Moroccan anime fans are getting something they don’t experience every day: an opportunity to meet Japanese creators and discover how anime and manga are actually made.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency, known as JICA, is organizing a special celebration of Japanese animation and manga culture in Morocco.
The programme brings together animator and director Hidetoshi Omori and manga artist Yuko Sugiyama for a series of discussions, demonstrations and creative workshops.
The first event takes place today, November 9, at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat, from 6 PM to 8 PM.
A second session is planned for Casablanca on November 10.
Omori has built a career in Japanese animation, working on major productions and contributing to the visual storytelling techniques that have made anime recognizable around the world.
During the event, he will introduce audiences to the process of creating animation, from developing movement to transforming drawings into complete sequences.
Sugiyama will focus on manga, offering participants insight into illustration techniques and the creative process behind Japanese comics.
The programme also includes a free drawing workshop, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with the art form rather than simply watch a presentation.
For Moroccan fans, the event comes at a time when Japanese pop culture has become increasingly visible through local conventions, cosplay communities and online fan groups.
Series such as Naruto, Dragon Ball and One Piece have helped introduce generations of Moroccan viewers to anime.
But while fans are familiar with the finished episodes, the artists responsible for creating them often remain less visible.
Events like this provide an opportunity to discover the professional work behind the entertainment.
And for young Moroccans interested in animation, illustration or visual storytelling, meeting experienced creators could offer inspiration beyond simply enjoying their favourite series.
