MEMORIES: Culture & tradition
Japan Expo is well known for its strong ties to Japanese pop culture, but it’s also a unique opportunity to discover the treasures of traditional Japanese culture—brought directly by artisans from Japan!
This year, visitors were able to journey through the mystical and ancient lands of Japan—without leaving Hall 5 of the exhibition center!
Facing the Sakura stage stood a special exhibition dedicated to the city of Izumo.
A true visual voyage through its enchanting landscapes and legendary history
The city of Izumo didn’t just bring a slideshow of beautiful, history-rich images—it also brought its cuisine!
On the Washoku stage, skilled Japanese chefs gave live cooking demonstrations, showcasing the sacred culinary delights of Izumo!
Five content creators packed their bags for Japan, each heading to one of five lesser-known cities, and reunited on the Sakura stage for a final showdown in a special contest.
That was the adventure called SHARE YOUR JAPAN!
At Japan Expo, visitors got the chance to discover a new side of Japan—and even win a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun!
Featuring:
You may have come across other web content creators around the Nezumi stage—familiar faces known for making Japanese language and culture more accessible to all.
For all four days of Japan Expo, visitors were plunged into the heart of chambara—Japanese sword-fighting drama—thanks to the Kamui samurai troupe!
From breathtaking choreographed duels to razor-sharp demonstrations, the action was nonstop.
Master Tetsuro Shimaguchi himself took to the Budo stage, training aspiring swordsmen in the art of Kengido—swords in hand, minds sharp
But that’s not all—Kamui also showed off their skills during the Cosplay Show on the Kitsune stage, trading traditional Japanese steel for a lightsaber!
Tetsuro Shimaguchi, stepping into the role of Jedi Master for the occasion, brilliantly proved that between Akira Kurosawa and George Lucas, the only difference is the shape of the sword.
To top it all off, the troupe reunited with Mika Kobayashi on the Ichigo stage for an epic concert, enhanced by a flawlessly precise blade dance!
Right next to the Sakura stage, visitors could explore the Wabi-Sabi area—a sanctuary of Japanese traditions.
This area, entirely dedicated to artists and artisans from Japan, was filled with treasures: exquisite textiles, accessories and curiosities of all kinds, delicate porcelain and ceramics.
With its own stage, unique schedule, and even its own ticketing, Wabi-Sabi offered a place of authenticity in the heart of Japan Expo’s vibrant buzz.
Thanks to Japan Promotion, exceptional guests traveled across skies and seas to showcase the art and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun!
- Akara : An explosive trio with a truly distinctive style!
Blending hard rock guitar riffs with traditional Japanese instruments, the band creates a unique sound fusion—powerful and unexpected. A true musical punch that bridges modernity and Japanese heritage!
- Takarabune : A contemporary dance company that energetically reinvents Awa-Odori—one of Japan’s most famous traditional dances, with a history spanning over 400 years.
- Ai Hisano : Between J-rock, video games, and kimonos, the performer made a strong comeback to reunite with her loyal French fans!
- KIMONO×DANCE PROJECT : A troupe known for its eclectic choreography and international acclaim (having performed at the prestigious World of Dance), experts in kimono upcycling, they delivered a show at Japan Expo that was truly and boldly Japanese!
- Noriko Tadano : A master of the Tsugaru shamisen, she immersed the audience in wild, energetic rhythms with this traditional Japanese instrument. To elevate her sharp, fast notes, she blended her playing with modern styles like rock, jazz, and even blues!
- WAKO〜Rising Sun〜 : This troupe electrified the festival stages with the powerful sound of taiko drums, traveling the world with one message: “From the Land of the Rising Sun with the Soul of Japan.”
- Callison : Ink and music! The melodies flowed in sync with the brush strokes.
Visitors were able to witness a live, orchestrated calligraphy performance!
- SENJU : A troupe of professional Japanese dancers amazed the world with their Kabuki performances.
On the Sakura stage, they showcased the elegance of Japanese theater, skillfully and gracefully handling the impressive lion dance mane.
- Starnite Dance Studio : One of the largest dance clubs from Chiba came to showcase the graceful and flexible art of Japanese pole dance!
- Dai Sorano x D.C : This musical trio performed a unique style, blending elements of Japanese folk songs with pop-rock rhythms.
- SAKURA Mai 〜B i To Wa : A team of kimono stylists specializing in grand ceremonies.
Visitors were unknowingly invited to experience a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony.
Culinary Art and Martial Art — A Tradition of Body and Taste!
SOMETHING TO MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER:
Japanese culinary excellence is an essential part of its culture!
At the food lovers’ haven, especially for gourmets, the Washoku stage sits at the heart of a space fully dedicated to traditional Japanese cuisine.
Visitors enjoyed live demonstrations by Japanese chefs who crafted authentic Japanese specialties right before their eyes!
- Chef Oki Hayashi:
- Parfait — the new Japanese dessert
- Otafuku:
- Okonomiyaki
- Chef Ai Fujiroku:
- Japanese summer sweets — Dorayaki and goldfish jelly
- Chef Mayumi Danzaki:
- Pikachu Bento
- Chef Eiji Doihara:
- Yuzu-scented Teriyaki Oyakodon from Tokushima
- Shinshû Soba with two types of sauces
- Three mochi desserts
- Parisian-style Okonomiyaki
A TASTE OF DISCIPLINE:
The Budo stage celebrates the richness of Japanese martial arts, true pillars of Japanese culture!
Located at the heart of a space dedicated to sports disciplines and traditions of body and mind, it hosts demonstrations and workshops throughout the festival.
Sumo, kyudo (Japanese archery), kendo, and shiatsu: visitors discover the precision, discipline, and elegance that define these ancient practices, presented by clubs from all over France and Japan.
- Tenshin Shoden - Futsu Nushi no Kami
- Aïkido - Aïkido Club Villejuif
- Nagita - France Nagita
- Chanbara - France Chanbara
- Kendo - France Kendo
- Iaido - France Iaido
- Kyûdô - France Kyudo
- Haidong Gumdo - France Haidong Gumdo
- Ninjustsu - Le Temple du Ninja
- Karaté - Fédération Française Karaté
- Lutte Sumo - Paris Sumo
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Traditional Japanese culture also fills the aisles of the convention!
You might have come across calligraphy workshops, origami demonstrations, or classic board games at various booths!
- Duvet Workshop – Calligraphy
- Go League – Go game
- GANBALO – Figurine workshop, tea ceremony, and kimono dressing
- Tengumi – Origami initiation
- La Yuai – Origami workshop
- Karuta France – Karuta card game
- French Mahjong Federation – Mahjong
- French Othello Federation – Othello
- Asian'Effrei – Hanafuda
- IDF Shogi League – Shogi
- Oshi Matcha – Tea ceremony