Japanese washi paper is art in its own right. Not only is the paper rich in texture and thick fibre, it’s also often available in colourful designs and intricate patterns. Often used in traditional craftwork, washi is a most elegant material and has enjoyed a favoured status amongst Japanese craftspeople for centuries.
In this session, you will learn how to make your own bracelet out of beautiful washi paper! A few quick rolls and you’ve your first washi bead. String them together in different colour combinations to satisfy your creativity and express your individuality! Since the beads are handmade, if you ever change your mind, swap out a bead to enjoy a whole new look! Simple, yet the stylish designs draw the eye and add a touch of traditional beauty to any outfit!
- Starts at 16:30 Friday 15th, 15:45 Sunday 17th
- £5 Per person
- All Ages
- No advance bookings, purchase a token for the activity at the HJ shop (near the Creative Studio).
- You should be at the Creative Studio 10 minutes before the starting time for the activity.
- You can only purchase a token for an activity during the same session it is taking place.
- 60 People max per activity.
Meeting the fashion needs wants and, let’s face it, secret desires of the British public since mankind discovered the joys of clubs and raves is Cyberdog. Operating out of their flagship (or Mothership) store in Camden, this mega-brand is focused on people who just want to have a fun time … wearing outrageously futuristic/kawaii/neon/cyber outfits.
Cyberdog’s clothing range is famous throughout the known universe – and pretty popular in the unknown universe as well!
There is almost a Zen-like pleasure in seeing a simple piece of paper transformed into a beautiful crane, or your favorite anime character for that matter.
The kimono is so much more than an elegant silk outfit; it is the embodiment of the Japanese spirit, the “和” (wa) and is an art form in its own right. Symbolising concepts long revered in Japanese culture, such as harmony and elegance, the kimono is the ultimate expression of everything Japanese. This summer, taking to the stage to share his interpretation of the Japanese spirit of “wa” as seen through the kimono is Mr. Noriyuki Ikeda, CEO of WASOUKAN.
Noriyuki Ikeda, WASOUKAN
Each step a precise movement, each turn a carefully choreographed move, a performance by the Hiroko Tanaka Nihon Buyo Group is so much more than a traditional dance. Nihon Buyo (lit: dance) is a stunning display of the utmost elegance and beauty, and that’s even before you factor in their breathtakingly beautiful kimono.
Hiroko Tanaka began learning Nihon Buyo at the age of 6 in Kyoto, where she was born and raised, and has been dancing for nearly 60 years. She has been teaching this elegant Japanese dance form Nihon Buyo in London since 2003. Her students are a mix of various backgrounds and nationalities ranging from office workers and business people to chefs and actresses. The students showcase their skills in twice yearly reviews and are proud to be able showcase their skills at public events.
Today, the otaku movement is a global phenomenon in its own right, with conventions and movements in many a country. To address the needs of this farflung movement, the International Otaku Expo Association (IOEA) was formed. Traveling from convention to convention, the IOEA aims to establish and strengthen links between otaku fans around the world. In recognition of the efforts of UK otaku fans, we are happy to announce that representatives from the IOEA will be at HYPER JAPAN Festival 2016!
International Otaku Expo Association(IOEA) is an global association of expos and events where enthusiasts of otaku culture gather together. The goal of IOEA is to encourage new developments within the wider otaku culture by linking disparate otaku expos together. Through these linkages, expo organisers, fans, creators, private groups, and public entities will all be able to expand the scope of their various activities, for the stated goal of fostering friendship among enthusiasts of otaku culture around the world.
Okinawan tea ceremony is distinctly unique from its Japanese counterpart, and seldom chanced upon outside Japan, let alone inside Japan. Last November, event-goers to our Christmas Market were fortunate to be able to see the “Ryukyu Buku Buku Tea Ceremony Akeshinono Kai” demonstrate this unique part of Okinawan culture. This summer, they have once again agreed to demonstrate this unique art so make sure you don’t miss the show at the J-Culture stage!
The heart and soul of many a Japanese festival can be found in the folk songs floating through the air. Youngsters clap and dance, couples laugh and grannies smile and nod in fond memory. HYPER JAPAN wouldn’t be complete without its own share of folk songs, commonly referred to as enka and minyo, performed by Hibiki Ichikawa and Akari Mochizuki.
You’re not alone if you consider hot dogs to be an American thing. But it’s 2016 and about time Japanese food contributed to the classic hotdog! With that, we give you: J-Dog!
J-DOG
Who hasn’t been inspired by a musician at one point in their life?
Showing will be the 1929 masterpiece “Kobutori” (lit: “plump”) which was directed by the visionary director Yasuji Murata. Also showing will be “Akai Rosoku To Ningyo” (“The Mermaid and the Red Candle”) by children’s storybook writer Mimei Ogawa. These two works of art will surely warm the heart of any anime fan with their retro feel and warm lines. More may be showing, so expect the unexpected!
If you’re the type to savour the moment you recognise an anime cover song, then we’ve a treat in store for you. Taking to the main stage at HYPER JAPAN will be Takaaki Konno with a selection from his latest album “Anime Uta” (lit. Anime songs) as well as a few originals of his own.
There’s nothing more beautiful than an intricately patterned kimono.
First making an appearance back in 2011, ITK.japan’s HANDROID never ceases to amaze. With each subsequent appearance showing off a more advanced model, 2015 saw the debut of the elegant HANDROID 10. From what we hear, 2016 is no different. With smooth, fluid movements and gentle, almost delicate lines, expect to see Japanese technology at its best: a seamless melding of technology and art.
Cycling in London doesn’t have to be about cold, windy mornings and irate drivers. Imagine a comfortable cycle with a stylish pannier drawing envious looks from other cyclists. With dedicated slots for your tech stuff, all fears of damaged mobiles and/or laptops might as well be a thing of the past! Goodordering, brainchild of designer Jacqui Ma, has done just that. With a range of stylish cycling accessories, Ma has answered the modern-day cyclist’s dilemma: How do I do stylish and functional without compromising on either one?
We are so very happy to announce that for the first time ever, Crunchyroll will be coming in all its glory to HYPER JAPAN Festival 2016! Have a Crunchyroll membership? Then drop by the stand and enter a daily prize raffle! Oh you have a premium membership? Then you’ll also be eligible to win Crunchyboxes, a mystery box of anime goods inside! Premium members can also pick up anime posters and wristbands. Finally, Crunchyroll will have be live streaming the event so if you want to appear on the feed, drop by and say hello!
Profile: Natsuki Kikuya
As you know, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the smash hit anime “Case Closed” with the release of “The Darkest Nightmare”. Want to know how they choose the stories? How they were inspired? Well, what better way to do this than by having Michihiko Suwa, executive producer of the franchise, talk live and in person!?
Following the announcement that 
Stuttering, jerky, “stop-and-go” motion in a streaming video is annoying, but when at the core of Animation Dance, it’s simply mind-boggling. When fused with fluid, swooping movements, the result pushes the human body to new limits. Artist BANG is a master of this modern-robot dance form and we are happy to announce he will be taking to the stage again this winter for HYPER JAPAN Christmas Market 2016!
After watching RIUCHI perform it is hard to remember that we live in a world governed by science, for what you will see is a virtuoso performance of beauty and poetry, enacted with a deft combination of circus and dance.
The time was 2014 and the place was HYPER JAPAN’s Festival 2014. A lively and energetic young lady takes to the stage with the three members of her band, all dressed to the nines in the latest Harajuku-style fashion. From the first chord to the dying echoes of the final note, the audience cheers, mesmerised by the performance.
