French-Saudi ‘Dragon Ball’ theme park puzzles Japanese manga fans

A French-Saudi collaboration to develop a Dragon Ball-themed park near Paris has raised questions among Japanese manga enthusiasts and industry insiders. The project, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, involves a €6 billion investment from Saudi Arabia aimed at creating three theme parks in the Île-de-France region. Among these, one is expected to be themed around the popular Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball, a move that has surprised many within the Japanese entertainment sector. Macron revealed the initiative during a state visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which included attending the Esports World Cup final. The president cited his personal interest in manga, noting he possesses an original Dragon Ball drawing among other collectibles. He described the investment as comparable to the creation of Disneyland Paris, emphasizing its significance for both nations. Valérie Pécresse, head of the Paris region, expressed enthusiasm over the prospect of a Dragon Ball-themed park in the area, referencing Son Goku, a central character in the series. However, the absence of direct involvement from Japan, where the Dragon Ball franchise originated, has sparked concern among experts and industry professionals. Japanese companies hold key licensing rights for Dragon Ball, including Toei Animation, Shueisha, Bandai Namco, and Bird Studio, which manages Akira Toriyama’s intellectual property. These entities typically exert strict control over how their properties are used internationally. Julien Bouvard, a manga expert and senior lecturer at Jean-Moulin Lyon-III University, noted that while Toei had previously partnered with Saudi Arabia on a similar project in Riyadh, they have remained silent on the Paris venture. “This silence indicates that the Paris theme park is still only a proposal, and the investment figures mentioned are not yet finalized,” Bouvard explained. Licensing negotiations in Japan are complex due to stringent copyright laws and the need for consensus among multiple stakeholders. The proposed location for the new parks includes the former Mirapolis theme park in Cergy-Pontoise, northwest of Paris, which shut down in 1991. The project will be managed by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. QIC had previously announced plans for a Dragon Ball theme park in Riyadh in 2024, partnering with Toei Animation. However, the lack of involvement from Japanese companies raises doubts about the feasibility of the Paris project. Licensing agreements often require extensive negotiations and adherence to specific terms set by rights holders. This process can be particularly challenging given the global reach of the Dragon Ball brand and the high expectations surrounding such ventures. Industry insiders suggest that the success of the Paris project hinges on securing the necessary approvals from Japanese firms. Without their endorsement, the development of a Dragon Ball-themed park could face significant hurdles. The situation highlights the complexities of international collaborations involving intellectual property, especially in industries where cultural and legal considerations play a crucial role. The French government has not provided detailed timelines or specifics regarding the project’s implementation. While the initial announcement has generated excitement, the practical steps required to bring the vision to life remain uncertain. As discussions continue, the focus will likely shift toward addressing the concerns of Japanese stakeholders and ensuring compliance with their requirements. The potential development of a Dragon Ball theme park in France underscores the growing influence of international partnerships in the entertainment sector. It also reflects the ongoing challenges faced by creators and rights holders in managing the global distribution of their works. With the outcome of these negotiations still pending, the future of the project remains to be determined.