The 9th Taipei International Comics and Animation Festival is under way.
The five-day event opened Thursday at the Taipei World Trade Center. Nearly 60 exhibitors are taking part, though several comic books publishers withdrew from the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan. To thank Taiwan’s efforts to extend a helping hand to Japan in the aftermath of the disaster, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association put up a “thank-you board” signed by more than 100 Japanese comic book artists at the venue. Popular Japanese comic books are also on display.
A large crowd gathered at the venue before the event opened to the public at 10:00 am Thursday. Organizers say they are pleased that participants are following social distancing rules and wearing face masks.