On October 10, 2025, South China’s Guangdong province showcased its vibrant animation and trendy toy culture in Tokyo at the “New Dimensions of Guangdong Animation and Trendy Toys Exhibition” held at Belle Salle Akihabara, a hub for Japanese pop culture. The event, celebrating the 2025 China-Japan-ROK Year of Cultural Exchange, drew over 10,000 visitors, including professionals from the creative industry, students, and fans from both countries.
The exhibition featured nearly 50 animation works and around 100 trendy toys from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Shantou.
Japanese documentary director Ryo Takeuchi, known for his heartfelt portrayal of China through his lens, visited the exhibition and was surprised to learn that many of Japan’s most beloved character figures are manufactured in Dongguan, Guangdong.
Takeuchi reflects on how the craftsmanship in Dongguan’s toy factories supports the global creative industry, including Japanese intellectual properties. He emphasizes the deep-rooted cultural ties between China and Japan through animation and expresses his hope for continued cultural exchange between the two countries.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Videographer | Guo Hongda
Video Editor/Poster | Deng Yingheng
Editor | Qiu Ping, Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
AloJapan.com