Tokyo Highlights Its Cultural Diversity with Global Football Manga Icon Captain Tsubasa
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) hosted the “Tokyo Tokyo Old Meets New – Come Discover the Culture of Tokyo” event in Abu Dhabi, marking the first dedicated Tokyo tourism and cultural promotion event held in the UAE capital.
The event was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Member of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; Her Excellency Governor Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo; His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Al Faheem, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Japan; and His Excellency Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the United Arab Emirates.
The initiative presented Tokyo as a city that “continuously creates new styles through the intersection of tradition and innovation, offering endless diversity and enjoyment.” Visitors in Abu Dhabi—where the football manga Captain Tsubasa (widely known as Captain Majid) has long been admired—were invited to experience Tokyo’s cultural expression through both contemporary pop culture and classical art forms including tea ceremony and calligraphy.
Renowned manga artist Yoichi Takahashi, creator of Captain Tsubasa, was welcomed as a guest for a live drawing demonstration and conversation session attended by fans and emerging manga artists in Abu Dhabi. Mr. Takahashi spoke about how his work is shaped by the environment and values of his home city, noting that “the landscapes and lifestyles of Tokyo are deeply embedded in the world of Captain Tsubasa.” The audience observed closely as he sketched well-loved characters in real time.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike also addressed attendees, highlighting the city’s global cultural momentum and creative dynamism, concluding her remarks with the message:
“We look forward to seeing you in TOKYO.”
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and TCVB intend to expand tourism promotion initiatives in Abu Dhabi and across the wider Middle East region, which is recognised as one of the most promising and fast-growing source markets for future travel to Japan.
