• Unmissable live performances: anime hits brought to life on stage.
  • Dive into immersive worlds: explore iconic anime series settings firsthand.
  • Meet the legends: one-on-one moments with anime’s biggest stars.
  • Cultural fusion zone: workshops, games, and Tokyo-inspired street food delights.

Animenia Abu Dhabi has set the stage for an unforgettable anime experience, welcoming fans from across the region into a world of dazzling performances, immersive exhibitions, and one-on-one moments with anime legends. The festival’s first day transformed Manarat al Saadiyat into a Neo Tokyo dreamscape, a paradise for anime aficionados, with vibrant visuals, live performances, and unique shopping opportunities showcasing Japan’s most iconic pop culture.

From legendary performances to dynamic anime worlds, here’s a dive into Day One’s unforgettable highlights:

Opening with an electrifying performance from UAE’s own Team Anime DXB, the energy never waned as Japanese music icons Yoko Takahashi, JUNNA, and KUNI-KEN took center stage, bringing fan-favorite anime songs to life. Takahashi’s performance of A Cruel Angel’s Thesis sent fans into a nostalgic frenzy, while JUNNA and KUNI-KEN mesmerized with songs from Macross Delta and a fusion of modern and traditional Japanese music.

Fans wandered through immersive worlds like Attack on Titan, Naruto, and Jujutsu Kaisen, each environment meticulously crafted to transport visitors into the heart of their favorite series. The Attack on Titan world, complete with a replica Wall Maria, gave visitors a thrilling glimpse into life as a Scout, while Naruto’s KONOHA Village and Hello Kitty‘s whimsical world delighted visitors with endless photo ops and exclusive merch.

Day One offered fans dream encounters with anime icons such as Isamu Kamikokuryo of Square Enix, Keiichiro Toyama, creator of Silent Hill, and Dragon Ball Z’s legendary Vegeta voice actor Ryo Horikawa. Fans were also treated to sessions with anime masterminds behind Persona 5, Final Fantasy, and more, providing a rare opportunity to engage with the creators shaping anime history.

The festival’s cultural immersion extended to creative workshops, where attendees built miniature Gundam models and competed in Tamiya’s model car races. The gaming zone saw fans face off in Just Dance and Mario Kart battles, while Tokyo street food like Wagyu hot dogs and matcha desserts kept fans energized. Retail spaces offered exclusive collectibles, fashion, and Japanese cosmetics, making sure every guest left with a slice of anime culture.

Animenia Abu Dhabi has only just begun, with upcoming highlights like a massive cosplay competition boasting over AED 400,000 in prizes, star-studded performances by Rasha Rizk and FLOW, and more iconic meet and greets. With limited tickets still available, this anime extravaganza is set to keep fans spellbound until October 27th.

Get ready for more immersive worlds, music, and anime mania at Animenia Abu Dhabi! Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and Platinumlist. Follow Animenia Abu Dhabi on social media for updates.