Hyper Japan: Friday 26 July - Sunday 28 July 2013

Labelled as the biggest J-Pop culture event of the year, Hyper Japan certainly didn’t disappoint. Thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds and interests gathered for three days of action in what was an insight into current Japanese pop culture. Some, who felt an urge to really make an effort, came dressed in all kinds of outfits as they tried to bring modern day Japan to Earls Court. In their funky, creative and unique costumes, they entertained the crowds and made for an exiting COSparade, held on Saturday afternoon.

The three days were filled with electrifying events, from a Tokyo Story Fashion to a robot who had the ability to give a wedding proposal. However, what caught most people’s eyes were the Eat-Japan Sushi Awards and the highly anticipated Sake Experience. Londoners may no longer think of Japanese food as being such a novelty, especially when you consider the metropolitanism of London, but the range of food, from sweet to savoury was taken to a whole new dimension at Hyper Japan. The sushi awards, part of Friday’s line up, gave visitors the chance to try a selection of gourmet rolls, prepared by top UK sushi chefs and then vote on which was their favourite. The Sake Experience likewise proved exceptionally popular where 28 different liquors and sake were on show to be sampled and learnt about. There ranged many different tastes, all of which are thoroughly enjoyed in Japan. Many seemed insistent that this wouldn’t be the last time they tried some of these inimitable drinks.

From Friday morning to Sunday evening, the fun and games didn’t stop. Once visitors had entered they were welcomed by The Nintendo Unleashed Area, where a variety of new games were on show including Animal Crossing Town and a Pikmin 3 celebration launch. The aspiring rock and pop stars were allowed to show their talent as the Wii karaoke was greatly utilised. Slightly older guests relished the Play Retro Zone as they were able to go a few years back into their childhood and enjoy games such as Street Fighter and Taiko. On the traditional side of proceedings, to cater for all ages, there were wall art exhibitions where visitors could purchase some of the beautiful work. They could also enjoy some great performances by Hibiki Ichikawa who performed traditional Minyo folk music. Another non-contemporary highlight was the International Geisha Sayuki’s show, here they demonstrated the daily life of geisha and gave a fascinating insight into the strict training regimes they must go through to become so highly skilled.

Hyper Japan was an event not to be missed, and we look forward to next year.

By Rishi Patel

See more at http://www.hyperjapan.co.uk/