Metal Seinen is bringing global pop culture to Pakistan
Here’s more on the community of anime, comic fans
The past decade has seen Metal Seinan hold events in collaboration with the Japanese consulate. PHOTOS: PUBLICITY
KARACHI:
While it might not exactly be as prominent as others, there is certainly a niche market for anime and comics in Pakistan. Youngsters seem to be taking interest in anime culture, which already dominates the global market. Cosplays are slowly gaining a foothold as these enthusiasts come together from all over the country.
It’s not that you will not find fans of such art forms here, but that they are just scattered. Karachi-based start-up called Metal Seinen is keen on bringing their kind together. Formed in 2006 by Zeeshan Shah for his love of anime, the start-up has held events bringing together Japanese art form enthusiasts from across Pakistan.
“Initially, we started out for the love of anime. We wanted to gather all the fans together and hold events,” Metal Seinen Communications team member Daniyal Suleman told The Express Tribune.
Their name is also derived from the Japanese language. While Metal, in the English language, signifies something strong yet versatile, the word Seinen, in Japanese language, translates into young male.
“The name refers to the youth that is strong yet adaptable to different cultures and circumstances,” said Metal Seinen Communications Manager Syed Shoaib Ali. He added the start-up has two goals: while it exposes audiences to global pop culture, it also serves as an incubator for project development.
The past decade has seen Metal Seinan hold events in collaboration with the Japanese government. “We have had events for anime and manga fans. We had Dekho Japan back in 2013. And even last month, we had the Japan Culture Festival, which had a great audience,” said Ali, adding they have held karaoke nights, seminars and cultural classes as well.
Ali shared the response has been great. The two-day event Dekho Japan, held in 2013, had an audience of over 2,000. The non-profit company is run by volunteers who market their activities through social media. “As the events are supported by consulates, we keep our marketing through word of mouth and social media. Now we know there is a market for such things here,” added Ali.
According to Suleman, the start-up has evolved over time. “Now we incorporate Western comics and art as well. It’s much more than just Japanese culture. Anyone can pitch in their ideas and projects, and we will try to get them in touch with the right people.”
Metal Seinen has also been conducting workshops for a while. “We have previously held workshops at SZABIST and Pak-American Cultural Centre. We deal with guiding individuals on drawing and writing comics,” stated Ali.
Metal Seinen recently conducted an event called Cosplay in Pakistan. They have also worked on a sci-fi graphic novel called Project Venus. “Currently we have a few projects lined up. We are working on another graphic novel called Project Daemon. We are planning another Japanese culture event in November as well as Seinen Fest early next year. We are thinking it would be something like Comic Con in Pakistan,” mentioned Ali.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2016.
While it might not exactly be as prominent as others, there is certainly a niche market for anime and comics in Pakistan. Youngsters seem to be taking interest in anime culture, which already dominates the global market. Cosplays are slowly gaining a foothold as these enthusiasts come together from all over the country.
It’s not that you will not find fans of such art forms here, but that they are just scattered. Karachi-based start-up called Metal Seinen is keen on bringing their kind together. Formed in 2006 by Zeeshan Shah for his love of anime, the start-up has held events bringing together Japanese art form enthusiasts from across Pakistan.
“Initially, we started out for the love of anime. We wanted to gather all the fans together and hold events,” Metal Seinen Communications team member Daniyal Suleman told The Express Tribune.
Their name is also derived from the Japanese language. While Metal, in the English language, signifies something strong yet versatile, the word Seinen, in Japanese language, translates into young male.
“The name refers to the youth that is strong yet adaptable to different cultures and circumstances,” said Metal Seinen Communications Manager Syed Shoaib Ali. He added the start-up has two goals: while it exposes audiences to global pop culture, it also serves as an incubator for project development.
The past decade has seen Metal Seinan hold events in collaboration with the Japanese government. “We have had events for anime and manga fans. We had Dekho Japan back in 2013. And even last month, we had the Japan Culture Festival, which had a great audience,” said Ali, adding they have held karaoke nights, seminars and cultural classes as well.
Ali shared the response has been great. The two-day event Dekho Japan, held in 2013, had an audience of over 2,000. The non-profit company is run by volunteers who market their activities through social media. “As the events are supported by consulates, we keep our marketing through word of mouth and social media. Now we know there is a market for such things here,” added Ali.
According to Suleman, the start-up has evolved over time. “Now we incorporate Western comics and art as well. It’s much more than just Japanese culture. Anyone can pitch in their ideas and projects, and we will try to get them in touch with the right people.”
Metal Seinen has also been conducting workshops for a while. “We have previously held workshops at SZABIST and Pak-American Cultural Centre. We deal with guiding individuals on drawing and writing comics,” stated Ali.
Metal Seinen recently conducted an event called Cosplay in Pakistan. They have also worked on a sci-fi graphic novel called Project Venus. “Currently we have a few projects lined up. We are working on another graphic novel called Project Daemon. We are planning another Japanese culture event in November as well as Seinen Fest early next year. We are thinking it would be something like Comic Con in Pakistan,” mentioned Ali.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2016.