Events
Hyper Japan – The UK’s Largest Celebration of Japanese Culture
Hyper Japan is the annual festival that brings Tokyo to London. This year on its tenth anniversary, the Habibti team popped in to discover what was on offer. From music and movies, to fashion, Cosplay and food as well as industries and tourism from the various provinces. Here’s what we found.
Hyper Japan for Gamers
Japan is arguably the worlds leading force when it comes to gaming. The gaming section was a gamers heaven, covering everything from Japanese board games like chess, through to retro gaming consoles like the Dreamcast and SNES, right up to current generation games and consoles. Nintendo was in attendance showcasing new games including Mario Maker 2.
Hyper Japan for Culture Buffs
In the “Asakusa” Culture Zone immerse yourself in the more traditional Japanese culture. The Japanese Garden Centre, BONSAI and Ohara School of Ikebana, UK were on hand to show off the best of Japanese green fingered skills and aesthetic sensibilities. Filled with bonsai trees and complete with a digital Koi pond. There was an array of workshops including Kokeshi doll painting, origami and calligraphy. For those who were interested in planning a trip to Japan, the tourism area included travel experts, Inside Japan Tours and the Japanese Tourist Organisation JNTO who were around to give advice and answer questions. As were representatives from ODAKYU and EAST JAPAN railway companies, the LIMOUSINE BUS and various other Japanese Local Governments were promoting their beautiful regions.
Hyper Hado
On display near the gaming section was what looked like something akin to a basketball court. What it turned out to be was a new “techno-sport” called Hado. Players join in teams of three, wearing AR headsets along with a wrist mounted device which allows players to attack the opposing team. Opposing teams can then “shoot” at each other to score points, definitely an energetic sport.
Hyper Japan for Cosplay
The cosplayers were in attendance in their droves! There were a lot of characters from Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan this year. You could also get your cosplay repaired and there were also resources for helping people get into making their own costumes.
Hyper Japan for Shoppers
The Market took up the entirety of the upstairs balcony, which belonged to traders, selling everything from clothes, cosplay weapons, comics and art, to toys.
Hyper Kawaii for the Girlies
Kawaii was one of the areas we loved the most, why? because it was cuteness overload. There was an explosion of clothes, make-up and wigs along with toys all available to purchase.
Eat Japan for the Foodies
There was delicious street food at Peko Peko. Hot fluffy pancakes, filled with incredible flavours at Wheelcake Island and our favourite was the Mr Whippy green tea ice cream from Tsujiri, Japanese tradition served in a cone!
All in all, a great day out for those interested in Japanese culture. Word of advice, go at the weekend where you’re guaranteed a full workshop schedule and maximum occupancy in terms of Food stall holders.
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