Sharjah, May 4, 2025

Japanese director Nobuyoshi Habara shared highlights from his personal and professional journey, alongside insights into the creative experiences he and his wife, director Kumiko Habara, have had in the world of animation.

At a Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) 2025 discussion titled “Inside the Making of the Anime Hit, Starblazers”, he recalled developing a passion for anime from a young age and creating his first animated film during high school with the help of friends from other schools. The 30-minute film, consisting of 1,000 images, was completed over three years and showcased at a school arts festival.

Continue reading Nobuyoshi Habara reflects on his career in a deeply personal dialogue at the Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 Japanese director shares inspires his young fans as he recounts his milestones and shares creative insights alongside his wife Kumiko Habara →

The animation power couple, Kazuko Tadano & Hiromi Matsushita reflects on 30 Years of creative battles, timeless designs & the ‘magic in the madness’

Sharjah, May 4, 2025

Within a packed auditorium at the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference, legendary character designers and animation directors, Kazuko Tadano and Hiromi Matsushita took the stage. The duo, married for over three decades and collaborators on iconic franchises, shared heartfelt stories, creative struggles, and behind-the-scenes secrets in a talk titled “Sailor Moon & Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Emotional Journey of Creating Two Anime Icons.”

Continue reading Legendary character designers reveal the chaos, passion & legacy behind ‘Sailor Moon’ & ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ during SAC 2025 →

Session at Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival led by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children takes young students through a heartwarming story that teaches values of self-worth, diversity, and embracing differences

Sharjah, May 3, 2025

A simple pencil took centre stage at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) 2025, as children gathered to listen to a powerful tale of self-discovery, difference, and acceptance.

Continue reading A pencil’s journey teaches children lessons in identity and inclusion at SCRF 2025 →

Young creatives learn the fundamentals of the beloved Japanese illustration style, shaping characters that reflect their moods and personalities at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 

Sharjah, May 3, 2025 

In the Comic Corner of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025), imagination took centre stage as children turned blank pages into expressive Manga characters, exploring one of most iconic art forms. 

Hosted by SkillDeer, on Wednesday the Manga Drawing workshop welcomed children aged eight and above to dive into the dynamic world of Manga — learning the fundamentals of this beloved illustration style that originated in Japan but now boasts a global fanbase. Over the course of 30 minutes, participants received step-by-step guidance and all the tools needed to let their creativity soar. 

Continue reading Imagination takes shape at Manga Drawing workshop during SCRF 2025 →