Hyper Japan Comes to Manchester

Manchester Prepares for Hyper Japan's Northern Debut

The United Kingdom's premier festival dedicated to Japan's traditions comes to Manchester this week, marking a historic move for a gathering previously exclusive to London. The Manchester Central Convention Centre will host the three-day cultural immersion event, the Hyper Japan festival, which begins on Friday, 14 November 2025. This northern expansion signals a new era for the celebration, which has drawn crowds in the capital for the past decade and a half. Planners are promoting the Manchester debut as a comprehensive gathering. They promise a genuine experience of Japanese traditions, providing an ideal autumn activity for residents and tourists. The occasion is designed as an inclusive event, open to seasoned enthusiasts, families, and curious newcomers.

A New Northern Hub for Japanese Culture

Following over a decade of significant success in London, the move to bring Hyper Japan to Manchester reflects an awareness of the rising interest in Japanese traditions throughout the UK. The gathering has regularly attracted large audiences in the capital; its July 2025 London iteration saw more than 53,000 attendees during its three-day run. This relocation to Manchester Central, a key venue in the city's core, intends to mirror that achievement and establish a new northern base for the festival. The Managing Director at Hyper Japan, Yoshiki Sato, conveyed enthusiasm for the expansion, pointing to the varied schedule prepared for guests. Event planners promise a weekend filled with discovery and festivity, with the goal of crafting a memorable time for everyone.

What Hyper Japan Represents

Hyper Japan functions as a broad platform for the nation's dynamic contemporary life. Backing for the event comes from the TOPPAN Group, a worldwide manufacturing firm that recently took over the festival's producer, Cross Media. This collaboration intends to use Hyper Japan to speed up the worldwide growth of Japanese media and customs. The festival's goal is to present the diverse character of modern Japan. This covers everything from the newest developments in fashion, food, and music to the realms of popular media like anime and manga. It further includes tourism, advanced technological displays, and traditional customs, presenting a complete picture of the country's cultural environment. The gathering takes pride in its wide reach; last year, nearly all of its roughly 30,000 attendees were not Japanese.

A Global Phenomenon

The festival's influence goes well beyond the UK's boundaries. A digital iteration of the gathering held four years prior showed its worldwide appeal, connecting an estimated 200,000 individuals from 139 nations. This online success highlights the global interest in Japan's traditions and the capacity of these events to unite varied groups. The Manchester relocation is a tactical decision to continue growing this international following. It makes the genuine Japanese cultural experience available to a larger geographical region. The participation of the TOPPAN Group should boost the festival's international reputation, serving as a starting point for Japanese companies and creatives aiming to access the European market.

Event Schedule and Ticketing

The Manchester gathering is scheduled from Friday, 14 November, through to Sunday, 16 November 2025. Friday's festivities will commence at 12:00 GMT, concluding at 20:00. The hours on Saturday are 10:00 to 20:00, with the festival finishing on Sunday at 17:00. Tickets for single-day general entry start at a price of £25.20. As a family-friendly consideration, admission is complimentary for children ten years old or younger who are with a paying adult. Planners have also arranged support for attendees with disabilities. A ticket holder with a disability can bring a companion free of charge by picking the "Carer" selection while booking. Festival personnel might need to see documentation to verify eligibility, including a Blue Badge, or paperwork for either Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

A Star-Studded Stage

Among the celebrated Japanese performers on the central stage is Aya Hirano, a noted actor, singer, and voice artist. She is widely praised for her contribution to the famous anime show The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Hirano has also voiced iconic characters in shows like Death Note and Fairy Tail. Her professional life started as a child performer, and she achieved broad recognition in 2006 with the success of the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise, earning many accolades for her voice work. Her move into television and theatre has cemented her position as a multi-talented artist who transitioned successfully from the anime world to mainstream entertainment.

Yoh Kamiyama’s Genre-Bending Sound

Also part of the impressive roster is Yoh Kamiyama, a popular songwriter whose compositions have engaged listeners with their distinct mix of pop styles. He is well-known for contributing theme music to popular anime, including Horimiya and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Kamiyama's musical path began in 2014, when he first made songs with Vocaloid software as Yukisan. In 2017, he began to release tracks using his own vocals. His song "Yellow" achieved viral status on YouTube and TikTok in 2018. He made his major debut in 2020, and his work has since appeared in multiple famous anime, garnering him significant praise.

The Soulful Voice of Miyuna

The festival also includes Miyuna, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter praised for her emotional vocals and heartfelt stage presence. She has gained significant acclaim for her theme songs in animated series such as Black Clover and Fairy Tail. Miyuna was born in the Miyazaki Prefecture and started her music career in 2018, rapidly achieving mainstream popularity. Her unique gravelly voice, a characteristic since her youth, gives her music a special quality. A hip fracture from middle school track-and-field led her to a singing competition, which launched her professional music journey and resulted in performances at gatherings in Fukuoka and other cities.

Image Credit -  by Magnus D, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Display of Traditional Arts

In addition to modern musical performers, attendees can delve into a wide variety of authentic Japanese stage arts. The gathering will present the tranquil and moving music of the Shakuhachi, a type of end-blown flute made from bamboo. This instrument has five finger holes and is recognized for its uniquely touching sound, with historical links to Zen Buddhist practices. Guests can also witness performances using the Koto, a long stringed instrument made of wood that dates back to the Nara era. The strong and rhythmic sounds of Taiko drumming, an energetic and striking performance style, will also be part of the attractions.

The Way of the Sword

For individuals curious about Japan's martial arts, Hyper Japan will present energetic Kendo displays. Kendo translates as "Way of the Sword" and is a contemporary Japanese martial art derived from classical sword fighting techniques. Its practitioners utilize bamboo swords called shinai and don protective gear known as bogu. These displays will give insight into the discipline, proficiency, and ethos of this esteemed martial practice. Including Kendo offers a lively contrast to the artistic and musical shows. It highlights another key aspect of Japanese tradition and history. The practice embodies the values of respect, self-control, and personal growth.

Celebrating Creativity Through Cosplay

Cosplay, a term blending "costume" and "play," is a vital component of contemporary Japanese pop culture. Hyper Japan will offer a stage for fans to display their dedication and ingenuity. The festival will feature community masquerades where participants can present their carefully made outfits. These are often based on figures from anime, manga, and video games. Such gatherings are a lively celebration of artistry and fandom. They let people embody their cherished characters and interact with a similar-minded group. The masquerades welcome not only experienced cosplayers but anyone wanting to join in and express their affection for the inspiring stories and characters.

Hands-On Cultural Workshops

Hyper Japan provides more than just viewing experiences; it encourages guests to engage directly in Japanese traditions through various interactive sessions. Among the featured activities is Shimenawa-making, the practice of creating traditional Japanese wreaths using rice straw. People use these sacred ropes in Shinto rites to cleanse areas and denote holy objects. Traditionally, they hang in shrines, temples, and homes, particularly during New Year celebrations, to invite deities and repel negative spirits. Workshop attendees will get to learn this ancient skill and make their own Shimenawa to bring home.

The Art of Paper Folding

Another well-liked session will concentrate on Origami, the Japanese practice of folding paper. This detailed craft changes a flat piece of paper into a complete sculpture using folding and shaping methods. While people often link modern Origami with leisure and imagination, its origins are deep in Japanese tradition. It was once used for religious ceremonies and as decorations for important events. The session will show attendees how to create different Origami figures, presenting a calm and interesting activity for every age group. This offers a great way to admire the elegance and exactness of this enduring art.

The Way of the Brush

For those curious about the art of writing, a Shodo session will explain the fundamentals of Japanese calligraphy. Shodo translates to "the way of writing" and is an artistic rendering of characters with a brush dipped in ink. This practice is a deeply respected art in Japan, highlighting not just the elegance of the characters but also the calligrapher's focus and spirit. Attendees will learn about basic brush techniques, posture, and the philosophical ideas behind this contemplative activity. This is a chance to connect with the Japanese language in a distinctly artistic and thoughtful manner.

The Beauty of Golden Repair

The festival will also provide workshops on Kintsugi, the Japanese practice of mending broken pottery with lacquer that is either dusted with or mixed with powdered gold. This technique, centuries old, does not try to conceal the damage. Instead, it emphasizes the cracks and repairs as part of the object's past, making it more beautiful and precious. Kintsugi has its foundations in the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which recognizes beauty in flaws and impermanence. The workshop will offer an introduction to this singular craft, enabling participants to grasp the philosophy and fundamental methods behind transforming breakage into a beautiful object.

A Culinary Journey

A focus on its varied and tasty food is essential to any festival of Japanese traditions. The food area at Hyper Japan will present a broad selection of genuine meals, snacks, and sweets. Guests can try freshly prepared popular dishes like ramen, yakisoba, and onigiri. The gathering will also have common street foods like takoyaki and karaage. For anyone wanting dessert, there will be classic Japanese confections such as mochi and several matcha-flavoured treats. Japanese craft coffee and other drinks will be available to go with the food, offering a complete dining experience.

The Sake Experience

For attendees wishing to discover the world of Japanese alcoholic drinks, the popular Sake Experience will be a major highlight. This interactive tasting event lets guests try a range of sake, from sparkling types to award-winning examples from various regions of Japan. It serves as an informative and pleasant method to learn about Japan's national beverage, its production processes, and the subtleties of its different forms. The Sake Experience gives a greater appreciation for the skill and heritage that contribute to making this iconic beverage. It offers a special chance to talk with sake specialists and find new personal favourites.

A Bustling Marketplace

The Hyper Market will be a main attraction of the festival, providing a lively and active shopping environment. Over 180 vendors will be present, including famous Japanese firms like FujiFilm and Bandai Namco. The marketplace will also have a significant number of independent creators and artists, showing a distinct collection of items from Japan and Japanese-themed gifts. Visitors can look through an extensive array of products, from limited-run anime merchandise and real figures imported from Japan to Japanese apparel, art, pottery, and accessories. The market serves as a perfect spot for early Christmas shopping, with a wide variety of unique, handmade goods.

Celebrating Pop Culture Icons

Alongside the market, several booths will be devoted to honouring iconic elements of Japanese pop culture. The Evangelion 30th Anniversary Booth will observe three decades of the influential anime series with merchandise exclusive to the event and special displays. Fans can also greet Sanrio's adored character, My Melody, at a meet-and-greet and take a picture at a specially themed wall. For followers of virtual entertainers, the VOCAFEST Live Dark Room will present an engaging VTuber digital concert experience. These distinct features offer dedicated areas for fans to connect with their preferred franchises and characters in a more personal way.

More Than Just a Festival

Hyper Japan's arrival in Manchester represents more than a cultural event; it serves as a platform for community and connection. The festival will have a Business Networking Reception on Friday night, uniting exhibitors, local business figures, and industry associates. This element highlights the event's function in promoting cultural and economic relationships between Japan and the UK. By offering a venue for professional networking alongside cultural festivity, Hyper Japan seeks to have a durable effect on Manchester and the greater northern area. This will cement its status as the UK's top event for all things Japanese.