Returning to London today through Sunday 27 July is Hyper Japan, the UK’s “biggest celebration of Japanese culture, cuisine and cool.” I popped round for a quickie investigation earlier this afternoon. Here are some highlights from my visit to this annual bonanza of banzai.
Like so many of these large scale expos that come to London, Hyper Japan attendees have to pay to get in (£12 online for general admission tickets) and then again for most stuff inside. The majority of vendors I encountered were pretty tight about samples even when I flashed my press pass, and queues were pretty long for a lot of the more interesting things. Still if you’re into cosplay, manga, Kawaii, J-Pop, or gaming (Nintendo’s an official sponsor), then this is the place for you. I has a blast roaming around checking the amazing makeup and homemade costumes of so many of the attendees.
One of the yummier treats among the few items I managed to nibble was the matcha milk chocolate from Basel based chocolatiers, Beschle (whom I wished I’d known about when I was in Basel a few weeks back!).
I was impressed by the queue to try Nice Ice’s shaved ice (looked like they were using proper machines for super fluffy texture!) but strapped for time I wasn’t able to wait for a taste. I got their contact details though and am keen to investigate!
Hyper Japan runs from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July at Earls Court Exhibition Centre. Find out more at hyperjapan.co.uk.
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