{"id":767,"date":"2026-02-18T17:14:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T17:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripleguns.com\/?p=767"},"modified":"2026-02-25T05:08:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T05:08:27","slug":"saudi_japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripleguns.com\/en\/blog\/saudi_japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Saudi Arabia\u2019s Cultural Opening to the Present"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Rise of Anime and the Evolution of a National Strategy (2018\u20132025)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


For many people, Saudi Arabia is still associated with oil, vast deserts, and a historically conservative religious society. The image of a culturally closed nation remains strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, just a few years ago, cinemas and large-scale amusement facilities did not even exist in the country, a far cry from the bustling entertainment landscape that can be found there today.

Following the introduction of tourist visas in 2019, the government began investing heavily in entertainment and tourism as part of its strategy to diversify away from oil dependency. Japanese anime, games, and music have played a significant role in this transition.

It is worth noting that even before the official cultural opening, Japanese animation had already been broadcasting on Saudi television for decades. As a result, there has long been a strong affinity towards Japanese culture. Today, anime content continues to enjoy widespread popularity across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look back at some key projects and turning points from the country\u2019s cultural opening to the current phase of strategic consolidation.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2019: Cultural Opening and the Impact of Anime<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Shortly after policy reforms were introduced, Japanese anime content was officially and prominently integrated into large-scale events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAUDI ANIME EXPO 2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Saudi Anime Expo 2019 (Riyadh)<\/strong> marked a symbolic milestone.
Linked Horizon became one of the first Japanese artists to perform in the newly opened Saudi entertainment market, sending a strong signal to the Japanese industry that the country had entered a new era.\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2022: The Peak of the Event Invitation Boom<\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

By 2022, the nationwide \u201cSeason\u201d projects had accelerated. Entire districts were transformed into entertainment zones, and Japanese artist invitations reached an unprecedented scale.
(It may be helpful to think of Jeddah Season<\/strong> and Riyadh Season<\/strong> as national-scale thematic projects\u2014similar in impact to a World Expo, but focused on live entertainment.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u24602022\u5e74\u3000Anime Village – Jeddah Season 2022<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Held within the City Walk district in Jeddah, Anime Village featured immersive pavilions representing major Japanese IPs. A six-metre Gundam installation stood outdoors, alongside attractions dedicated to Demon Slayer, Naruto, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Captain Tsubasa, Ghost in the Shell SAC 2045, Godzilla, Pac-Man, Hunter \u00d7 Hunter, BLEACH, My Hero Academia, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animate and Sanrio also opened their first official retail stores in the Middle East here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese artists performed throughout the season, and audiences sang along in Japanese during anime song concerts. Cosplayers gathered daily, and Anime Village was widely considered one of the most vibrant zones within the entire season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event Period:<\/strong> 19 May 2022 \u2013 2 July 2022
City:<\/strong> Jeddah<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featured Titles and Installations:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Mobile Suit Gundam<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Demon Slayer<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Captain Tsubasa<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Godzilla<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Jujutsu Kaisen<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Attack on Titan<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • NARUTO<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pac-Man<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • HUNTER \u00d7 HUNTER<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • BLEACH<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • My Hero Academia<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Performing Japanese Artists:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Eir Aoi<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • JAM Project<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • miwa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • FLOW<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • ALI<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • MIYAVI<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Snowkel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • KAWAII MONSTER CAFE (RAM RIDER \u00d7 MONSTER GIRL)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • SennaRin from SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Aimer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n