The Japan Anime Fest 2025 at Epix Cinemas in Dana Mall has drawn a strong turnout of anime fans, students, and cultural enthusiasts. Organized by the Embassy of Japan in Bahrain, The Japan Foundation, Epix Cinemas, and Bahrain Polytechnic, the festival continues with a weeklong programme of screenings and cultural activities.
Thursday’s inauguration featured a cosplayer gathering, an opening ceremony, and screenings of Children of the Sea and the sci-fi drama Time of Eve. Attendees also viewed a display of rare anime figures and collectibles, adding a notable visual highlight to the launch. The festival builds on the momentum of the special November 6 screening of Children of the Sea, held under the “One Ocean, Our Future” initiative, with audience feedback now featured in a video presentation.
A key feature of this year’s edition is its expanded presence through a special collaboration with Bahrain Polytechnic. For those who missed the screenings at Epix Cinemas, Dana Mall, the same lineup is being shown at Bahrain Polytechnic – Hall 12, running a three-day programme from December 2 to 4. Free screenings include Almost a Miracle, The House of the Lost on the Cape, and Lu Over the Wall, with multiple daily showings. A venue map highlighting the main entrance, guest parking, and Hall 12 is available to guide visitors.
A special lecture by Japanese guests, Mr. Yuuya Yoshida, CEO of HARTi, and Mr. Kensuke Kondo, CEO of Mindworks Entertainment, will also take place during the festival. They will offer students academic insights into media, creativity, and intellectual property. Adding to the fun, Purikura photo booths will be available, along with a range of giveaways.
Guide
A venue map highlighting the main entrance, guest parking, and Hall 12 is available to guide visitors.
Organizers emphasized that the Polytechnic partnership aims to strengthen engagement with younger audiences. This collaboration is especially important because of the focus on young people and to encourage them to understand more about Japanese culture. The university setting is expected to create the optimum vibe.
During the opening ceremony at Epix Cinema, Dana Mall on Thursday, the Japanese ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Okai Asako, underscored the cultural importance of the festival, noting that the screened films present diverse themes and creative expression and how these stories act as bridges between Japanese and Bahraini cultures, helping build understanding and appreciation.
The Ambassador added that the festival is not just about cinema, but also inspiring and encouraging students, young artists, and newcomers to explore Japanese storytelling. “Animation is a powerful artistic medium,” she added.
With activities at both Epix Cinemas and Bahrain Polytechnic, Japan Anime Fest 2025 continues to highlight Japanese animation and foster cultural exchange in Bahrain. Screenings remain free and open to the public, with the Polytechnic programme running until December 4 and additional events continuing through the week.
