Fans of anime, comics, music, cosplay, and gaming continued to celebrate their passion for Japanese pop culture and animation on the second day of SHASHAH 2022 where the creative and educational event transformed Aljada, Sharjah, into a dynamic playground of anime-themed activities.

Organised by FUNN, a Sharjah-based organisation that promotes media arts learning among children and youth, the three-day event concludes today (Sunday) after bringing together a diverse group of artists, vendors, designers, and fan groups in a family-friendly environment.

An exciting range of activities connected the anime community across Sharjah and the UAE at SHASHAH 2022 where a new generation of fans and enthusiasts explored the joy and wonder of anime through professional-led workshops celebrating the pop culture phenomenon.

Exploring the cuteness of Chibis

Under the guidance of freelance artist and trainer Sarah Mohammed, young students were given a step-by-step tutoring in drawing stylised mini versions (chibis) of Japanese anime and manga characters defined by their large heads, tiny bodies and expressive eyes which gives them their trademark cute appeal!

The ‘Introduction to the Chibi Style’ workshop was a simple and fun introduction to drawing a Chibi character with the right facial proportions. The guided journey into the creation process began with the drawing of a circle and a vertical and horizontal guideline.

Drawing the heavily exaggerated eyes and wild hairstyles was the fun part as the young participants gave their imagination a free run with varied haircuts and details to bring out the emotions in the eyes.

Trainer Sarah Mohammed said: “The workshop is a beginner’s introduction to drawing chibi characters. With their exaggerated features and expressive eyes, they appeal to kids and adults alike.  The goal of this class was to take the participants through the specific stages of drawing the character and to enable them to tap into their creative potential with the addition of stylised elements like simple or elaborate hairstyles, for instance.”

Manga, origami and folktale animation

Young artists at SHASHAH 2022 also benefited from another beginner’s workshop titled, ‘Introduction to Manga’ fiven by the trainer Ali Ghareib, where participants learnt to draw and complete their first manga character and the taught them the difference between the manga and comics. UAE-based Kashkool Games led participants on a fascinating journey to explore the ‘Mindset of an Indie Developer’ while in the ‘Create an Origami-Craft & Stop Motion’, participants were introduced to the Japanese art of origami and learnt how to bring their ‘paper craft’ figures to life through stop motion techniques.

Two sessions of ‘Japanese Folktales Animation’ further expanded the creative potential of young anime fans with a dive into the colourful graphics and fantastical settings of spirited characters.

Heart-stopping music performances

Anime lovers cheered, danced and swayed as pianist Mahmoud Ihab and guitarist ATS took to the stage to perform stirring renditions of instrumentals from anime soundtracks on the second day of SHASHAH 2022. The serene setting of the Avenue Area at Aljadaresonated with a medley of musical notes, from upbeat rhythms to soft and mellow strains, as the performers delighted the audience with favourite numbers including ‘ShinzouSasageyo’ from ‘Attack on Titan’, and ‘Sadness and Sorrow’ and ‘JiraiyaOsy’ from ‘Naruto’.