Anime has transformed from a niche interest to a significant pop culture phenomenon in Kenya, particularly among the youth.
Otamatsuri, meaning “Otaku Festival” (from the Japanese words Otaku – pop culture enthusiasts – and Matsuri – festival), has grown into East Africa’s largest anime and manga convention.
Otamatsuri 2025, Africa’s only exclusive anime and manga convention, took place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
OTAMATSURI 2025 // Instagram
While early shows like ‘Samurai X’ introduced the genre, the expansion of the internet and streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll has made series like Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach widely accessible, fueling an explosion in viewership.
This easy access has allowed a large, devoted fanbase toto emerge, moving the culture out of isolated circles and into the mainstream.
The growing fandom is most visibly celebrated through large-scale, high-energy events. Conventions like Otamatsuri regularly draw thousands of enthusiastic attendees.
These gatherings feature a vibrant scene of cosplay (costume play), where fans meticulously dress up as their favorite characters, along with gaming tournaments, merchandise sales, and cultural performances, cementing a strong sense of community and shared passion.
One of the biggest attractions was the cosplay competition, where fans dressed up as their favorite characters from anime, manga, and Japanese video games.
OTAMATSURI 2025 // INSTAGRAM
Winners received prizes for accuracy, creativity, and performance, turning the event into a vibrant parade of color and craftsmanship.
Contestants went beyond store bought outfits, creating intricate, hand-made costumes that wowed judges and spectators alike.
Beyond consumption, the anime and manga influence is having a tangible impact on Kenya’s creative economy.
During the convention, Brian Otieno, CEO of Afro Samurai Studios, emphasized the growing potential of anime in Africa.
In his keynote, he highlighted how African stories can merge with Japanese animation styles to create globally appealing content.
“We’re not just fans anymore; we’re becoming creators, bringing our culture to life through anime,” he said, receiving applause from an inspired audience.
OTAMATSURI 2025 // Instagram
Local animators and new media students, who are applying these visual and narrative techniques to African stories and themes. The imaginative, detailed, and diverse storytelling style of Japanese animation is inspiring
Furthermore, the cultural moment is reflected in local social media trends such as the viral “Ghibli Effect,” which transforms portraits into Studio Ghibli-style anime art, indicating how anime has been embraced and adapted into a uniquely Kenyan digital aesthetic.
The convention also hosted workshops and panel discussions with local artists, animators, and storytellers exploring topics such as manga illustration, anime-style storytelling, and digital art creation.
From hand-drawn manga covers to anime-themed streetwear, the marketplace reflected the growing influence of anime on Kenya’s fashion and art industries.
OTAMATSURI 2025 // Instagram
A Cultural Movement in Motion
Otamatsuri 2025 was more than a convention; it was proof that anime has evolved into a cultural movement in Kenya.
From cosplay parades to art workshops, it showcased not only a growing passion for Japanese pop culture but also its impact on Kenya’s creative industries and youth identity.
As the fandom continues to grow, events like Otamatsuri are set to become a defining part of Kenya’s entertainment calendar, celebrating imagination, diversity, and the limitless power of storytelling.
