Anime fever takes over Qatar Toy Festival

The second edition of Qatar Toy Festival is proving the popularity of Japanese manga and anime in the country, Spacetoon senior marketing executive Abdulhadi Hussrieh has said."The Anime Zone is one of the most popular spots at the festival as visitors are drawn to cosplay, collectibles, and other exciting activities,” he told Gulf Times. "It’s a place where they can express their love for anime, meet like-minded individuals, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture.”Hussrieh noted that cosplay – the practice of dressing up as characters from anime and other media – has become a major attraction at the festival."People love to wear the costumes of popular characters (from anime and manga series) like Naruto, Demon Slayer and Detective Conan,” he said. "They want to capture these moments and share them on social media platforms like Instagram.”The Spacetoon official added that the impact of anime extends beyond the festival as it plays a key role in enriching Qatar’s art scene.He pointed out that it fosters a thriving manga community, bringing together artists, cosplayers, and enthusiasts who participate in numerous events and gatherings.Hussrieh said the Anime Zone also serves as a gathering place for seasoned collectors who share their passion and discuss their prized possessions.This widespread appeal makes the Anime Zone a popular destination not only in Qatar but throughout the region.The festival’s dedication to anime is further evidenced by the upcoming Cosplay Open Day tomorrow (July 31), where participants of all ages can showcase their costumes in a catwalk competition.The event culminates with the awarding of a special prize to the best cosplayer.The latest edition of the festival has seen significant growth this year, occupying more than 17,000sq m of indoor space at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).With 10 themed zones, including three new additions – Anime, Movie Land, and Retail – the festival offers a diverse range of activities and entertainment.The expanded space also allowed for the participation of more than 50 international brands, including favourites like Barbie and Naruto, alongside newcomers such as Mr Bean and Barney.Hussrieh said the festival has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors since its launch on July 15.He expressed optimism that it will continue to attract large crowds in the coming days.He also underlined the success of the festival’s live stage shows, including Mr Bean, which have entertained families and children."The parade shows and live performances, like the one by renowned Arab singer Rasha Rizk, have been a major draw,” Hussrieh said. "We are expecting even more visitors in the coming days, with the upcoming performance by Qatari singer Dana El-Mer on August 4.”