Dongguan is taking its creative energy global again, and this time, to the heart of Japan's anime capital.

As part of the 2025 China-Japan-ROK Year of Cultural Exchange, the "New Dimensions of Guangdong Animation and Trendy Toys Exhibition" opens on October 10 at Belle Salle Akihabara in Tokyo. The event brings together artists, creators, and trendsetters from both China and Japan to celebrate the shared power of animation and pop culture.

Representing the "Capital of Art Toys in China," Dongguan will showcase over 50 pieces of creative works from around 10 leading toy companies, alongside 50 selected animation artworks from across Guangdong.

Among the special guests are Jin Cheng, Chairman of the Guangdong Cartoonists Association, Lin Dihuan, comic artist and associate professor at Sun Yat-sen University, Takayuki Matsutani, Chairman of Tezuka Productions, Machiko Satonaka, President of the Japan Cartoonists Association, Mitsugu Sekiguchi, former Creative Director at Sanrio, and Yoneyama Mai, Japanese illustrator and animator.

The exhibition also features immersive photo zones inspired by beloved characters such as Sun Wukong, Astro Boy, and Nezha, allowing visitors to step right into a crossover world of Chinese and Japanese animation.

In the trendy toy section, Dongguan's most recognizable IPs will take the spotlight. Motor Nuclear will present its dynamic Nezha model kits; SUMS Model will debut its brand-new IP GENMEC; Wanle Fairy Tale will showcase its heartwarming Dream Eater series.

Before the event, Dongguan's well-loved character Laura was already "on the move", snapping photos at iconic Tokyo landmarks like Ginza and Shibuya Crossing, perfectly blending Dongguan's manufacturing aesthetics with Tokyo's cyberpunk vibe.

As one of the earliest regions to embrace the toy industry after China's reform and opening-up, Dongguan today hosts over 4,000 toy manufacturers and 1,500 supporting enterprises, forming a dense industrial ecosystem that powers China's largest toy export base. It's no exaggeration to say that one in every four anime merchandise items worldwide carries the mark of Dongguan.

For 15 consecutive years, the China International Animation Copyright Fair has been held in Dongguan, reinforcing the city's global reputation for creativity and innovation.

Following successful overseas stops in San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro, this Tokyo exhibition marks the third international debut of Dongguan's art toy industry, a testament not only to its craftsmanship and creativity but also to its ability to bridge cultures and evoke shared emotions across borders.