Rabat – Anime fans from across Morocco will gather in the capital on August 9 as Shotaku Summer Edition 2026 takes over ISMAGI in Hay Riad, Rabat, transforming the venue into a celebration of Japanese pop culture with cosplay, gaming, live entertainment, workshops, and exclusive guest appearances.

The one-day festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors, offering a packed schedule of anime and manga-themed activities for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers. 

Alongside cosplay competitions and gaming experiences, attendees will be able to browse exhibitor booths, shop for exclusive merchandise, join interactive workshops, and enjoy stage performances throughout the day.

Organizers describe Shotaku Summer as Morocco’s largest anime festival, bringing together fans, creators, artists, gamers, and cosplayers under one roof. 

The event aims to create an inclusive space where visitors can celebrate their favorite series, discover new creators, and connect with the country’s growing geek culture community.

The festival reflects the steady rise of anime’s popularity in Morocco over the past decade. Japanese animation has built a dedicated following among younger audiences, fueled by streaming platforms, social media, and easier access to manga and anime content. 

Global franchises such as One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen have helped expand the fandom, while cosplay has become an increasingly visible part of youth culture.

Morocco’s anime scene has also grown beyond online communities, with conventions, cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, and Japanese cultural events becoming regular fixtures in cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier. 

Local artists, illustrators, and content creators have embraced the movement, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem that blends Japanese pop culture with Moroccan creativity.

As interest in anime continues to grow across the Kingdom, events such as Shotaku Summer are increasingly serving as gathering points for fans to celebrate shared passions while introducing a broader audience to manga, gaming, and cosplay culture. 

The 2026 edition is expected to further cement the festival’s place as one of Morocco’s leading pop culture events.