Jeddah Events Calendar 2023 - Anime Village at City Walk by CIC, NOMURA Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Jeddah Events Calendar 2023 -Anime Village at City Walk
Anime Village was a limited-time Japanese-themed park in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, developed under Vision 2030 to enrich cultural spaces. Designed to fascinate Saudi visitors with Japanese culture, it featured popular IPs like Attack on Titan and Naruto. Visitors enjoyed interactive experiences, from Japanese cuisine and kimono-wearing to tea ceremonies and a haunted house. Iconic installations, including the Kaminari-mon(gate) and Daruma dolls, created a surreal, unforgettable atmosphere, realized by a Japanese spatial designer skilled in IP content.
Imagining Japan as a theme park often involves faithfully recreating its culture, but for a limited-time event in Saudi Arabia, we embraced a fresh approach to engage local visitors. We crafted an attraction that reflects Japan through a Saudi perspective, designing spaces that resonate with this unique view. Unlike typical setups, distinct pavilions allow anime and manga characters to coexist, creating an experience where iconic Japanese figures come together. Leveraging our expertise with various Japanese IPs, we delivered a one-of-a-kind journey, inviting visitors to meet the characters they love.
By creating a dedicated IP pavilion, the exhibition overcomes traditional limitations on mixing IPs, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a diverse world of characters. The layout supports easy exploration, combining linear elements like walkways, LED ceilings, cherry blossoms, and custom signage. These features guide visitors to iconic structures such as the Torii and Kaminarimon, providing delightful surprises along the way. Integrated walkways support both guided and relaxed movement, making it easy to capture memorable moments. This design encourages social sharing and has significantly boosted visitor interest and attendance.
From the outset, this limited-time theme park achieved two key goals. Social Impact: As a government-sponsored event, it aimed to satisfy Saudi visitors, generate buzz, and attract crowds. NHK coverage extended publicity to Japan, leading to a visit by then Prime Minister Kishida and boosting bilateral business initiatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia's shift from oil to tourism.
A3 Panel & Drawings
Designer Profile:
