Macron's Manga Passion Shapes French Cultural Diplomacy
French President Emmanuel Macron's enthusiasm for Japanese manga and anime has significantly influenced his public engagements and policy decisions. On August 25, 2026, he revealed a collaboration with Saudi Arabia to construct three amusement parks near Paris, one of which will be themed around Dragon Ball, a choice inspired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, an admirer of the series. Macron's love for Dragon Ball was showcased during his visit to Japan from March to April 2026, where he received a film cel from Hayao Miyazaki and interacted with manga artists. His previous activities include attending Japan Expo in 2025 and sharing a One Piece volume in 2022. Additionally, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni showed her interest in manga by meeting artist Tetsuo Hara in January 2026.
Key facts
- Macron announced three amusement parks near Paris, one dedicated to Dragon Ball, in agreement with Saudi Arabia.
- The announcement was made on August 25, 2026.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a Dragon Ball fan and was visiting Paris for a video game tournament.
- During a visit to Japan in March-April 2026, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi greeted Macron with the 'energy wave' gesture.
- Macron called France 'the second country of manga'.
- Manga represent about half of all comic sales in France.
- Macron received an original film cel from Porco Rosso from Hayao Miyazaki.
- Macron posed in the energy wave stance at Japan Expo in 2025.
- Macron sent a video to a Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament showing a 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' card.
- In 2022, Macron posted a photo with One Piece volume on his desk.
- In 2021, Macron shared a drawing by Eiichiro Oda.
- In 2021, Macron met Hiro Mashima, Katsuhiro Otomo, and Hidetaka Miyazaki.
- Giorgia Meloni met Tetsuo Hara in January 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Emmanuel Macron
- Sanae Takaichi
- Mohammed bin Salman
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Eiichiro Oda
- Hiro Mashima
- Katsuhiro Otomo
- Hidetaka Miyazaki
- Tetsuo Hara
- Giorgia Meloni
Institutions
- Studio Ghibli
- Konami
- FromSoftware
- Japan Expo
- Arabia Saudita (Saudi Arabia)
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Osaka
- Italy