The UK’s greatest celebration of Japanese culture, music, cuisine and entertainment is hosting its biggest ever party this summer. In the true spirit of its prestigious London venue, The O2, this year’s HYPER JAPAN Festival will showcase a dazzling line-up of musical performers from Japan, in addition to popular gaming and anime titles, a wide assortment of traditional booths, family friendly activities and delicious Japanese cuisine. Get ready for a festival like nothing you’ve ever experienced before!
HYPER Live Area
This summer’s event will feature the first live concert house in HYPER JAPAN history, where an unmissable line-up of Japanese artists will perform over the weekend. Prominent among them are video game and cosplay-loving idol group Dempagumi.inc, and anime music singer Eir Aoi of “Sword Art Online” and “Kill la Kill” fame. Tokyo Girls’ Style, LOST ASH, TOMOCA, Heisei Kotohime, VANIRU, ILU GRACE, Less than Love, Die Milch and May J add their talent to this all-star musical guest list. Onstage entertainment will also be provided by dance troupe Takarabune, comedians Mukoangie and swordplay masters Katanaya-Ichi. In our HYPER Theatre, former Studio Ghibli illustrator and Godzilla expert Kihara Hirokatsu, esteemed anime director Kobun Shizuno and other famed members of Japan’s anime industry will be giving seminars on their respective fields of expertise, while Japan Anima(tor’s) Exhibition will screen a top selection of short anime films.
Eat-Japan
The HYPER JAPAN Festival will play host to Europe’s biggest celebration of Japanese food and drink. Visitors can dine at a mouth-watering array of food stalls offering succulent tempura, kara-age, okonomiyaki, shaved ice, traditional confections and more in our Eat-Japan Food Court. Demonstrations of Japanese cooking will inspire food lovers, while sake fans can sample and vote on a range of delicious Japanese liquors assembled especially for this event at our Sake Experience and Sake Awards. A new trio of “J-Bars” will also offer soft drinks, authentic sparkling and yuzu sakes, and refreshing Japanese beer to be savoured either out in the sunshine, in the food court, or whilst appreciating the musical acts on our HYPER Live stage.
HYPER Game and Anime Park
This year, our HYPER Game and Anime Park will be packed with Japanese pop culture activities and goodies, including: video games, anime and manga, character merchandise and other otaku favourites. Gaming giants such as Nintendo will offer visitors the chance to play titles starring their world-famous characters, while cosplay fans can enjoy the thriving cosplay community and CosParade shows taking place on our Festival Stage.
Other Attractions
Enthusiasts of Japanese cute culture will love the range of clothes, accessories and plushies in our HYPER Kawaii area, as well as the HYPER J-Style Collection Fashion Show which will showcase striking ensembles inspired by the Japanese street fashion scene. Custom-made handicrafts, vintage kimono, lovingly pruned bonsai, Japan travel tips, technological marvels and rare cultural experiences can be found in our HYPER Fringe Market and J-Culture area.
In Collaboration with JAPAN NIGHT, VAMPS, [Alexandros], OKAMATO’s and Ling tosite sigure
This year, HYPER JAPAN will be teaming up with JAPAN NIGHT, a J-rock event which showcases Japanese artists around the world! On the evenings of Friday 10th and Saturday 11th July, rock bands VAMPS, [Alexandros], OKAMOTO’S and Ling tosite sigure will play at indigo at The O2. HYPER JAPAN visitors can purchase tickets at a special discount price!
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