ANI:ME to see success by blending UAE and Japanese pop-culture

Among the newly confirmed talent set to appear at ANI:ME, which will take place 27th to 29th October at the du Forum, Yas Island is Yoshitaka Amano, the legendary artist best known for his work on the Final Fantasy franchise.

Yas Island, UAE: Organisers of ANi:ME, the region's first and biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture are predicting great success for its inaugural edition through what will be a unique blend of UAE and Japanese culture, a stellar line-up of global anime stars, and the opportunity for two talented UAE residents to represent the UAE globally in the World Cosplay Completion.
Among the newly confirmed talent set to appear at ANI:ME, which will take place 27^th to 29^th October at the du Forum, Yas Island is Yoshitaka Amano, the legendary artist best known for his work on the Final Fantasy franchise.  An icon in the world of anime, Amano, who lists artist, character designer, illustrator and a theatre and film scenic designer among his credits, will be available for fan meet and greets. He will also display over 4 million USD worth of art, including his famed sculpture, The Panther which, weighing in at 400kg and valued at over 3.5 million USD, will be put up for sale for the first time at the event on Yas Island.  Joining The Panther will also be 10 additional pieces of art, also available for purchase, and which together are valued at over USD 1 million.
Further adding to ANI:ME's appeal will be the opportunity for UAE residents and visitors to showcase their artistic and creative talents and win the opportunity to represent the UAE on the world's stage in one of two Cosplay competitions. Through hosting ANI:ME, the UAE has become an official leg in the tightly contested and hugely successful World Cosplay Competition (WCS).  Open to UAE residents, the World Cosplay Competition (WCS) will take place on Friday, October 28^th and give one team of two people the chance to represent the UAE in the worldwide championship to be held in Japan in 2017.  Another cosplay competition, open to residents and visitors alike, will be held on Saturday, October 29^th, giving one talented competitor the opportunity to win USD 7,000 and a PlayStation 4.  Further adding to the appeal, those registering for either cosplay competition will also be given 2 free weekend passes to the event.
Another example of the merging of the the two cultures is the artwork created for ANI:ME.  Developed in consultation with local organisers by well-known anime artist and one of the co-creators of Gaia Online the widely successful English-language, anime-themed social network, Long Vo, the artwork depicts a local anime characters  alongside an Arabian Oryx.  Vo, a Senior Producer and Lead Artist for Udon Entertainment, 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, on brands like Xmen, Xmen Evolution, Robotech, Inception, Thundercats, Monopoly and Voltron, will also appear at the event.
Taking place at the du Forum on Yas Island, the event is expected to draw countless anime fans from across the UAE and region: "As fans near and far eagerly await the inaugural edition of ANI:ME, so too does the Yas Island community," commented Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral. "ANI:ME represents the innovative and vibrant spirit of the Island with its unique line-up of activities and entertainment, and as the biggest celebration of Japanese pop-culture within the region, we're confident that the event will be a great success."
"The appreciation and love of anime has been growing in the region for quite some time - since the 70s in fact," said Arafaat Ali Khan, Director of Communications, of The Alliance, the organisers of ANI:ME, as well as the wildly successful Middle East Film & Comic Con. "Our goal with ANI:ME was not only to provide a platform for international artists and talent, but also UAE and regional residents to showcase their creativity and talent, which has until recent times, has remained dormant.  These 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."
Among the other talent confirmed for ANI:ME are Melbourne-based comic book artist, Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz; Edwin Huang, a comic artist and illustrator who has worked on Sonic the HedgeHog among many other well-known anime series; international cosplayer, Phil Mizuno; Todd Haberkorn, a LA- based actor, producer, writer and director, most famous for his voice roles as Jadeite from Sailor Moon; Steven D'Onforio, artist and creator of the "Welcome to Planet Ku Nu" series which aims to teach Japanese to comedy; and ethereal rising J-pop star, Cuushe.
Featuring some of the best Japanese anime, manga, cinema, music, games, fashion, culinary delights as well as traditional Japanese culture in the Japan Culture Village, ANI:ME will take place on 27^th to 29^th October at the du Forum, Yas Island with tickets now on sale at Virgin Megastores and through the Ticketmaster website.  Those wishing to register for one of the two cosplay competitions must do so before 18 October online at www.animeabudhabi.com.
Ticket Information:
Tickets are now available online through ticketmaster.com and at Virgin Megastore outlets across the GCC region.

	Pre-Event (Price in AED)	On the day (Price in AED)
VIP - 3 DAY	550	650
Gold - 3 DAY	250	350
Silver - 1 DAY	95	150

 

• Abu Dhabi