Tokyo brings its cultural spirit to Abu Dhabi with first-ever tourism showcase
Captain Tsubasa creator joins live session with UAE manga enthusiasts
ABU DHABI – Tokyo took centre stage in Abu Dhabi as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) hosted the city’s first-ever tourism and cultural promotion event, Tokyo Tokyo Old Meets New – Come Discover the Culture of Tokyo.
The gathering showcased how Japan’s capital continues to evolve through its fusion of heritage and innovation.
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries including Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo; Shihab Ahmed Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan; and Ken Okaniwa, Japan’s Ambassador to the UAE.
Visitors explored the artistic depth of Tokyo through traditional calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and the city’s iconic pop culture. Among the highlights was the global football manga phenomenon Captain Tsubasa – known across the region as Captain Majid – which served as a bridge between Tokyo’s creative culture and Middle Eastern audiences.
Captain Tsubasa creator appears
Special guest Yoichi Takahashi, creator of Captain Tsubasa, captivated attendees with a live drawing and talk session. The audience, including aspiring manga artists from Abu Dhabi, watched as he brought characters to life and shared how Tokyo’s landscapes and lifestyles shaped his stories.
Tokyo’s message to the world
Governor Yuriko Koike underscored Tokyo’s global appeal, emphasising the city’s ability to blend time-honoured traditions with modern creativity. Closing her remarks, she invited attendees to “come and see Tokyo for themselves.”
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and TCVB plan to expand their tourism promotion initiatives across Abu Dhabi and the wider Middle East, viewing the region as one of the most promising markets for future travellers to Japan.