Hyper Japan, the UK’s biggest celebration of the colourful side of Japan’s culture, music and food, has taken over The O2 in Greenwich for the next three days. Here’s seven cool things you need to look out for...
J-Pop
It’s fair to say Japanese pop is a little different to our own chart music and you can get excess of it at Hyper Japan. Performers include including May J (pictured), who sang the end credits version of Let it Go on the Japanese release of Frozen, and video game and cosplay-loving group Dempagumi.inc.
Anime amazement
Few artforms are as distinctive as anime and some of the medium’s masters – such as former Studio Ghibli animator and Godzilla expert Kihara Hirokatsu - will be sharing their tips in seminars, while the Japan Anima (tor’s) Exhibition will showcase a selection of short anime films.
Tuck in
Fill up on tempura, Kara-age (chicken), Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and shaved ice at the Eat Japan food court or check out some demos from skilled Japanese chefs.
Drink Sake
Sample a range of signature Japanese drinks and vote on them at the Sake Experience and Sake Awards. If Sake is not your style, then the J-Bars serving soft drinks, yuzu-shakes and Japanese beer might be more up your street.
Dress up
It’s a CosPlayer’s paradise, with the chance to get dress up as your favourite characters. There’s a CosParade on the Festival stage.
Get your game on
Of course, you can’t celebrate Japanese popular culture without mentioning videogames. Gamers can get stuck into new and favourite titles from the likes of Nintendo.
Fashion
Check out a wide range of styles from street fashions to handicrafts and vintage kimonos and accessories like lovingly-pruned bonsai trees and tech at the Fringe Market, J-Culture area and Hyper Kawaii area, as well as getting inspired at the Hyper J-Style Collection Fashion Show.
Hyper Japan is at The O2 from July 10 to 12. Tickets cost from £13 for adults. Go to hyperjapan.co.uk
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