Come January, fans of animated entertainment have a reason to exult as the first Okinawa Animation Festival takes the limelight on January 19 on the premises of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University OIST in Onna.

In recent years, animation has taken giant steps forward, becoming an industry of its own. The biggest animation festival in the world is the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, held annually in September in Annecy, France.

According to the Association of Japanese Animations, the Japanese animation industry, including films, television series, merchandise, and events, was worth $20 billion in 2022. This is an impressive 6.8% increase from 2021 and the highest number on record, and the trend is projected to accelerate.

The Okinawa Animation Festival organizers aim no less than to make Okinawa a new anime mecca! The two-day event features famous voice actors and the latest works from favorite titles in an open venue surrounded by the subtropical nature of Okinawa!

The festival commences on Jan. 18 with a series of stage events, while the second day is dedicated to free events. The stage and event schedules are still to be finalized, but the latest developments are posted at https://www.qab.co.jp/okinawa-animefestival/#ank-about. Tickets are also available on the website. Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese will be provided during stage events.

The website has information on the events in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Tickets to the festival are also on sale through the website, as is information on parking, shuttle buses, and other relevant matters. Schedules are tentative and subject to change without notice.

Date: Jan. 18 (Sat) - 19 (Sun)

Time: 11:00-19:00 (Sat); 14:00-18:00

Place: OIST Campus, Onna

Admission: ¥5,500