The JPA is proud to announce the inaugural Daru Fest - Summer 2025
Daru Fest will bring together top anime retailers and a range of activities for fans to enjoy, with its first edition taking place on Saturday, 15th March 2025, from 9am to 6pm at Market Kokoro Fourways, Johannesburg.
RSVP now and come enjoy a full day of anime goodness with your friends & family!
Who We Are
The Japanese Pop-culture Promotion Association of Africa (JPA) aims to be the driving force behind the sustainable growth of the Japanese anime & manga industry and related sectors across the African continent. Our vision is to create a thriving ecosystem where anime & manga, merchandise, events and collaborations between African and Japanese businesses flourish, offering new and exciting opportunities for growth and innovation.
Introducing Daru Kun & Daru Fest
Daruma dolls hold a deep cultural significance in Japan, symbolising perseverance and good luck. Traditionally used to set goals, these dolls are purchased with both eyes left blank. The owner colors in the left eye upon setting a goal and keeps the Daruma on display as a reminder of their commitment. Once the goal is achieved, the right eye is filled in, marking success.
Inspired by this tradition, Daru Kun is a unique Daruma doll featuring an African pattern on its body, serving as the official mascot of the Japanese Pop Culture Promotion Association of Africa (JPA). With its left eye already colored, Daru Kun represents the JPA’s mission to bridge the gap between Japan and Africa, bringing more anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture to fans across the continent.
In celebration of this mission, Daru Fest stands as the JPA’s flagship event—an exciting gathering for anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture enthusiasts. Featuring a diverse lineup of vendors, competitions, workshops, and panel discussions, Daru Fest offers fans a space to explore their passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and discover the vibrant world of Japanese entertainment.