This year’s COSTest was an absolutely spectacular showdown, with loads of talented entrants taking their skills to the stage. Congratulations to our winner Demorafairy, who took home the trophy with her steampunk rendition of Mercy from Overwatch, complete with moving wings! (Yep, you read that right!)
Make sure you check out her Facebook page below for more photos of her stunning cosplay!
The Kikkoman Sushi competition, held on 16th Sunday at the HYPER Live Stage, went over a storm! Three fabulous, creative sushi concepts were chosen, the creations were brought to life by a professional chef, and sampled by a panel of three judges: Mr. Lee of Kikkoman, Mr. Hama of So Restaurant, and Ms. Vernon of Wolfdown blog.
The winning combination, put forward by Snigdha (centre) of Snigs Kitchen, was a brilliant combination of Parma ham, tomatoes, and mozzarella. She’s won the contents of the gift basket pictured below. Congratulations as well to runners up BTS Army Life (right) with her combo of shiitake, bok choy and avocado, and Raveena (left) with her combination of cream cheese, salmon and avocado!
Ki-aikido is a dynamic martial art for peaceful conflict resolution. Aikido literally means “the way to harmony with Ki”.
Practitioners use Ki to lead their opponents by moving together, rather than colliding or fighting with them.
Brighton Ki Society practices Ki-aikido – also known as Shin Shin Tōitsu Aikido (aikido with mind and body unified).
For the originals, the discoverers and for those who seek more, we brew the purest Japanese beer that will take your taste buds on their next adventure.
We believe practice makes perfect and with over 130 years of brewing experience Kirin Ichiban is something we are pretty proud of. Our unique brewing method makes us stand out from the crowd and keeps us firmly rooted to our home of Japan. We pioneered the First Press method, which gives the beer an incredible burst of flavour by keeping all the ingredients in their purest form, and as our little secret, it gets even better when shared over a plate of sushi and searing wasabi.
Be the one turning heads at the bar for all the right reasons, Kanpai.
Follow Kirin here:
We’re ramping things up here at HYPER JAPAN, and that means we’re giving away even more prizes in our ticket purchase raffle. 449 more, to be exact!!
Contest Outline:
Here’s what we’re giving away:
Roxie Sweetheart takes inspiration from diverse sources – from Tokyo’s vibrant fashion scene to vintage illustrations; a stunning selection of 
unique pieces that combine the sweet with the street, and incorporate gorgeous, colourful and edgy hand-drawn designs. A long-time HYPER JAPAN exhibitor, Roxie Sweetheart will be offering up more than ever this summer with a booth in our fashion area! Her adorable lineup boasts unique printed kawaii clothing, statement pieces, jewellery, hair accessories, bags, and more.
Roxie says:
The vibrance, whimsicality and sheer (sometimes twisted-) cuteness of Japanese art, design and fashion has always inspired me. Japanese design is unafraid to explore colour, texture and innovative ideas. My first memories of Japanese design are from Sanrio’s Little Twin Stars. Today, my design work continues to be heavily influenced by Tokyo street style, manga comics and artists such as Walt Disney, Junko Mizuno and Fafi. I love to combine hand-drawn illustrations with computer-aided design into wearable pieces. Creative expression is my passion!
Website: http://www.roxiesweetheart.co.uk
As some of you may already know from previous announcements, Dreamy Bows, the UK’s leading Japanese street fashion shop, is thrilled to confirm that they will be collaborating with the sensational Harajuku icon, Haruka Kurebayashi, to create an exclusive range of fashion goodies!
What you probably didn’t know is that not only is she collaborating with Dreamy Bows… Kurebayashi herself will be coming to HYPER JAPAN all the way from Tokyo to present her creations to you!!
Kurebayashi, also known as “90884”, embodies all that is Harajuku, and is well known for her amazingly creative signature looks incorporating decora, pop kei and other colourful styles. She is a fashion designer, a performer with her own band, and also a model – you may have spotted her in KERA magazine, modelling for LISTEN FLAVOR, featuring on NHK World’s Kawaii International show, and starring in makeup tutorials for Kawaii Pateen.
Dreamy Bows will be unveiling a range of collaboration items they’ve been busy working on with Kurebayashi in the weeks leading up to HYPER JAPAN, where the range will be launched at their pop-up shop!
And there’s more! Kurebayashi will also be leading a variety of activities at the Dreamy Bows pop-up shop and on stage throughout the weekend, including:
… plus more to be announced nearer the time.
Kurebayashi will also be appearing with Dreamy Bows at ARTBOX in Covent Garden on Wednesday 19th July, for an exclusive after-hours “Kurebayashi Goodbye Party” with her dearest fans! Tickets are available now at DreamyBows.com, and they will also be available from our pop-up shop at HYPER JAPAN, subject to availability.
For now please keep following Dreamy Bows on their social media for more information, and be sure to purchase your tickets for HYPER JAPAN! Dreamy Bows and Kurebayashi can’t wait to see you all there!
Website: http://www.facebook.com/DreamyBows
Website: http://www.instagram.com/dreamybows
Want to know more about the offerings at the Sake Experience 2017? Scroll down to learn more about the 10 breweries joining us. And don’t forget to check the Sake Experience page here for more info about the event itself.
Gekkeikan’s roots stretch back over 380 years to 1637, with its founding by Jiemon Okura in the ancient city of Kyoto. In 1905, the brand name GEKKEIKAN (meaning “crown of laurel”) was adopted as the company’s formal pledge to excellence. With a greater world wide appreciation of Japanese cuisine over the last decades, Gekkeikan sake has been experiencing a tremendous growth in popularity. Today, dedicated just as the founder was over 370 years ago, both Gekkeikan Japan and Gekkeikan USA continue the tradition of both taste and quality.
Website: http://www.gekkeikan-sake.com/
Hamakawa Shoten brewery was established in 1904, and is currently owned by the fifth generation of the Hamakawa family. Located in the town of Tano in East Kochi of Shikoku island, the brewery makes full use of underground water reservoirs that originate in Senbon Mountains, home to one of the three most beautiful forests in Japan.
Website: http://www.bijofu.jp/
Established in the 14th year of the Meiji era (1881) the Kikusui (a combination of two words “Kiku” which means chrysanthemum, and “Sui” which means water) brewery has carried on the proud tradition of sake brewing in Northwestern Niigata prefecture for over 130 years. Kikusui is Five generations of the Takasawa family have carefully nurtured the brewery over the years as Kikusui continues to pursue it’s love of sake.
Website: http://www.kikusui-sake.com/home/en/
Hailing from Fukui Prefecture, Kubota Brewery is a small yet proud brewery based in Sakai city. Taking advantage of the pure air and clean waters of Fukui, Kubota has maintained a strong sense of pride in its sake traditions harkening back to its founding in 1753.
Website: http://www.fukukoma.co.jp
In 1711 Ozeki Sake was established in Imazu, Hyogo prefecture, praised for centuries for its great water quality. Over the years Ozeki Sake has become one of the major sake brewers in Japan, making sake history with the introduction of its “One Cup OZEKI” sake for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Website: https://www.ozeki.co.jp/english/
The Seto Shuzo Brewery was founded in 1789 by Tajibei Seto, originally starting the business under the brand name “Maruhei Masamune”. Located in Shiotacho in Saga prefecture, the brewery enjoys nature’s blessings in the form of crystal clear waters and crisp, clean air. Today, the company continues its proud tradition of sake making with the flagship “Azumacho” brand.
Website: http://www.azumacho.co.jp/english
The Sho Chiku Bai Shirakabegura brewery is located in Hyogo Prefecture, home of the famous Rokko Mountains. It is from these mountains that the crucial “Miyamizu” water flows, which forms the base of the brewery sake. The brewery is dedicated to combining expert sake brewing knowledge with cutting edge technology to capture the delicate essence of time-honored hands-on brewing methods.
Website: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/shirakabegura/
Founded in the waning days of the Edo era (think “The Last Samurai”) in Kamiko Funatsu, a small fishing boat anchorage in Niigata prefecture, Takeda Shuzo has been going strong for the past 151 years. With its flagship Katafune brand, the brewery has been winning awards at international competitions and has brought critical acclaim to this small brewery.
Website: http://www.katafune.jp/sake.html
Located on the eastern side of Hiroshima city, at the foot of Mt. Iwataki in Funakoshi, the Umeda Shuzo brewery has been proudly brewing its “Honshuichi” brand sake since 1916. Taking advantage of local spring water drawn from 60 meters below, and Hiroshima-grown sake rice “Senbon Nishiki,” the brewery is reaching beyong the borders of Japan to countries abroad.
Website: http://www.honshu-ichi.com
The Urakasumi brewery is nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, in the scenic town of Shiogama. Founded in 1724, the brewery has a proud history of not only making sake but also providing sake to the Shiogama Shrine. Today, with the flagship Urakasumi brand firmly established in the upper echelons of sake society, the brewery continues to strive for perfection under the careful guidance of its sake masters.
Website: http://www.urakasumi.com/en/
It’s official! Click below to see the menus for the Urban Food Fest trucks that are set to join us this July! They even have special Japanese fusion dishes for HYPER JAPAN! [timed ondate=”20170608″ ontime=”0945″ offdate=”20170608″ offtime=”1030″]More to come![/timed]
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Join us for fun (and food!) in the sun!
Our friends at Clearspring have kindly provided us with some amazing organic products to give away, and we’re offering all HYPER JAPAN attendees a chance to win! Entry is simple. All you need to do is buy (or have bought) a ticket to HYPER JAPAN!
We’ll be drawing winners at random from a list of all purchasers, and you’ll be able to collect your prize on the day!
Here’s what we’re giving away:
About Clearspring
The Clearspring brand promises premium quality Japanese specialities and Organic Fine Foods that are authentic, versatile and support good health.
Made to traditional recipes by master artisan producers, they bring you full, authentic flavours of some of the most exciting food cultures from around the world. Made from the finest ingredients without using artificial additives, colourings or preservatives while at the same time respecting local food traditions.
Clearspring always works directly with their producers to build long term partnerships of ethical trade that support sustainable organic farming and benefit local communities.
Website: https://www.clearspring.co.uk/
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Congratulations to the winners!!! We’ll be in touch with you to let you know where and how to collect your prize.
Lastly, thank you so much to everyone who took part in this contest! We can’t wait to see you all at HYPER JAPAN!
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Mirai Suenaga , while originally created with the purpose to prettify her creator’s website “dannychoo.com,” ended up turning out to be much more than a website mascot! Mirai-chan has gone on to collaborate with various anime and game companies such as Square Enix, Good Smile Company, Bushiroad, Ascii Media Works, King Records, Nitroplus and Isetan. In 2013, Mirai became an official mascot for Japan Tourism and in 2014 she became an official mascot for Malaysia Tourism.
Website: http://mirai.fm/
When you think of pizza, a variety of toppings come to mind. But we’re willing to bet that wasabi isn’t one of them! If you’re in doubt, just come to this workshop and try for yourself!
S&B has invited Italian executive chef, Tomasso Romita, to show you the tricks of pizza making, alongside advice on how best to incorporate wasabi into an Italian course dinner. Wasabi Dressing? Tomato & Wasabi Paste? The possibilities are endless.
Several challengers will get to join the chef Tomasso on stage to have a bit of hands-on experience, and at the end of the workshop, all participants will have a chance to try some wasabi pizza. So, make sure to leave some room!
Workshop Details
Website: http://orientalmerchant.eu/brands/s-b
It shows up in all of your favourite animes and J-Drama… Curry – the ubiquitous Japanese comfort food. This workshop mixes the spirit of the “chara-ben” (themed – and almost always adorable! – lunch box) with the well-loved Japanese rendition of the Indian classic.
Kinu Yukawa, Japan Centre’s Food Creative, who has previously taught the popular “chara-ben” at Hyper stages will give you the rundown on how to make Deco-Curry using S&B Golden Curry, along with tricks and tips on how to make your curry too cute to eat! Better yet, all viewers of this stage will get to sample S&B Golden Curry Sauce with our all time favourite chips. So make sure you come peckish!
Challengers of the Deco-Curry stage competition will receive curry gift from S&B. Also, there will be a sample of S&B Curry Powder for all viewers to take home. Posting your homemade S&B creation on SNS with hashtags #LoveSBCurry #HYPERJAPAN within two weeks will earn you the chance of winning a gift from S&B.
Workshop Details
This April 23! A celebration of great music from and inspired by Japan, brought to you by JPU Records and the UK’s largest Japanese culture festival, HYPER JAPAN. This event includes performances from Tokyo’s dance/pop mannequins FEMM, electronic musician Shirobon, and tunes span from JPU Records, the home of kick arse music from Japan.
When: 23 April, 7:30 PM
Where: O2 Academy2 Islington, N1 Centre, Islington, London, N1 0PS.
Tickets go on sale at 9 AM on 16 April! Buy them here!
FEMM
A dance and pop duo formed by two “mannequins,” RiRi and Lula. Originally gaining popularity among teens in the US and Europe, they have been seeing growing support from fashionistas and influencers around the world. In February 2016, they made their major debut with “PoW! / L.C.S.＋Femm-Isation.” (The music video was labeled a “BUZZ CLIP” by MTV Japan.) This video featured collaborations with cutting edge creators and their unique choreography was highly acclaimed by influencers around the world, resulting in over 7.5 million views on YouTube. It’s now FEMM’s time to shine as they come in to the spotlight as new fashion icons.
Shirobon
Shirobon is an electronic musician from London, England. In 2006 Shirobon began making music using a Nintendo Game Boy and has never looked back. and went on to release music and play shows using only the Game Boy. In 2009 he took some time out to discover the world of modern production and came back into the scene in 2013 with his crossover EP ‘Back Tracking’. Shirobon now plays shows around the world and runs his record label ‘Hyperwave’. Known for his futuristic sound and catchy melodies Shirobon will deliver some extreme party vibes!
About JPU Records:
Dedicated to bringing cutting edge, kick arse music from Japan to the UK, Europe and beyond. From their offices in London, JPU Records aims to smash stereotypes, burst eardrums and fill shelves with their releases. The journey so far has led to their first artist, the GazettE being featured as a hot release in British industry mag Music Week, voted Music Act of the Year by the readers of NEO Magazine and chart success with each album and single getting to #1 in the iTunes Metal Charts. Other artists include HMV recommended BAND-MAID, SCANDAL, SPYAIR and Aldious, amongst others.
This just in! Kikkoman is teaming up with HYPER JAPAN for a competition to find the ultimate HYPER JAPAN sushi roll!
Don’t forget – applications may be closed, but you can still participate (read: eat) in the sushi judging process during the Sunday session!
About the sponsor: Kikkoman Soy Sauce is the essential, all purpose seasoning for all your favourite dishes – from soups and stews, to salads and stir fries. A splash of Kikkoman into your cooking brings out the flavours and adds a subtle savoury richness – known as ‘umami’.
Kikkoman Soy Sauce is made with just 4 pure ingredients and naturally brewed over several months, giving its distinctive, aromatic taste.
Website: http://www.kikkoman.co.uk
Visit the traditional neighbourhood of Asakusa in Tokyo, and you’re sure to see rickshaws rolling around, snug tourists being pulled along by strong young men known as “shafu.” Tokyo Rickshaw is made of of four such men, who have taken the art of being “shafu” to a whole other level. Combining exciting music and acrobatics, this dance/music/acrobatic unit presents an unforgettable stage show embodying the spirit of Japanese-ness! Not to mention they’ll be bringing an actual rickshaw for guests to ride on and take pictures in! Don’t miss the chance to see these Asakusa celebrities in the flesh at HYPER JAPAN!
PROFILE
Originally formed in November of 2015, Tokyo Rickshaw was formed with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in mind. Striving to promote the concept of Japanese “omotenashi” (hospitality), the members of this group still work in Asakusa, entertaining and playing tour guide for visiting tourists. The currently lineup was formed in January of this year, when they auditioned actors, athletes, comedians, and other aspiring performers from around the country.
Website: http://unit.tokyo-rickshaw.com/
So we’ll admit it – winter at Tobacco Docks is a bit chilly, especially if you’re cosplaying! (We’re looking at you, Luffy cosplayers! [Among others!]) And while we do think it has a fabulous festive vibe that makes up for this, we also admit that summer is the REAL prime time to enjoy this historic venue! And of course with 16 full hours of daylight (let’s hear it for English summer!) you can get in even more fab photos of your cosplay, your mates, and just the general festivities.
We can’t wait to see you there!
A massive thanks to everyone who participated in this Christmas Market’s COSTest! There were so many incredible outfits that everyone had obviously put a lot of time and thought into. It was hard to choose just one, but….
Our heartfelt congratulations to Euph of Euph cosplay, who took home a sparkling HYPER JAPAN trophy, alongisde a £150 gift certificate from Tofu Cute! Euph’s cosplay of Dragon Trainer Lulu from League of Legends blew us all away!
Was your Sailor Moon transformation brooch your prized possession growing up? Was your childhood happiness determined by whatever happened on each week’s episode? Wondering what you’ll ever do with all those Sailor Moon toys you have stashed away in your parents’ attic?
Yeah, (at least one of) us too.
But great news! Dreamy Bows will now be selling a whole load of official Bandai Sailor Moon merch that it’s TOTALLY acceptable to carry around as a fully-grown adult!
With a full range of Sailor Moon makeup, you can now proudly display your fandom daily in the chicest way possible. Makeup items include:
In addition, Dreamy Bows will also be selling such items as the Sailor Moon Stick & Rod 2nd Series Collectibles (mini proplicas including the Heart Moon, Kaleidomoon Scope, and the Jupiter and Venus transformation sticks), Miniaturely Tablet Cases ( 2nd and 3rd series) and Display Stand, Twinkle Dolly 3rd Series, and Cutie Moon Rod Ballpen Pointer! Grab ’em before they’re gone!
Think Japanese food is just about sushi? Think again… and check out the variety in Japanese cuisine with Clearspring’s festive vegan cooking workshop!
Join former MasterChef finalist Andrew Kojima, as he introduces you to Clearspring’s authentic and organic products, all made with traditional recipes using the finest organic ingredients.
This free hands-on workshop will focus on producing some delicious, simple, appetisers perfect for the festive season. From roasted pumpkin with barley miso, Japanese slaw to aubergine with umami paste your taste buds will be truly tempted!
Participants will learn the tricks to making:
・ Kale with Sesame Dressing (Goma-dare)
・ Cabbage Maki
・Japanese Slaw
・ Aubergine with Umami Paste
・ Tofu with Shiso (Japanese basil/ Perilla ), Pear and Lime
・Roast Pumpkin with Barley Miso and Pumpkin Seeds Topping
・Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms with Tempura Dipping Sauce with a hint of Ume Plum
Details
About Clearspring
The Clearspring brand promises premium quality Japanese specialities and Organic Fine Foods that are authentic, versatile and support good health.
Made to traditional recipes by master artisan producers, they bring you full, authentic flavours of some of the most exciting food cultures from around the world. Made from the finest ingredients without using artificial additives, colourings or preservatives while at the same time respecting local food traditions.
Clearspring always works directly with their producers to build long term partnerships of ethical trade that support sustainable organic farming and benefit local communities.
Want to liven up your holiday party, or just show guests your dedication to Japanese cuisine? Either way, Mika Kaneko of DOGS Kitchen & Bar has got you sorted! In this workshop, Mika will guide you through the steps to making wasabi-infused party nibbles with just the right amount of spice.
Did you know? Wasabi, although called “Japanese horseradish,” is not actually horseradish at all! It’s part of a family called Brassicaceae, which includes cabbages, mustards, radishes, and broccoli. Unlike horseradish, the part of wasabi that is commonly consumed is the stem, which appears root-like and knobbly because of leaves that have fallen off. It shows up in Japanese records for the first time as far back as the year 918, and was valuable enough that it could be used to pay taxes. A very difficult plant to cultivate, wasabi grows naturally only in very specific climates and requires cold water with a delicate balance of minerals, as well as temperate weather and shade.
Details
Mika Kaneko
Mika was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan. Her passion for creative and international cooking took her France
for training, and time spent living in New York, Paris, Milan and Geneva further developed and refind her tastes.
Now based in London, she runs her own restaurant – DOGS Mika’s Kitchen & Bar – a stone’s throw from Canary Wharf. Billed as “Contemporary Japanese cuisine for European palates”
Website: DOGS Mika’s Kitchen & Bar
Ever think wasabi could go in a cupcake? No? Neither did we. But that’s just one reason to take part in S&B’s wasabi cooking demo! Focusing on wasabi-centric dishes, this demo hopes to introduce dishes that not only suit the local palate, but fit comfortably into anyone’s holiday food repertoire.
Did you know? Wasabi, although called “Japanese horseradish,” is not actually horseradish at all! It’s part of a family called Brassicaceae, which includes cabbages, mustards, radishes, and broccoli. Unlike horseradish, the part of wasabi that is commonly consumed is the stem, which appears root-like and knobbly because of leaves that have fallen off. It shows up in Japanese records for the first time as far back as the year 918, and was valuable enough that it could be used to pay taxes. A very difficult plant to cultivate, wasabi grows naturally only in very specific climates and requires cold water with a delicate balance of minerals, as well as temperate weather and shade.
Not only are these cupcakes pretty and festive, they’ve got a little kick of something special: wasabi. During this cupcake workshop, professional cake artist Pippa Hymans of B-Tempted bakery will guide you through 3-4 styles of frosting with Wasabi flavoured buttercream. At the end of the workshop, you will take your Wasabi flavoured cupcakes home!
Details
B-Tempted
B-Tempted is a luxurious gluten free bakery in East London. As suppliers to Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges, our small cakes and friands are made with the finest ingredients.
Website: www.b-tempted.co.uk
twitter: @BTemptedHQ
Contact: hello@b-tempted.co.uk
Perennial favourite Heart of Gaming is back with their fabulous lineup of retro arcade and console games. Get your fix of everything from from classics like Street Fighter, to 90s darling Dance Dance Revolution, or take on your friends with the wiiU version of Super Smash Bros.!
New to our gaming area this year is NIS America, coming in with a bang and a massive game demo area! Attendees of this year’s HYPER JAPAN Christmas Market will enjoy the rare chance to play the following four demo titles on PS4!
Grand Kingdom: This tactical RPG boasts loads of complex mechanics for a deep immersion experience. (PS4 and PSVita)
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir: A polished, HD remake of the original PS2 version, this 2D side-scrolling RPG is kind to beginners. (PS4, PS3, and PSVita.)
Tohou’s Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet: This stylish game is a mash-up of the bullet hell and 1v1 fighting genres. (PS4)
Tohou’s Psycho Pass: Mandatory Happiness: A visual novel-style game from the hit manga/anime! (PS4, PSVita, and Steam) This game will have its own area just off of the main HoG courtyard.
Giveaway games:
HYPER JAPAN Christmas Market attendees can look forward to a LOAD of giveaways, including NIS titles from the PS4, PSVita, and Nintendo 3DS product range. These will be given as prizes, either for Heart of Gaming-hosted tournaments or as prizes for HoG raffles.
Tournaments: Heart of Gaming will be holding Street Fighter, Dance Dance Revolution, and Super Smash Bros mini-tournaments on both the Saturday and Sunday sessions! Compete for your chance to win a copy of one of NIS’s titles! Full tournament details can be found on the HoG Facebook page.
Raffles: Simply fill in the form with your details. Multiple prize draws will be held during each session, and winners will be announced via the HoG Facebook and Twitter.
NIS America, Inc. is a California-based subsidiary of Nippon Ichi Software, Inc. of Japan, focusing on localization, marketing, and publishing of Nippon Ichi titles. An international company focused on creating innovative video game products, NIS works hard to bring exciting new titles to satisfy both fans and new users.
Heart of Gaming has been described as “the UK’s closest thing to a real Japanese Game Center.” While it is temporarily without a physical outpost, HoG is looking forward to moving in to its new location in March of next year.
