HYPER JAPAN Festival will return for its 2026 edition at Olympia London from 24–26 July. The UK’s largest Japanese culture festival promises an unforgettable weekend of music, food, fashion, gaming, workshops and shopping, and this year will be bigger and better than ever with over 530 exhibitors. Tickets are now available at hyperjapan.co.uk/festival.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
HYPER JAPAN Festival is bursting with interactive experiences and activities that celebrate all sides of Japanese culture. New for this year will be a dedicated gaming area, where visitors can discover the originality of Japan’s indie game scene. Emerging developers will showcase their bold ideas and distinctive gameplay in the booth, and visitors can get hands on with a curated selection of titles that highlight the creativity shaping Japan’s next generation of game design.
Virtual Stage Productions will be creating a new virtual stage at HYPER JAPAN this year, featuring 30+ VTubers, iconic virtual artist IA and much more. Forbidden Planet will also be exhibiting at HYPER JAPAN for the very first time.
MAISON GHIBLI, the manufacturer and distributor working directly with STUDIO GHIBLI for Europe, will return this year to offer official STUDIO GHIBLI products. Target Darts Japan will also host an interactive play zone, where people can experience the precision, creativity and energy of Japanese darts culture up close.
MAIN STAGE HIGHLIGHTS
The Main Stage at HYPER JAPAN Festival has welcomed some of the biggest and brightest names in Japanese culture, and this year is no different. Joining the bill are:
- Popular Japanese band QUEEN BEE, who have been creating a buzz with their unique and intense performances since 2009.
- avantgardey, the viral dance group produced by choreographer akane. The group gained popularity via TikTok and Instagram, with over 5 million followers, and reached the finals of America’s Got Talent in 2023.
- Japanese singer songwriter Eir Aoi, who is known for her powerful vocal range and outstanding expressive ability and has earned passionate support from anime fans around the world.
- Chiaki Kobayashi, talented voice actor who is affiliated with Office Osawa and known for standout roles in the likes of ‘Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku’ and ‘The Summer Hikaru Died’.
- Three-piece rock band THE SIXTH LIE, who have performed the ending theme for hugely popular anime ‘Golden Kamuy’ twice. The band have played all around the world, including at HYPER JAPAN in London previously.
- Talented Japanese singer and acoustic guitarist UPIKO, who is best known for her single ‘Crow’.
FOOD & DRINK
A major highlight of HYPER JAPAN Festival is its vibrant celebration of Japanese food & drink, bringing the authentic flavours of Japan to the heart of London. Visitors can enjoy freshly made donburi, onigiri, sizzling wagyu skewers, yakisoba, karaage, omurice and more – plus bubble waffles, mochi and bubble tea.
This year, visitors can once again experience an authentic taste of Japan’s beloved izakaya drinking culture at the Suntory Toki Highball Bar and -196 bar, showcasing Suntory whisky and fruity alcoholic beverages. In addition, guests can enjoy the refreshing, and subtly sweet MIO Sparkling Sake, a popular Japanese sparkling sake perfect for those seeking a lighter, effervescent drink.
There will be more food and drinks options than ever before with exhibitors from Eggcellence (bubble waffles), KANPAI London Craft Sake, Panda Cha Tea, Mama’s Onigiri, KOFUKU (sushi tacos), Ai No Mochi, Little Bao Boy and many more.
HYPER JAPAN MARKET
The HYPER JAPAN Market will feature over 530 exhibitors this year, featuring some incredible independent artists and creators. Visitors can shop everything from traditional Japanese tableware and incense to anime figures and fashion. Plus, an irresistible range of Japanese snacks, Kewpie products, and premium sake, including umeshu, MIO sparkling sake and liqueurs.
WORKSHOPS
The workshops at HYPER JAPAN Festival offer some incredible hands-on opportunities to experience the diverse culture of Japan – from traditional Japanese confectionery making (nerikiri wagashi) to arts and crafts, martial arts to music – including free workshops on the likes of Shogi, Beyblade and calligraphy. For more information and to purchase add-on tickets, please head to https://hyperjapan.co.uk/festival/workshops/.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for HYPER JAPAN Festival 2026 are on sale now. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit hyperjapan.co.uk/festival.
