Last night was a unique one at the African International Film Festival. AFRIFF draws filmmakers and artists from different parts of the world. But tonight, Japan and Nigeria officially found something to bond over, anime.
When we say official, we mean that Kikuta Yutaka the ambassador of Japan to Nigeria was in attendance! Japanese filmmakers have discovered the shared love Nigerians, particularly the youth, share for anime.
Anime is hand-drawn and computer animation originating from or associated with Japan. They are not to be confused with cartoons for children as they deal with far more adult and complicated themes.
Nigerians consume and appreciate Japanese culture in the form of manga, hentai, and anime. But sadly, there are barely any legitimate avenues for them to get their hands on them.
So now, the Japanese have stepped in to incorporate the Nigerian audience into anime production and distribution. And last night was how they sought to start it; by showing an anime movie at AFRIFF. They showed “Children Who Chase Lost Voices”, a film by Makoto Shinkai.
Both Japanese and Nigerian people came through in kimonos and obis in this celebration of culture and film. What was formerly just for nerds is now causing an intercultural phenomenon.
The anime nerds in Nigeria are going to love this news. It was a beautiful thing to behold.
