the project.

Al-Asaker said that the project has the full support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

Al-Samari expressed how proud he was to be involved in “this great project,” which he said was a result of “the great leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.” He added that he hoped the project would encourage the younger generation to learn more about the history of their country.

The CEO of Manga Production Company, Dr. Essam Bukhari, said that Saudi artists would be involved in the project and that it would include training opportunities for “talented young people from the Kingdom.”

Manga Production has already produced “The Woodcutter's Treasure,” which was the first Saudi Arabian animation to be broadcast in Japan. It has also signed a contract to create an animated series and a film in collaboration with the Japanese animation studio Toei Animation — the company behind “Sailor Moon” and “Dragon Ball” — in addition to its videogame production and training programs.