The Alliance to launch ANI:ME expo at Yas Island

The Alliance LLC – organisers of the Middle East Film and Comic Con and GAMES Middle East event – has collaborated with Yas Island that will see the launch of ANI:ME, its third premiere project to hit the region.

Taking place at du Forum, Yas Island from October 27-29, ANI:ME is expected to draw thousands of pop culture fans for what will be a celebration of Japanese entertainment and popular culture.

Featuring some of the best Japanese anime, manga, cinema, music, games, fashion and culinary delights that make Japan a cultural sensation and a truly fascinating nation, ANI:ME will showcase content never been seen before in the region, including some of the biggest J-Pop/Rock bands, ‘anisong’ legends, creators of some of the most popular anime and manga titles, along with voice talent, cosplayers and artists from the world of video games.

Visitors will also be able to explore and experience traditional elements of Japanese culture including calligraphy, traditional sword fighting, art and amezaiku candy making in the Japan Culture Village alongside fashion, traditional and contemporary cuisine, authentic handicrafts and live demonstrations.

The ever popular art of Cosplay will also be a massive component at ANI:ME with, for the first time in the region, a competition that will send the best cosplayer from the event to Japan, to compete in the world finals of the World Cosplay Summit.

“The ANI:ME Festival will be an immersive experience, with every element, act and exhibitor encompassing the theme. So whether you want to meet some of your manga creator heroes, or just enjoy a fun and fascinating weekend, ANI:ME in October has it all covered,” says Arafaat Ali Khan, director of communications at The Alliance.

“As one of the region’s most dynamic entertainment destinations, Yas Island looks forward to welcoming ANI:ME 2016 for its inaugural edition,” adds Mohammed Al Zaabi, CEO, Miral. “Yas Island offers a vibrant year-round calendar of events across sports, music, food and culture and is home to a diverse range of world-class attractions that together, cater a wide array of interests and ages. ANI:ME further reinforces and adds to the spirit and appeal of Yas Island, particularly amongst a creative and vibrant class of pop-culture fans.”

“As a result of the massive appetite for anime and Japanese culture in the Middle East, ANI:ME intends offer die-hard fans and newbies alike the chance to gather at an event that caters to every aspect of the ever-growing pop culture phenomenon,” says Ben Caddy, CEO, The Alliance. “We hope to build the ANI:ME project in partnership with Yas Island to become a regional celebration of art, entertainment and culture and celebrate the strong ties the Middle East already has with Japan.”