Nairobi’s otaku community came out in full force for this year’s Otamatsuri, Africa’s premier anime, manga, and Japanese pop-culture convention. The event, held on August 31 at The Dome on Ngong Road, transformed the A.S.K. Jamhuri Showground into a vibrant celebration of all things kawaii and sugoi!
Cosplayers stole the show, bringing beloved characters to life with stunning accuracy and creativity. From the incredible mecha arms of Arcane‘s Vi to the delicate Bleach costumes of characters like Grimmjow, the cosplay outfits were a feast for the eyes. Attendees marveled at the intricate details and passion poured into each costume, making it nearly impossible for one to clearly choose an outright winner.
Here are some photos from Otamatsuri 2024:
But Otamatsuri isn’t just about looking good – it’s about playing hard too! The “Lanarchy” LAN Party kept gamers glued to their screens throughout the night. Mortal Kombat, My Hero Ultra Rumble, Call of Duty, and Fortnite are but a few of the many games that made an appearance at the event.
Vendors like Yama-jii Comics, ArryGato, and Game Changer set up shop, offering everything a gamer and otaku’s heart could desire. Rare manga volumes, adorable plushies, and stunning figurines flew off the shelves as fans expanded their selections of collectibles.
The stage was also alive with performances that transported attendees straight to Akihabara. K-Pop fans were not to be outdone either, as they had the crowd moving with their renditions.
Of course, no convention is complete without something to eat. Food stalls served up Japanese-inspired treats, while other vendors offered samples of their best snacks and drinks (the latter came in handy considering how hot it was).
Otamatsuri 2024 proved once again why it’s the beating heart of Kenya’s anime and manga scene. As the sun set on another successful event, attendees left with new friends, cherished memories, and a renewed passion for the colorful world of Japanese pop culture. Until next year, jaa ne!
