Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas – coming soon!

Yes, it’s November already, Christmas decorations are starting to appear, and I even heard Christmas music being played in a shop today. I can’t believe how fast this year is going, but there is one good thing about that – it’s almost time for Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas!

Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas is being held at Brompton Hall, Earls Court in London from 23rd – 25th November – in just three weeks’ time! If you’re a fan of Japanese pop culture, music, food and drink, and Japanese traditions (or if you just want to buy some unusual Christmas presents), this is an event not to be missed.

HYPER JAPAN is the UK’s biggest celebration of Japanese culture, cuisine and cool. It brings together diverse exhibitors, sellers, performers and fans to bring traditional and contemporary Japan to the heart of London. First held in October 2010, HYPER JAPAN has grown in popularity and size, reaching 35,000 visitors attending the last event, HYPER JAPAN 2012 Spring. The wide range of visitors includes J-pop culture fans in their teens and 20s, young professionals, families, and older generations interested in traditional Japanese culture. It has also received plenty of media coverage and is a great place to discover the latest trends. Featuring a number of highlights including live performances and special guests from Japan, HYPER JAPAN allows visitors to experience diverse elements of Japan’s culture in a single venue. HYPER JAPAN is a unique event that offers something for both the dedicated Japanophile and those not so familiar with Japanese or Asian culture. It’s fun, colourful, diverse, and a great way to discover new and interesting trends.

The line-up is still being announced, but here are some highlights and things I’m looking forward to so far:

Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts

Each region of Japan has its own distinctive features and traditions, which vary according to the seasons. Some of these nature inspired arts and crafts will be introduced at Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas. Not only will you be able to see and touch these crafts, you can also have a go at making your very own unique Japanese artworks. More information…

Kyoto Nantan City

Food Demonstrations: Xmas with a Japanese Twist

Eat-Japan has lined up a diverse selection of culinary masters for Hyper Japan, all with a unique mission to help you put a Japanese twist into Christmas 2012! William Curley, chocolatier, will be making his debut appearance at the event, along with past favourites Atsuko Ikeda, who will be showing you how to make ‘Japas, Japanese Style Tapas’, and Natsuki Kikuya, demonstrating Japanese Cocktails. More information…

Chocolate Fusion Fun with William Curley

Sword Artists KAMUI

If you have ever seen the film Kill Bill: Volume 1 then you will most likely be familiar with the work of Japanese Samurai Sword Artists KAMUI, and this November you can see them live at Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas. Not only will KAMUI be taking to the main stage for a breathtaking live show of samurai swordsmanship, they will also be holding workshops, giving London guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from experts about traditional Japanese fighting skills and weaponry. More information…

KAMUI

Kawaii Tea Bar

Enjoy a pocket of zen away from the hustle and bustle of the main event with a Japan inspired afternoon tea, with kawaii sweets and Japanese brew of your choice in the Eat-Japan area. The adorable Japanese sweets will be prepared by Brighton-based Japanese wagashi masters an-an (my favourites!). More information…

Kawaii Tea Bar

NINJAMAN JAPAN

NINJAMAN JAPAN are a four piece visual kei act, a genre of performance heavily influenced by glam rock, punk, and heavy metal. They’ll be taking to the stage on the Saturday at about 7.10pm – get your eyeliner on, and get ready to rock! More information…

NINJAMAN JAPAN

Tomoca

Tomoca has been on the stage from a young age, and is an accomplished vocalist. Tomoco’s act brings together a unique fusion of modern pop style songs, accompanied by both modern Western and traditional Japanese instruments, which she refers to as Wa-pop (literally, Japanese pop). She performs in funky kimono inspired outfits which also reflect the east meets west sound in her music. Don’t be surprised to see her perform in quirky kimono patterns or with some seriously trendy hair to match the elegant cut of her outfits. More information…

Tomoca

Japanese Xmas Wrapping

There will be plenty of opportunities to buy Christmas presents at Hyper Japan, and it will be the place to go for unique, quirky, geeky gifts. One of the things I loved about shopping in Japan was the amazing gift wrapping which comes free in just about every shop, and at Hyper Japan there will be a team of expert wrappers on hand to ensure that your gift really has that premium Japanese finish. I hope they’re as well-trained as the department store staff in Japan!  More information…

Wrapping

And all of that is only scratching the surface! There will be also be fashion, cosplay, robots, games, food and drink, piles of kawaii goods, travel information and loads more! For all the latest news and to buy your tickets, please visit: www.hyperjapan.co.uk.

HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas
Friday 23 – Sunday 25 November 2012
Brompton Hall, Earls Court, London
www.hyperjapan.co.uk

All images courtesy of Hyper Japan.