Providing Japanese VR Horror Game at ANIMENIA 2026
Providing Japanese VR Horror Game at ANIMENIA 2026
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Showcasing “Ayakashi‑Kitan” at Animenia 2026: Bringing Japanese Horror Gaming to the Middle East
Showcasing “Ayakashi‑Kitan” at Animenia 2026: Bringing Japanese Horror Gaming to the Middle East
The Asahi Shimbun partnered with SUS Inc. to deliver the first overseas gameplay experience of Ayakashi‑Kitan, a brand‑new Japanese horror game that has not yet been released internationally. Located within the Abu Dhabi Gaming Area at Animenia 2026, the booth welcomed more than 300 visitors over five days, providing immersive trial sessions and collecting valuable user feedback.
Player surveys recorded an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 73, reflecting exceptionally positive reception from a diverse audience across the Middle East. This initiative highlights the growing appeal of Japanese horror content in the UAE and the wider region and serves as a significant step toward expanding cultural and entertainment offerings abroad.
With a longstanding history as a leading organizer of exhibitions and cultural events in Japan—spanning fine arts, pop culture, and entertainment—The Asahi Shimbun continues to advance the global reach of Japanese creative content. This project further demonstrates Asahi’s commitment to fostering cross‑cultural engagement and supporting the international expansion of Japanese entertainment IP.
Location
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Date
Date
February 11th―15th, 2026
February 11th―15th, 2026
Our Challenges
Our Challenges
First Overseas Showcase of a New Japanese Horror Title
The booth offered the world’s first international trial of Ayakashi‑Kitan, a fully new game from SUS Inc. that has not yet been released outside Japan.
Strong Market Response with NPS 73
Numerous visitors played the game across five days, and post‑play surveys recorded an exceptionally high NPS of 73—indicating strong affinity and market potential in the Middle East.
Leveraging Asahi Shimbun’s Cultural Event Leadership
With decades of experience producing exhibitions and entertainment events in Japan, The Asahi Shimbun managed the project with cultural expertise, supporting the expansion of Japanese horror and pop‑culture content into the Middle Eastern market.
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