Harare, Zimbabwe – 19 March 2024 – Anime enthusiasts and Japanese pop culture fans are in for a treat as OTAKUKON announces its fourth Anime, Merch & Nakama (AMN4). This is set to take place on March 23 at the iconic Reps Theatre in Harare. This one-day extravaganza promises an immersive dive into the world of anime, with a rich program designed to celebrate the art, stories, and community that anime has inspired globally. OTAKUKON Anime Merch and Nakama 4 comes one year after the first OTAKUKON accounts were created. What a way to celebrate continuity.
Dive into the Ultimate Anime Experience: Anime, Merch & Nakama 4 by OTAKUKON Brings Japanese Pop Culture to Life in Harare
AMN4 is OTAKUKON’s first event at a new and promising venue that will change the experience for past attendees. From the strictly outdoor events that were held last year, this is the first foray into indoor/outdoor events. A chance to fill Reps Theatre with colour, creating a vibrant create space for anime fans in Zimbabwe. We have seen anime grow with pop culture events like Comic Con Africa (South Africa), Lusaka Con (LsCon Zambia) and others over the years.
A Day of Immersive Experiences
AMN4 is more than an event; it’s a community coming together to celebrate a shared passion for anime and Japanese culture. The Zimbabwe anime community has been growing steadily since last year’s first event in April. Attendees can look forward to a day packed with activities, including:
Cosplay Showcase: Witness the creativity of the cosplay community or showcase your own costume craftsmanship. Feel free to show up in cosplay and represent your favourite anime, manga, or game. The showcase will give a chance to cosplay creators to dive into and show off their characters.
Exclusive Merchandise: Browse through a wide selection of anime merchandise, perfect for both seasoned collectors and new fans. OTAKUKON works with Zimbabwe’s pioneering anime merchandise suppliers to ensure a great supply of items. This also comes with event-exclusive prices to make attending the event worth it.
Local Creators and Markets
Experience and learn from local expert comic book authors and artists as they market their works. Look forward to artists like Bill Masuku of Captain South Africa and the recently released Disney animation, “Iwaju.” For most, this will be the first time interaction with him since the release of the animation. AfroTokyo, the creators of Zimbabwe’s manga anthology will be present together with exciting artists like Artaloweart.
Anime Screenings: Enjoy back-to-back screenings of classic favorites and new releases. For AMN4 there will be two screening sessions. This is to cater to the large group as our screening theatre will allow for just 50 viewers at a time. Unlike past screenings that focused on feature films and extended episodes, this time around we will be showing 3 first episodes from new anime. We are showing the first episode of Solo Leveling, Ninja Kamui, and Shangri-La Frontier. Attendees get to take part in a post-screening vote to help us decide on this season’s winning first episode.
Affordable Access for All Fans
In keeping with OTAKUKON’s commitment to making Japanese pop culture accessible to all, AMN4 offers affordable ticket options. This includes discounted advance tickets for general admission at $8 and a special $5 ticket for attendees in cosplay.
Tickets purchased on the day will be $10 for general admission. As we promote creativity and expression, the cosplay tickets will remain $5, even on the day.
Building on Success
Following the success of three previous events in 2023, AMN4 aims to elevate the experience further. This is by drawing on feedback from the community and the growing interest in anime culture in Zimbabwe and beyond. “When we started last year, we were not sure how many people would attend. These events have become much bigger than we anticipated. We have built on this beautiful, happy community to grow the Japanese animation, comic book and pop culture in Zimbabwe”, says Archie Moyo, founder of OTAKUKON Anime Festival.
Safety and Inclusivity at the Forefront
OTAKUKON is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment at AMN4. A space where age, gender, background, and ethnicity are not factors. We have enjoyed creating this space where everyone is a fan of anime or manga before anything else. Attendance at past events spans from 13 to 45 years old. This shows that you are never too young or old to enjoy anime and manga.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Celebration
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of anime and Japanese pop culture. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, AMN4 promises a day of fun, friendship, and discovery. Get your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary event at a brand-new venue.
For more information on AMN4 and to purchase tickets, visit www.otakukon.com or follow us on @Otakukonnect on social media.
About Otaku Konnect |OTAKUKON
OTAKUKON is a pioneer in bringing Japanese pop culture to Zimbabwe. With a mission to create spaces where fans can celebrate their love for anime, manga, and all things related. Through events like AMN4, OTAKUKON aims to strengthen the community and share the joy and creativity of Japanese pop culture with a wider audience.
