Anime and manga fans in Europe may soon have a major new destination to explore: a theme park dedicated to Japanese comics, including the global icon Dragon Ball Z, is coming to the outskirts of Paris.
The project is part of a broader €6 billion (£5.13 billion) deal between France and Saudi Arabia to build three theme parks in the Val-d'Oise region, near Cergy-Pontoise. Reports suggest the developments could be built on the site of Mirapolis, a former French theme park that closed 35 years ago.
The agreement was finalized during a two-day state visit to France by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Advisers to French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that the idea grew out of a conversation between the two leaders about their shared passion for Japanese manga, specifically Dragon Ball Z. President Macron has long been open about his interest in manga and anime.
The project will be developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), which is part of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. French officials estimate that the new resort complex will create approximately 2,000 local jobs. Although construction will take years and no official opening date has been set, the parks are expected to open in several stages.