I had the incredible opportunity to interview two internationally renowned guests at Comic Con Africa: Joey, also known as the Anime Man, and Aki, a.k.a. AkiDearest. Meeting them face-to-face and engaging in a conversation was truly an amazing experience. What stood out was how genuine and down-to-earth they are, mirroring the personas they portray on their respective YouTube channels.

The interview took place on the second day of the convention, which was the Saturday, and I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with Willem V from Chibi Wolf. Initially, we were informed that we’d be sharing an interview slot, with only three minutes allocated to each of us. In the spirit of making the most of this precious opportunity, Willem and I decided to pool our time and questions. This allowed us to conduct a more in-depth and engaging interview with Joey and AkiDearest.

The collaborative approach turned out to be a great decision, as it not only extended the interview time but also allowed us to explore a wider range of topics with our guests. Aki and Joey are great sports and are as genuine in person as they are on their channels. I was glad to share this interview slot with Willem, who is a fellow full-time Otaku who is a filmmaker and part-time adventurer.  We used his camera for the interview, which is so much better than what my phone would have offered.

It’s such a surreal opportunity to have this conversation since I’ve been watching them since high school

Willem V

It was a memorable experience, and I’m eagerly looking forward to future collaborations with Willem and the chance to interact with more remarkable individuals in the world of anime and pop culture.

Introducing Joey and Aki 

Joey, popularly known as the Anime Man, stands as a titan in the anime and manga communities. His influence is far-reaching, and he has earned a well-deserved reputation as a significant figure in the world of anime. The cornerstone of his influence is his YouTube channel, which is a hub of both entertainment and enlightenment. Joey’s content isn’t just about garnering views; it’s a testament to his unwavering passion for Japanese animation, manga, and the broader realm of Japanese culture.

Millions of dedicated fans flock to his channel to witness his engaging and insightful videos. What sets Joey apart is not just his charismatic on-screen presence but also his profound knowledge of the anime and manga landscape. His expertise, honed over years of dedicated content creation, allows him to delve deep into the core of the medium and share it with his audience. Whether it’s reviewing the latest anime releases, exploring the intricate world of manga, or offering cultural insights, Joey is a trusted source.

Aki, or Akidearest, is another luminary in the world of anime and manga on YouTube. Residing in Japan, she brings a unique perspective to her content. Her channel is a treasure trove for anime enthusiasts, as she dives into an array of aspects of the anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture realms. Aki’s engaging and dynamic content style, combined with her evident passion for the subject matter, has endeared her to a global audience.

Her appeal doesn’t solely lie in her deep knowledge of the anime world, but also in her relatability. Aki’s approach is one of accessibility, and she has a talent for breaking down complex ideas and topics, making them accessible to both newcomers and seasoned anime aficionados. Her journey through the world of anime is a shared experience, and her fans appreciate the way she connects with them.

Joey, the Anime Man, and Aki, or Akidearest, are not merely content creators; they are cultural ambassadors, bridging the gap between fans and the captivating world of anime and manga, enriching the community with their insights, and fostering a sense of unity among enthusiasts worldwide.

What we covered in the interview

• One Piece Live-Action Adaptation
• Future of Anime Distribution
• Balancing Creative Endeavours
• True Crime Series
• and more

Interview with Aki and Joey Here