It’s been an amazing three days. Here are just a few of the images that will linger in our minds. We look forward to seeing you again in 2019!
hj_developer
Get to Grips with Japan at HYPER JAPAN
There is always a wealth of delicious food and drink to discover.
There are so many great areas of Japan to discover, the hardest part is deciding where to go first!
The Ramen Experience offered noodles from around Japan in one place. A voyage of discovery for the taste buds!
The J-Culture Showcase allowed visitors of all ages to discover something new about Japanese culture.
No visit is complete without a commemorative photo, for example at the Sanrio at ARTBOX stand.
So Much to Discover on Day 2
An amazing day called for a commemorative photo in front of the HYPER JAPAN torii
With over 100 beverages to choose from, the Sake Experience offered an amazing array.
There were (just about) enough kawaii plushies to go round…
The ispace lunar rover was just one of the amazing technologies on display.
Special guest speaker Mr. Kamada from the CG Anime Contest talked about 30 years of independent Japanese anime.
A Super, Stylish Saturday at HYPER JAPAN
The HYPER J-Style Collection Fashion Show, in conjunction with Victorian maiden, showcased a dazzling display of designs.
From traditional to modern, all aspects of Japanese culture were covered, including the delicate ceramic skills of Clover Lee.
With the Kids Zone sponsored by Kikkoman, there was fun to be had for all ages.
The Harajuku Fashion & Kawaii Zone offered a cornucopia of cuteness.
As always, our visitors made HYPER JAPAN a stunning and vibrant place to be. Thank you!
Namazake Award Winner Announced!
Winner: Kisaki 28 Junmai Daiginjo by Koshino Megumi
Winner: Kisaki 28 Junmai Daiginjo by Koshino MegumiAfter three days of enthusiastic sampling by visitors to the HYPER JAPAN Sake Experience Winter, we have a winner of the special award for namazake or unpasteurized sake. The variety that was chosen by more visitors than any other, and has therefore been declared the winner, is Kisaki 28 Junmai Daiginjo by Koshino Megumi.
This sake made its debut in summer of 2018. “Kisaki 28 Junmai Daiginjo” is made with rice polished to 28%, the highest grade in the sake brewing industry. It is crafted for a pure and untainted flavour that will impress even the most knowledgeable master of sake-tasting.
More about Koshino Megumi.
Go to Sake Gallery.
Banzai! A Bumper Beginning to HYPER JAPAN Winter 2018
Girl idol group BANZAI JAPAN charmed the audience with their Japanese spirit on the HYPER Live! Stage. They’re back on Sunday!
As you can see, everyone enjoyed the chance to sample different types of ramen from around Japan at the Ramen Experience.
The Harajuku Zone was home to a whole host of fashion and kawaii to satisfy the most hard-core cute fans.
As always, many visitors dressed up for the occasion, proving just as spectacular as the official attractions.
Above all, a visit to HYPER JAPAN is a chance to relax and have fun with friends. Don’t miss out – visit us on Saturday or Sunday!
Friday Fun for Everyone at HYPER JAPAN
Young or old, there’s something to entertain and educate at HYPER JAPAN Winter 2018!
A rare chance to meet a living legend, kaiju illustrator Yuji Kaida, the creator of Godzilla, Ultraman and many other famous Japanese manga.
Santa has some new helpers, and this year he’s bringing lots of tasty goodies from S&B.
All aspects of Japanese culture, from traditional to futuristic, were on display and available to immerse yourself in.
Taking everything in is hungry work, but thankfully there is plenty of sustenance on offer!
A Feast For All the Senses on Day 1
Visitors to the Sake Experience were spoiled for choice, with over 100 Japanese beverages to choose from, including rare sake untasted outside Japan.
Careful selection of the sakes on offer was required! In particular, the most popular namazake (unpasteurized sake) will win an award on Sunday!
There’s something new and exciting to discover around every corner at HYPER JAPAN. You never know who or what you’ll encounter!
There was fun for all the family, and the chance to discover ancient Japanese arts and crafts that are accessible for all.
As ever, gaming was a popular pastime, with all fans able to find something to “console” themselves!
Sake Experience 2019: So Who Won?
The 2019 instalment of the HYPER JAPAN Sake Experience was as popular as ever with over 800 visitors tasting a great selection of sakes and other Japanese drinks all weekend.
This year’s Sake Experience was the biggest yet with 27 different drinks from 9 breweries representing all regions of Japan, making it one of the largest selections of Japanese sake available anywhere in Europe.
Visitors to the Sake Experience voted for their favourite in each of three categories and the following three winners were announced at the end of the event on Sunday.
People’s Favourite
Yuzu Sake
Tosa Brewing Company
Type of Sake: Fruit Liqueur
ABV: 15%
Best Served: Chilled
A refreshing fruit liqueur combining sake made with locally produced rice and yuzu. It goes well with grilled lemon chicken and white fish carpaccio, as well as being the perfect companion to herbs such as basil and rosemary, and fruit.
Best Sake for Sake Beginners
Shirakabegura MIO Sparkling Sake
Type of Sake: Sparkling
Rice Variety: Gohyakumangoku
Rice Polish Ratio / ABV: 60% / 5%
Best Served: Chilled
This gently carbonated, low-alcohol sake showcases the natural sweetness and fruitiness of rice. A great introductory sake, ideal as an aperitif or served with a light sweet course, such as fruit or sorbet.
Best Match with Non-Japanese Food
Kikusui Funaguchi Gold
Type of Sake: Honjozo
Rice Variety: Gohyakumangoku
Rice Polish Ratio / ABV: 70% / 19%
Best Served: On the Rocks, Chilled
Bold and bolshy, rich with dates, molasses and dried fruits. Canned straight from the tank to preserve the delicate flavour of undiluted, unpasteurised nama sake. Try with lamb chops, Korean BBQ, Camembert or Mozarella cheese.
See you in Winter, November Fri 16 – Sun 18!
We’ll have our winter event from Friday, 16 to Sunday, 18 November so we’ll see you then.
HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018 has come to a close
HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018 has come to a close, and we can’t thank you all enough for coming.
©Fabrizio Quagliuso
©Fabrizio Quagliuso
©Fabrizio Quagliuso
©Fabrizio QuagliusoFriday gets HYPER JAPAN off to a Flying Start!
On the Hyper Live! Stage, Deadlift Lolita brought Kawaii anarchy to the UK and sent the crowd wild. If you missed them, catch them again tomorrow!
There were retail temptations aplenty at the HYPER JAPAN Market, but don’t worry, it’s not all sold out yet…
Karaoke always goes better with a bit of lively encouragement!
There was masses of delicious food and drink to enjoy, including a de-stressing inflatable soy sauce bottle!
Traditional culture rubbed shoulders with the ultra-modern, showcasing the best that Japan has to offer.
People at the heart of HYPER JAPAN Day 2
The event was the perfect place to chill out with friends and family, and try some top-notch Japanese grub.
Lots of people made the effort to come in their finery. Especially plumbers!
Anison DJ kept the crowds jumping in the Club Room. He’s back for more of the same on Sunday.
The latest in food trends proved a big draw at the Japan Food Show.
©Fabrizio QuagliusoGaming is so much more fun when you’re dressed for the occasion.
Sweet dreams for all at HYPER JAPAN Day 2
Cute & cool idol group London Blue put on a sparkling performance on the HYPER Live! Stage.
©Fabrizio QuagliusoThe very best of Japan, ancient and modern, was on show.
A seminar on traditional Japanese sweets – they looked almost too good to eat!
It was a rare opportunity to learn from experts from Japan.
©Fabrizio QuagliusoNo holds were barred as the COSPlayers came out fighting on day two!
A Stage Showcasing Japanese Culture
It was day two of the unique HYPER Bon-Odori Challenge 3000. There’s another chance to get involved on Sunday!
Those who didn’t fancy taking part could just stand back and enjoy the spectacle.
©Fabrizio QuagliusoNHK World offered visitors the chance to get up close and personal with sumo champions.
The Japan Food Show, which continues tomorrow, offers a glimpse (and taste!) of the very latest in Japanese food trends.
Visitors of all ages love getting stuck in and trying something new.
Putting on a show! Fashion, food and fun.
As always, the HYPER J-Style Collection Fashion Show showcased a dazzling display of many types of couture. There’s a reprise on Sunday at 11.15am for those who missed it.
©Fabrizio QuagliusoTake a piece of authentic Japanese culture home with you – all major credit cards accepted!
After a good look round the show, it’s good to kick back and enjoy some authentic Japanese cuisine.
Gamers must have thought they’d gone to heaven, with the chance to play games that won’t even be released in the UK until next year.
For those who prefer something a bit more active, there was the opportunity to work up a sweat Japan-style.
COSParade sponsored by mercari lights up Saturday at HYPER JAPAN 2018
COSPlayers put on a dazzling display in the COSParade sponsored by mercari, which is always a highlight of the Festival. Sunday sees the COSTest sponsored by mercari take centre stage!
The event is a great opportunity to try something new, such as delicious, authentic Japanese Gummy Candies.
It’s difficult to find such a great variety of authentic Japanese clothing and merchandise elsewhere in the UK. Fancy a new kimono? Why not?!
©Fabrizio QuagliusoAs always, visitors dazzled us with their amazing costumes.
Why not branch out, turn over a new leaf and explore a different aspect of traditional Japanese culture?
From Thumping Tunes to Chomping Gum…
Friday at HYPER JAPAN 2018 had it all!
Anison DJ had the crowd up and dancing at his sets throughout the day. He’ll be back at the decks on Saturday and Sunday as well.
You can be sure of a warm welcome and special service at the Ai My Maid Cafe!
ROA, the shamisen rock band, gave a traditional instrument a thrilling modern twist. You can catch them again on Saturday!
Among the many delicacies on offer was HI-CHEW, the famous fruity, chewy candy from Japan. Yum!
If liked, visitors could wash down their HI-CHEW or other treats with a range of fine sakes at the Sake Experience. Tickets for Saturday are selling fast!
All this, and more to come at HYPER JAPAN 2018
Original singer-songwriter YUKIKA opened the HYPER Live! Stage and the crowd opened their hearts.
NINTENDO LABO was another mecca for game fans on day one, and there’s here for the duration!
Free smile with every bubble waffle sold! And they put a smile on customers’ faces today.
It’s true! The Sixth Lie were back on the HYPER Live! Stage, and you can catch them again on Sunday.
It was a busy Friday, but HYPER JAPAN 2018 has a lot more to offer. See you for more fun and frolics tomorrow!
Game on for a great Friday at HYPER JAPAN
Game fans took the opportunity to check out Jump Force before it’s released. Which hero would you be?
Idol Battle winners TOKYO Flavor lit up the HYPER Live! Stage, and they’ll be doing it all again on Saturday afternoon.
Back by popular demand, Wheelcake Island stole even more hearts with their fluffy Imagawayaki.
Several visitors achieved zen, with just the aid of Kikkoman soy sauce!
Hungry visitors were able to fill up with a first-class feast at the Food Court.
Drinking in the best of Japan on Day One
Today’s Sake Experience was a sell-out, but there are still limited tickets available for Saturday and Sunday. Hurry, they’re going fast!
The Sixth Lie made a triumphant return to the HYPER Live! Stage, and they’ll be back to wow audiences on Sunday.
Dressing up is always an integral part of HYPER JAPAN. The much anticipated COSParade takes place at 5pm on Saturday.
Not an ordinary cuppa! Discovering the charms of the age-old traditions of the tea ceremony.
Try something different to please your sweet tooth, with an array of delicious confectionery, both traditional and modern.
Aperion Cyberstorm: Heart-pumping Twin-Stick Bullet Hell
You should remember Aperion Cyberstorm from previous HYPER JAPAN events!
This is the game that made your hands shake and your heartbeat skyrocket as you dodge hundreds of bullets coming your way while trying to shoot everything else!
Find them at the Aperion Cyberstorm booth at the ground floor of Olympia National, across the aisle from the Nintendo stand!
Aperion Cyberstorm website: https://aprioridigital.com/aperion-cyberstorm/
Eat-Japan Magazine 2018-19 Out Now!
Get your free copy of the Eat-Japan magazine at HYPER JAPAN!
Eat-Japan, a full-colour, 41 pages, feature-packed magazine is out now. The 2018-19 issue contains Eat-Japan events preview, recipes, food glossary, restaurants and shops directory and trade directory. The magazine will be distributed to Japanese restaurants and food stores throughout the UK as well as at the HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018, so keep an eye out for your copy.
Japanese “Wagashi” Sweets – See ’em! Smell ’em! Taste ’em!
The Japanese white bean paste dessert “Nerikiri”, an ideal accompaniment to green tea, will be coming to the HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018!!! Usually served during tea ceremonies, these beautiful works of art vary depending on the season and the occasion.
Rising stars of the “wagashi” industry from the venerable Kitaya company will be present at the HYPER Theatre “Taste of WAGASHI: Traditional Japanese Sweets Seminar” where you can learn all about these fantastic “nerikiri”.
Learn all about how form and function have been beautifully fused and elevated to dazzling heights of beauty – and perhaps even sample some!
Want to see more? Check out our J-Sweet Gallery presented by Kitaya!!!
