By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 15: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, clad in a Hokage costume inspired by the popular Japanese anime Naruto, today expressed hope that Sarawak’s young creatives would learn from Japan’s success in storytelling and animation to one day create globally recognised characters and franchises rooted in Borneo’s rich culture and heritage.
Speaking when officiating the Borneo-Japan NewTrends Trade Expo (BJNT) 2026 at The Everly Hotel in VivaCity Megamall, Wee said Japan had demonstrated how stories deeply rooted in local culture could transcend borders and capture global audiences.
“Perhaps one day, a young artist from Kuching will create a character inspired by Borneo. Perhaps our game developers will create worlds based on Sarawak, or our artists will collaborate with creators from Japan.
“And perhaps one day, instead of us cosplaying Japanese characters, somebody in Tokyo will be cosplaying a character created right here in Kuching. Why not? Every global idea has to begin somewhere,” he said
Wee, who drew laughter from the audience by appearing in a Hokage cloak and forehead protector, acknowledged the unusual attire for an official function.
A Hokage is the strongest Shinobi, or ninja, appointed or succeeding as the leader of a village. In the Naruto anime series, the Hokage serves as the chief protector and administrator of Konohagakure, or the Hidden Leaf Village, located in the fictional Land of Fire.
“Yes, I am the Mayor. And yes, I am dressed as a Hokage,” he joked, adding that while his staff would normally prepare a jacket, tie and formal speech, this time they handed him a Hokage cloak and headband instead.
He also poked fun at himself and the city administration, saying serious Naruto fans would probably be quick to correct any mistakes he made about the anime, much like residents who regularly point out issues to him on social media.
Despite the light-hearted atmosphere, Wee stressed that cosplay, anime, manga and gaming were no longer merely hobbies but had evolved into significant components of the global creative economy.
“Today, they are part of a huge creative economy involving artists, animators, writers, game developers, costume designers, photographers, content creators and entrepreneurs,” he said.
He noted that events such as the Borneo-Japan NewTrends Trade Expo went beyond cultural appreciation and entertainment, serving as platforms to foster business opportunities, cultural exchange and creative collaboration between Sarawak and Japan.
“This is not simply a Japanese cultural festival. It is the Borneo-Japan NewTrends Trade Expo. We are celebrating culture, but we are also creating connections and opportunities,” he said.
Wee said nurturing creativity was an important aspect of city-building, alongside the traditional responsibilities of local government such as maintaining roads, drainage systems and waste management.
“A great city also needs creativity. It needs spaces where young people can meet, artists can showcase their talents and entrepreneurs can turn ideas into opportunities,” he said.
Addressing young people and members of the cosplay community, he encouraged them to pursue their passions while maintaining discipline and perseverance.
“Naruto did not become Hokage by sitting at home watching anime.
“Talent is important, but persistence matters. You can love gaming and become a programmer. You can cosplay and become a designer. You can draw manga and become an illustrator,” he said.
Wee also welcomed visitors and participants from Japan, encouraging them to experience Kuching’s hospitality and local cuisine during their stay.
He concluded by thanking the organisers, exhibitors, performers, partners and volunteers for making the expo possible, expressing hope that the event would further strengthen ties between Borneo and Japan while inspiring a new generation of local creators to dream bigger. — DayakDaily
