CCA | 26-29 SEPT | JHB EXPO CENTRE | JOHANNESBURG

Ruan Botha

After qualifying as an attorney and a stint in Japan, Ruan's career focus shifted from corporate to an industry with much more character - no pun intended. Ruan made his foray into character and brand licensing with BeFound Brands, managing iconic IPs like Einstein, Steve McQueen, and Ernest Hemingway. Since 2021, Ruan has been the project coordinator at JETRO where among other things, he takes charge of projects related to beloved Anime characters.

All Sessions by Ruan Botha

DAY FOUR OTAKU TOWN 29 Sep 2024
14:00 - 14:30

DOING BUSINESS WITH JAPAN THROUGH JETRO - SOLARPOP

OTAKU TOWN STAGE

Unlock the secrets to successful international business in this insightful session featuring Mariska Wewege and Ruan Botha from Solarpop. Explore the opportunities and challenges of doing business with Japan through the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Learn how Solarpop has navigated these waters, the benefits of engaging with Japanese markets, and how JETRO can assist South African businesses in establishing strong connections with Japanese partners. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to expand or simply curious about international trade, this session offers valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between South Africa and Japan.

DAY THREE OTAKU TOWN 28 Sep 2024
13:30 - 14:00

DOING BUSINESS WITH JAPAN THROUGH JETRO | GUNPLA SA

OTAKU TOWN STAGE

Explore the exciting world of business opportunities between South Africa and Japan in this insightful session featuring JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and GUNPLA SA. Dive into the economic landscape, learn about Japan's business culture, and discover how South African entrepreneurs can engage with the Japanese market. Whether you're a fan of GUNPLA (Gundam model kits) or interested in expanding your business internationally, this session will provide valuable tips and insights on leveraging trade relationships with Japan.

DAY TWO OTAKU TOWN 27 Sep 2024
13:30 - 14:00

DOING BUSINESS WITH JAPAN THROUGH JETRO | ANIME CULTURE SA

OTAKU TOWN STAGE

Join host Ruan Botha for an enlightening journey into the world of Japan-South Africa business relations! This daily session explores the vital role of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) in fostering international trade and investment opportunities. Discover how JETRO can be your gateway to the Japanese market, whether you're an anime merchandise retailer, a manga publisher, or a tech startup inspired by Japan's innovation. Ruan will guide you through JETRO's services and how they can benefit your business, highlighting key sectors in Japan open for South African partnerships. Each day's session will focus on different aspects of Japan-South Africa trade relations, providing cultural insights for successful business negotiations and showcasing success stories of South African companies in Japan. JETRO's expertise in facilitating cross-cultural business connections will be at the forefront of these discussions. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a startup with a passion for Japanese pop culture, these sessions will equip you with valuable knowledge to expand your business horizons. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how JETRO can help turn your Japan-inspired business dreams into reality!  

DAY ONE OTAKU TOWN 26 Sep 2024
14:00 - 14:25

DOING BUSINESS WITH JAPAN THROUGH JETRO | HOBBY ISLAND

OTAKU TOWN STAGE

Join host Ruan Botha for an enlightening journey into the world of Japan-South Africa business relations! This daily session explores the vital role of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) in fostering international trade and investment opportunities. Discover how JETRO can be your gateway to the Japanese market, whether you're an anime merchandise retailer, a manga publisher, or a tech startup inspired by Japan's innovation. Ruan will guide you through JETRO's services and how they can benefit your business, highlighting key sectors in Japan open for South African partnerships. Each day's session will focus on different aspects of Japan-South Africa trade relations, providing cultural insights for successful business negotiations and showcasing success stories of South African companies in Japan. JETRO's expertise in facilitating cross-cultural business connections will be at the forefront of these discussions. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a startup with a passion for Japanese pop culture, these sessions will equip you with valuable knowledge to expand your business horizons. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how JETRO can help turn your Japan-inspired business dreams into reality!                   

16:00 - 16:45

ANIME FAN DISCUSSION - ANIME AND CONTENT CREATION 

OTAKU TOWN STAGE

Explore the exciting intersection of anime fandom and content creation in this engaging panel discussion! Join a diverse group of anime enthusiasts and content creators as they dive into the world of anime-inspired media. Discover how these creators blend their love for anime with their own unique perspectives to produce captivating content across various platforms. From cosplay and fan art to video essays and podcasts, learn about the myriad ways fans are expressing their passion and building communities around their favorite series. This session will offer insights into the creative process, tips for aspiring content creators, and discussions on the impact of fan-created content on the anime industry. Whether you're a budding creator or simply curious about the evolving landscape of anime fandom, this panel promises to inspire and inform!