The ‘UK’s biggest celebration of Japanese culture’ is coming to Manchester

A three-day celebration of Japanese culture, food, fashion, anime and music is coming to Manchester this month.

HYPER JAPAN will take over Mancehster Central Convention Complex from Fri 14 Nov – Sun 16 Nov. The programme includes everything from exclusive pop culture and food and drink experiences, to a bustling marketplace, live music from anime stars and J-pop artists, and artisan workshops.

More than 180 independent artists, small businesses and household names like FujiFilm and Bandai Namco will be setting up at the Hyper Market, offering Japanese fashion, art, ceramics, accessories, figures, lifestyle goods and toys, while freshly-made street food will include ramen, gyoza, yaiktori and more. 

The Evangelion 30^th Anniversary Booth comes to Manchester with immersive displays themed on the long-running anime series and exclusive items available only at Hyper Japan. The Hyper Japan Shop with limited edition treasures, including official anime T-shirts such as Dan Da Dan, STEINS;GATE, and CHAOS;CHILD, authentic figures imported from Japan, and ever-popular gachapon vending machines.

Mainstage performances will feature anime actress and voice actor Aya Hirano – known for roles in Death Note, Lucky Star, Fairy Tail and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya – together with J-pop singer-songwriter Miyuna, alongside traditional acts including Enka (sentimental Japanese popular music), Koto (a traditional stringed instrument) and Taiko (Japanese drumming).

Hands-on workshops in Kintsugi – the art and philosophy of mending broken things to look more beautiful, Calligraphy, Shimenawa – a form of traditional straw rope tying sacred to the Shinto religion – and Origami classes will be offered as extra ticketed events. An interactive Sake Experience, where visitors can try, learn, vote and have the option to buy sake, will also be available to book.

Yoshiki Sato, Managing Director at HYPER JAPAN, commented: “We’re bringing together the best of modern and traditional Japan under one roof. From the Evangelion 30^th Anniversary Booth and the Sake Experience, to live music, workshops and an incredible marketplace of independent creators, we can’t wait to welcome fans and families for a weekend of discovery and celebration of Japanese culture.”

Book your tickets to HYPER JAPAN Manchester using the button below. General admission day tickets start from £25.20, and children aged 10 and under are free when attending with a paying adult.