bahrainthismonth.com | SEPTEMBER 2026 HAPPENINGS 26 8 Films, Endless Wonders! Japan Anime Fest 2026 returns to Bahrain - where stories connect, hearts heal and magic unfolds! For eight days this October, audiences can explore Japanese animation through films spanning different styles and themes. Organised by the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Bahrain with support from the Japan Foundation and in collaboration with Epix Cinemas, Dana Mall and Bahrain Polytechnic University, the festival caters to different age groups and audiences. At the heart of this year’s programme are two works by internationally acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai. 5 Centimeters Per Second and The Place Promised in Our Early Days bring his visually striking animation and emotional storytelling to Bahrain’s screens. Shinkai has earned international recognition for his portrayal of human relationships and everyday life, often set against richly detailed landscapes. The festival begins at Epix Cinemas in Dana Mall on October 1, with an opening ceremony at 6pm before 5 Centimeters Per Second screens at 6.30pm. The programme continues at Epix Cinemas from October 1 to 5 and returns on October 8, with screenings taking place throughout the afternoon and evening. On October 6 and 7, attention shifts to Bahrain Polytechnic University for screenings of Miyori’s in the Sacred Forest and The Place Promised in Our Early Days. The former explores the relationship between people and nature through its focus on forests and greenery, connecting the film with environmental awareness and the Sustainable Development Goals. Across the festival, audiences can discover the breadth of Japanese animation, from family adventures to emotional stories exploring friendship and personal growth. The programme offers Bahrain’s moviegoers an opportunity to experience the storytelling and artistry that have helped Japanese animation gain international recognition. All screenings are free and open to the public, although advance registration is required. The full programme, screening times and registration details will be available through the festival QR code, while the Embassy of Japan in Bahrain’s official Instagram account will carry the latest updates. Japan Anime Fest 2026 forms part of the Embassy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Bahrain, while sharing Japanese culture and its global appeal with audiences across the Kingdom. @japan_embassy_bahrain October 1 – 8, 2026
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