Latest news with #EssamBukhary
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Jeddah communication conference explores anime's digital evolution
RIYADH: The eighth session of the Digital Communication Conference, titled 'Anime in the Digital Space,' explored the transformation of Japanese anime over the past two decades, highlighting the impact of digital innovation and the internet. According to Saudi Press Agency, the session focused on anime's shift from traditional television broadcasts and DVDs to digital platforms, including live streaming, instant subtitling and cloud-based production. Streaming giants such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation were highlighted as pivotal players in the transition, offering translated or dubbed episodes immediately upon release and funding original series such as 'Devilman Crybaby' and 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.' Speakers in the session, including Manga Productions CEO Essam Bukhary, said that social media and online forums have opened the door to unprecedented engagement among fans, as well as community and cultural interaction, since audiences now take part in evaluating episodes. Concerns were raised that heavy dependence on technology could erode the handcrafted aesthetic that defines traditional anime. Saudi Arabia's burgeoning interest in manga and anime, which dates back to the 1970s, is helping to usher in a revolution in cultural production. Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture and education has made them of great interest to Saudi society. To support this interest, the General Entertainment Authority has hosted events like the Saudi Anime Expo, drawing international visitors. In line with these efforts, the ministries of culture and education launched the Manga Education program to nurture student talent, as well as integrate arts and culture into public education.
Broadcast Pro
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Manga Productions makes historic debut as AnimeJapan 2025 sponsor
Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote on 'Saudinimation', highlighting Japan-Saudi collaboration in animation. Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions has made history by becoming the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the major anime conventions. The event, held at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre, attracted over 150,000 visitors and showcased more than 100 international exhibitors. A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), Manga Productions' participation highlighted Saudi Arabia's expanding footprint in the global anime industry. The company's presence at the event provided attendees with an immersive cultural experience, featuring interactive exhibitions such as traditional Saudi attire demonstrations and Saudi coffee tastings, blending heritage with innovation. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote address titled 'A New Era of Animation! The Future of 'Saudinimation' Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia.' His speech emphasised the growing collaboration between the two nations and the potential for joint ventures in animation production. 'The enthusiastic reception we received underscores our commitment to showcasing Saudi creativity on the global stage,' Bukhary stated. 'AnimeJapan 2025 marked a significant step in fostering co-productions and international partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming a hub for entertainment innovation.' The Manga Productions pavilion also hosted prominent Japanese officials, including Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Akamatsu Ken and Vice Minister of the Environment Kobayashi Fumiaki, reflecting a deepening cultural and diplomatic exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, Director of Marketing and Communications at Manga Productions, highlighted the strategic importance of the event, and stated: 'This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia's creative identity while establishing key media and industry relationships. Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and this event demonstrated the power of our narrative.' Manga Productions' participation at AnimeJapan 2025 not only reinforced its role as a global player in animation but also strengthened Saudi-Japanese collaboration in the evolving entertainment landscape.
Arab News
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi manga producer participates in one of world's largest anime events in Tokyo
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions made a historic debut as the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world's largest anime events. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors, organizers said in a statement. A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as Misk, Manga Production's participation underscored Saudi Arabia's growing position in the global anime industry. Attendees experienced interactive exhibitions, including traditional Saudi attire try-ons and authentic Saudi coffee tastings, offering a unique fusion of heritage and creativity. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote speech titled 'A New Era of Animation! The Future of 'Saudinimation' Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia,' outlining the collaborative opportunities between the two nations. He said: 'The overwhelming response reflects our mission to position Saudi creativity globally. AnimeJapan 2025 was a milestone in fostering co-production and content partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision to be a hub for entertainment innovation.' The pavilion also welcomed high-profile Japanese officials, including Akamatsu Ken, vice minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, and Kobayashi Fumiaki, vice minister of the environment, signaling strong governmental interest in cultural exchange. Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, director of marketing and communications, said: 'This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia's creative identity while forging strategic media and industry connections. 'Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and the event proved the power of our narrative.'
