The city of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, is currently hosting an international manga exhibition titled "Manga Hokusai Manga" at the Hortense Aka Angui municipal library in Port-Bouët. The exhibition, which runs from October 3 to 24, 2026, is a first on the African continent and marks 60 years of cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and Japan. The exhibition features works inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai and contemporary manga creators.
The exhibition presents a collection of works that take visitors on a journey from the earliest illustrated scrolls of the 12th century to modern-day manga. The collection includes seven original works created by seven contemporary manga artists specifically for this tour. These works showcase the evolution of manga and its various styles over the centuries. The exhibition has arrived from Hungary and will continue its tour in Kenya after its stop in Côte d'Ivoire.
The Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, who is the patron of the exhibition, officially opened the event on October 2, 2026, by cutting the ribbon. Remarck stated that hosting this first-ever manga exhibition on the African continent in Port-Bouët sends a strong message about Côte d'Ivoire's potential as a hub for cultural and creative industries. She also highlighted the economic significance of manga as a universal language and a major ambassador of Japanese culture.
The exhibition features works inspired by Hokusai, a renowned Japanese artist and illustrator who created over 4,000 works depicting Japanese customs, fauna, legends, and everyday life. The exhibition also showcases the works of contemporary manga artists who have been inspired by Hokusai's style. The Japanese Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Gomakubo Junji, invited the public to explore the exhibition and discover the richness of Japanese culture through these works.
The Côte d'Ivoire-Japan cultural exchange is set to continue with several upcoming events. Minister Remarck announced that the International Audiovisual Content Salon of Abidjan (SICA) will take place soon, with Japan as the guest of honor. Additionally, the Japanese musical group Tokyo Brass Style is scheduled to perform in Côte d'Ivoire at the beginning of 2027. These events aim to strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries.
The exhibition has been made possible through the collaboration between the Japan Foundation and the Côte d'Ivoire Ministry of Culture and Francophonie. The event has also been supported by the Institut national supérieur des arts et de l'action culturelle (INSAAC), which has been teaching manga techniques since 2013. So far, 180 students have been trained, and several have gone on to become professional manga artists and comic book authors.
The "Manga Hokusai Manga" exhibition is a significant cultural event that showcases the evolution of manga and its impact on modern Japanese culture. The exhibition is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the world of manga and its rich history. With its diverse collection of works and upcoming events, the exhibition is set to leave a lasting impression on the cultural landscape of Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- The exhibition features seven original works created by contemporary manga artists specifically for this tour.
- The event marks 60 years of cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and Japan.
- The exhibition will continue its tour in Kenya after its stop in Côte d'Ivoire.
