Japan Expo Marseille 2026: Let’s take a look!
The Japan Expo festival has now been held in the Marseille region for 16 years! To get a detailed look at what to expect before the end of the year, let’s go over the first announcements for Japan Expo Marseille 2026
From February 27 to March 1, 2026, at Parc Chanot, Japan Expo Marseille returns for its 16th edition in the South.
Manga, cosplay, and Japanese culture under the Prado sun… Happiness like this is a bargain!
Entering Japan Expo Marseille means enjoying the presence of more than sixty prestigious guests in panels and signing sessions, 180 events, and 350 booths offering nearly fifty different activities!
Take home exclusive products imported from Japan or creations by independent artists!
Whether you’re a devoted fan or simply curious, Japan Expo Marseille is the major winter event for enthusiasts in the South… and far beyond!
Let’s take a look at the first announcements…
2026 - a first taste of the line-up
U&PIA
A Japan Expo's fans' favorite band, and backed by a constantly growing community, the boys of U&Pia are back to light up the stage at Japan Expo Marseille!
The name U&Pia stands for “You and Personal Impact Amplifiers”, expressing the group’s desire to amplify the sense of unity between its members and their fans. With a musical style that blends J-Pop and K-Pop, U&Pia transcends borders and brings people together around a shared vision of positive change.
ANOUCK HAUTBOIS & ARNAUD LAURENT
You’ve heard the first as Marinette in Miraculous Ladybug and Usagi/Bunny in Sailor Moon Crystal, and the second as Natsu in Fairy Tail and Crematorium/Dabi in My Hero Academia. These two talented voice actors are coming together to Japan Expo Marseille to spark the stage alight: Anouck Hautbois and Arnaud Laurent!
KANIMY'S ANIME AWARDS 2025
Japanese animation now has its very own Oscar-style awards ceremony!
Introducing Kanimy, the association founded by the inseparable anime enthusiasts Kawzzen and Yoyanis.
Surrounded by a jury and guests made up of well-known figures from the industry, YouTube and TikTok creators, professional animators, voice actors, streamers, they look back at the past year in Japanese animation, from films to TV series, all in a lively mix of humor and suspense!
And for the very first time (yes, the very very first time!) since Japan Expo Marseille was created, visitors will be able to enjoy an event after the festival doors close!
Just like its Parisian counterpart, Japan Expo’s nocturne events are finally coming to Marseille!
WORLD COSPLAY SUMMIT
The World Cosplay Summit is an international competition bringing together the best cosplayers from all over the world for fun-filled cosplay shows in pairs.
This annual tournament enables participants to present their cosplays in 2 minutes 30 to a much wider audience, with a chance to travel and gain international recognition.
And it's at Japan Expo Marseille that the French selections are made! Become a representative of France and take your cosplay to the finals in Nagoya (Japan)!
YOUNG ILL
Young ill (Dae Young Park) is a hip-hop artist and producer from Gumi, South Korea, now based in Suwon. Since 2017, he has been patiently building his artistic career and establishing himself as a rising figure in Korean rap, with a growing international presence between Seoul, London, Paris and beyond. Renowned for the strength of his lyrics and his authentic style, he is the flagship artist of the Stardust label, founded by French producer and DJ Sonikem.
NNING
Originally from Jeju Island, off the southern coast of South Korea, NNING (Yoon Bo-mi) first emerged on the music scene in 2021 with Moonlight, her debut single. Initially rooted in a sound blending R&B and ballads, she gradually pushed the boundaries of her style by exploring broader genres such as trap, drill, K-pop, and even J-pop.
exhibitions
Within the walls of Parc Chanot, visitors to Japan Expo Marseille will be able to explore new versions of exhibitions already familiar to the Parisian audience:
- Grendizer Gooo!!! – 50 Years of Legend
- Junji Ito – Obsessions & Nightmares*
Two galleries await: one celebrating the 50th anniversary of the giant robot most beloved by the French public, and the other delving into the unsettling world of horror-manga master Junji Ito.
*Due to the explicit nature of the content exhibited, the exhibition Junji Ito – Obsessions & Nightmares, just like the one presented at Japan Expo Paris 2025, will be accessible only to adults or to accompanied minors.
- BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW AND ENJOY A 25% DISCOUNT WITH THE CHUNIN FARE!
Please note! This discount is available until 01/04/26 or while stocks last.