By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe and Japan have launched an ambitious cultural exchange programme aimed at nurturing Zimbabwean youth talent in the world-renowned Japanese manga industry.
The initiative, titled “Become a Manga Artist in Japan”, was unveiled by the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Tokyo alongside Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha Co. Ltd, Zaif INO and Kaika Financial Holdings Co. Ltd. It seeks to give Zimbabwean youth passionate about manga and anime a chance to debut their work in Japan and share authentic Zimbabwean stories with global audiences.
Manga, Japanese comic books or graphic novels, and anime, their animated version, are a huge part of Japan’s cultural identity and enjoy a loyal following in Zimbabwe, where events like JAPANDAY and Otakukon draw thousands of fans every year.
Speaking at the launch, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Stewart Nyakotyo, hailed the programme as a cultural bridge. “Young people in Zimbabwe continue to believe in the power of creativity, even in difficult environments. This project is an opportunity for them to share their stories with the world, and I believe it will serve as a bridge to connect us with the people of Japan,” Nyakotyo said.
Yuichi Iwano, President and CEO of Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha, said: “Publishing is a job that delivers voices beyond countries and languages. Zimbabwean manga artists will write stories in their own words and encounter Japanese readers. Such encounters will foster the culture of the future.”
With Japan’s manga industry facing a shortage of skilled creators, the partnership promises to expand creative diversity while tapping blockchain and NFTs to boost transparency and sustainability in cross-border arts collaboration.
