Sidumisile Mabena
Mbulelo Mpofu
LAST year, the city unleashed its inaugural “Anime Day” at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo, a trend that will be continued this year. On March 7, the pulsating world of Japanese animation returns to the gallery, promising an even bigger celebration of fandom, creativity, and cultural exchange under the intriguing theme: “Villains Edition.”
Spearheaded by Bulawayo’s renowned female animator, digital artist, and webcomic creator Lizzie Cherish Waldman – better known by her online alias, CherHyuga – Anime Day 2026 aims to solidify its place as the premier gathering for Zimbabwe’s rapidly expanding anime community. The event capitalises on the global phenomenon of anime, a distinct style celebrated for its rich storytelling and artistry, which has captivated a dedicated local following.
Building on last year’s success, the festival format returns, transforming the Gallery into a hub of activity. According to CherHyuga, “attendees can expect the thrilling spectacle of cosplay competitions, where fans meticulously embody their favourite characters – with a special nod to antagonists this year.”
Artist stalls will showcase local talent, interactive games will foster community spirit, and screenings of popular series will offer shared viewing experiences. A significant draw is the cosplay contest, boasting a monetary prize pool, with categories highly recommended for participants aligning their costumes with the “Villains” theme.
However, this year delves deeper. The “Villains Edition” theme moves beyond simple celebration, creating space for nuanced conversations.
“Rather than simply celebrating villains, the event will create space for conversations around perspective, morality and storytelling in anime. Expect discussions exploring what makes these complex characters resonate, challenging simplistic notions of good and evil within beloved narratives,” explained CherHyuga.
A major new addition to the 2026 programme highlights the event’s commitment to nurturing local creativity: panel discussions on digital art.
Artists from Bulawayo and Harare will share insights into how anime aesthetics influence local illustrators and comic creators (manga), and crucially, how digital platforms are unlocking new opportunities for Zimbabwe’s young creatives in animation and beyond.
This directly addresses a core goal for CherHyuga: “It is also the gateway to connecting anime and the fans to local creatives who do anime styled or inspired works (comics, manga, animation, etc) in Zimbabwe, exposing the majority to digital art and animation, a majorly underrepresented industry in the country.”
Fandom will also find its voice in dedicated breakout sessions, allowing smaller groups to passionately dissect current anime series. The main stage, meanwhile, will throb with performances, including a unique musical and dance set from native Japanese artists currently residing in Zimbabwe, adding an authentic cultural layer to the festivities.
CherHyuga founded Anime Day to fill a void: “My goal of Anime Day has always been to create a space where anime fans get to have a space for anime in the city, especially as something that has never been really set in Bulawayo for the longest time.” she stated.
She also acknowledged the genre’s surging popularity locally – evident in widespread merchandise and fan affinity – but also a persistent gap in understanding: “Many unfamiliar with it still perceive it as mere ‘cartoons’, overlooking the depth of storytelling, artistry, and cultural impact it embodies.”
Presented in collaboration with the NGZ in Bulawayo and the British Council, Anime Day 2026 has all the hallmarks of being more than just a fan meet-up. It’s a growing platform celebrating a global cultural force, fostering local artistic talent within the digital sphere, and challenging perceptions, all while inviting Bulawayo to explore the captivating – and sometimes morally grey – world of anime.
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Online Reporter