East West Anime

Kilkenny Animated Presents

East West Anime

HEADLINERS

When anime travels across cultures, does the story stay the same?

Join a panel of leading voices in anime criticism, distribution and scholarship for a fascinating conversation about the journey of Japanese animation from its creators to audiences around the world.

Moderated by renowned Anime expert Andrew Partridge, Chief Content Officer of Toho Europe, this discussion explores the gap between what anime filmmakers intend and how their work is interpreted by Western viewers.

Featuring celebrated speaker and author, Helen McCarthy, with historian and author, Charles Solomon and anime fan, Satoko O’Brien, who has come from Japan to live in Ireland, the panel will examine how culture, language and history influence our understanding of anime.

From subtle translation choices to universal themes that connect audiences across continents, East West Anime will explore how anime has become a truly global art form while remaining deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a curious newcomer or someone interested in the ways stories cross borders, this lively discussion promises fresh insights and surprising perspectives.

One medium, many audiences, countless interpretations: discover what happens when anime meets the world.

Location

Watergate

Date & Time

13th September 2026 | 16:00- 17:00

Target Audience

Ages 18+

Cost

€17.50

Meet the contributors

Featuring celebrated speaker and author, Helen McCarthy, with historian and author, Charles Solomon and anime fan, Satoko O’Brien, who has come from Japan to live in Ireland, the panel will examine how culture, language and history influence our understanding of anime.

A man with short dark hair, glasses, and a beard wears a grey jacket over a black shirt with red and white designs. He is smiling and standing indoors at the Kilkenny Animated Festival, with blurred artwork in the background.
Andrew Partidge
Smiling older woman with short white hair, glasses, and a yellow top stands outdoors, leaning on a railing. She wears statement earrings and a necklace, with a rainbow-coloured border framing the photo—capturing the cheerful spirit often seen at the Kilkenny Animated Festival.
Helen McCarthy
A woman wearing an orange kimono with floral patterns smiles outdoors in front of leafy trees and red flowers, capturing the vibrant spirit often seen at the Kilkenny Animated Festival.
Satoko O'Brien
An older man with grey hair, thick eyebrows, glasses, and a white beard is wearing a suit and sitting indoors with warm lighting and curtains in the background, perhaps ready to share his insights at the Kilkenny Animated Festival.
Charles Solomon

This event is kindly sponsored by

RTÉ Kids logo with white text on a pink background; the "K" in "KIDS" is black whilst the other letters are white.
RTÉ Kids Jr logo with "RTÉ KIDS" in pink and orange text, and "jr" in white inside an orange star on a light background.