One of the great things about London is the ease in which you can find a little piece of the world right here. It is one of the main reasons the city feels like a mini country all on its own where food, culture, and clothes from further afield are never in short supply.
Last November I was able to get a press pass to Hyper Japan – the biggest Japanese culture festival in the UK. I attended with Kat from Lady loves Cake. As we have both previously travelled to Japan the festival allowed us to soak up some Japanese culture on our doorstep, reminisce and trade travel stories and experiences.
While Hyper Japan is the largest Japanese festival in the UK it is still relatively new, only starting in 2010. It continues to grow every year and now Hyper Japan is gearing up for its Summer Festival. It is a great day out for anyone interested in traveling to Japan, those who have been or anyone who wants to discover something new.
Here are some of the highlights from the festival:
Manga overload
This part of Japanese culture has never really interested me personally but many fan boys and girls will be delighted to know that you can source the latest series/book/magazine of your favourite manga at the festival. There was a dedicated booth in the form of book shop.
Beauty gadgets
The beauty industry in Japan is huge. This exhibitor sourced some more interesting products to show case. Is it necessary to have a tool to show you where you should apply bush? Of course not, but would it make it more fun? Damn right it would.
Food, Candy, and Green Tea Kit Kats
There were many amazing looking food stalls serving delicious smelling food but the impressive stalls were the ones that carried items I’d last seen in Japan. The candy in the middle of the picture above is yummy, if you see it buy it and try. The Japan Centre (near piccadilly circus) was the source of these treats you see above.
Fashion and jewellery
I loved these earrings and I also saw some lovely kimonos. There was a fashion show but it really only showcased one side of Japanese culture, the Harujuku type girl. While fun to watch I think I would have appreciated a street style fashion show.
Cosplay
I assume the majority of those who came in full costume were there to enter the cosplay competition. It was fun to see everyone get into it. Even other press people dressed up.
The festival has something for everyone with many activities for kids as well. There were many gift stalls, technology stalls and even a stall where you could partake in a tea ceremony.
Interested? If you want to attend your next chance is this July. Tickets are not on sale yet but check back on Hyper Japan’s page to get more information. Last year tickets cost £12.
I missed this fest. I’d heard loads about it. Some people said it was good some others said it had been much better in previous years. I love the costumes Japanese wear. Did you see the ‘Lolita’ style?
You should definitely check it out in the summer then. Did your friends say what was lacking? It is still relatively new so I would assume if anything it would be improving. I did see the Lolita style actually, there were a few dressed up like this. Not as provocative as the name might suggest, more cutesy than anything.
Yeah, they are more like old-fashioned dolls. In London, many believed that the people we saw were dressed up for a party.
It looks like a lot of fun!! I think I would have liked the kimonos and traditional clothing the most. Not too sure about green tea kit kats though.
But they are so good! I was skeptical at first myself but you should try it out.
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