Emirati-Japanese pop-culture to take over Yas Island

Emirati-Japanese pop-culture and art will take over the Yas Island here on October 27-29, through the biggest regional ANI:ME Festival, which will showcase, at the du Forum, the best of Japanese manga, anime, art, games, fashion and culinary delights.
"Just a couple of weeks ago, we launched the new and vibrant Yas Island brand, where we promised the community that this Emirati-bred, world-class destination would bring to them a plethora of leisure, cultural, social, and business attractions suited for all audiences. With this Emirati-Japanese pop-culture and art festival - the biggest event of its kind the region - we're delivering on our promise, and we couldn't be more excited to be the ones hosting it," said Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, which manages Yas island.
Emirati-Japanese culture will be showcased with artwork that has been commissioned especially for the ANI:ME Festival. Some of it, depicting local anime characters alongside an Arabian Oryx,  has been developed in consultation with well-known anime artist Long Vo, who over the past 15 years has worked as a comic creator, illustrator and art director for companies such as Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros and DC.
Apart from Vo, ANI:ME organisers confirmed the attendance of Yoshitaka Amano, the legendary artist best known for his work on the Final Fantasy franchise.  An icon in the world of anime, Amano will meet and greet fans, but he will also display over USD4 million worth of art.
His famous sculpture, The Panther, which weighs 400 kilograms and is valued at over US$ 3.5 million, will be put up for sale for the first ever, along with 10 other pieces of his art, valued at over US$ 1 million.
Other artists confirmed for ANI:ME are Melbourne-based comic book artist Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz, Edwin Huang, international cosplayer Phil Mizuno, Todd Haberkor, Steven D'Onforio and rising J-pop star Cuushe.
"Our goal with ANI:ME Festival is not only to provide a platform for international artists and talent, but also for UAE and regional residents to showcase their creativity and talent. The additions to our line-up of entertainment, talent and anime stars, as well as introduction of the first UAE leg of the World Cosplay Competition help in fostering and inspiring local and regional anime artists, illustrators and other creative talent," said Arafaat Ali Khan, director of Communications at The Alliance, the organiser of ANI:ME Festival.
Two UAE residents are given the opportunity to represent the Emirates at an international cosplay (costume play, a performance art where participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character) event in Japan, the World Cosplay Competition 2017.
Those wishing to register for one of the two cosplay competitions must do so before October 18, online, at www.animeabudhabi.com.
Tickets for ANI:ME Festival start at Dh95 per person (booked in advance) or from Dh150 on the day and are now on sale at Virgin Megastores and through the Ticketmaster website.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com