Calling all otaku, foodies, and culture connoisseurs: HYPER JAPAN Festival is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and buzzier than ever! Returning to Olympia London from 18–20 July, the UK’s largest celebration of Japanese pop culture will bring three days of music, fashion, gaming, workshops, and more sushi than you can shake a chopstick at.

🎤 Music Magic on the Main Stage

This year’s Main Stage lineup is straight out of an anime fan’s dreams. Singer Ai Higuchi – yes, the voice behind Attack on Titan’s “Akuma no Ko” – will grace the stage, alongside Yuka Iguchi, the adored voice of A Certain Magical Index and Goblin Slayer.

Joining them are rising stars: Hitsujibungaku, alternative rock darlings of Japan’s indie scene; Marasy, the piano wizard behind jaw-dropping anime and Vocaloid covers; Miura Ayme, the glam-rock sensation known for his visual kei charisma.

Also on the bill: a live drawing show and special talk with legendary animator Maeda Mahiro and anime scholar Helen McCarthy. Expect insight, humour, and a masterclass in all things anime.

🍱 Foodies, Rejoice!

The Japanese food court at Hyper Japan is a full-on flavour adventure. Feast on yakisoba, karaage, omurice, donburi, and onigiri, then top it off with Japanese cakes and bubble tea. Yes, multiple rounds are encouraged.

New this year: the SUNTORY Highball Bar, serving up classic Japanese whisky cocktails and fruity tipples, and the ever-effervescent MIO Sparkling Sake for a lighter, bubblier buzz. Returning snack king Calbee is also back, so prepare for a crunchy stampede to the Shrimp Chips.

🎮 Attractions & Anime Galore

From Evangelion’s 30th Anniversary Booth to Gundam photo ops and a free Manga Reading Corner, this year’s festival is shining with old and new discoveries. Studio Ghibli fans can rejoice as MAISON GHIBLI debuts their official European booth, and Bandai Namco brings back the fan-fave Ichibankuji Lucky Draw, plus the brand-new Gundam Card Game.

Feeling futuristic? Try out DIVR’s immersive VR gaming, then time-travel back with Kabuki dress-up and Kumadori face painting courtesy of Shochiku Culture Experience. And don’t forget to snap a selfie with an itasha car or sip tea in the adorable Maid Café.

🛍️ Shop Like a Tokyo Local

With 450+ exhibitors, the HYPER Market is a paradise for collectors and curious shoppers, too. Stock up on everything from Kewpie mayo to anime figurines, incense to handmade crafts, and premium Japanese sake, including plum wine and sparkling bottles of joy.

✂️ Learn Something New

The festival’s hands-on workshops are a crowd favourite: try your hand at wagashi-making, furoshiki wrapping, shogi, and more. Whether you’re crafty or clueless, there’s something for everyone to dive into.

🎟️ Tickets & Info

General admission starts at £25.44 (kids under 10 go free!). For tickets, workshop bookings, and full event details, visit:
👉 hyperjapan.co.uk/festival

Dates & Times:

• Friday 18 July: 12:00–20:00
• Saturday 19 July: 10:00–20:00
• Sunday 20 July: 10:00–17:00

Venue: Olympia, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX

Featured image courtesy of Hyper Japan

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}