From Lunar New Year celebrations, to Japan Week, Manchester is a true hub of Asian culture in the north, and now the biggest celebration of Japanese culture in the UK has arrived in town. For the first time, Hyper Japan is taking place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, bringing food, fashion, and so much fun to Manchester.
From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November 2025, Hyper Japan offers something for every fan – from families and first-timers to long-time fans of Japanese music and culture. The programme includes everything from exclusive pop culture and food and drink experiences, to a bustling marketplace, live music from anime stars and J-Pop artists, and artisan workshops.
Hyper Japan Manchester highlights include:
- A Manchester Hyper Market, featuring more than 180 independent artists and small businesses offering Japanese fashion, art, ceramics, accessories, figures, lifestyle goods and toys.
- Freshly made Japanese street food and sweets, including favourites like ramen, gyoza, and yakitori.
- The Evangelion 30th Anniversary Booth, arriving in Manchester with immersive displays themed on the long-running anime series and exclusive items available only at .
- The Hyper Japan Shop with limited edition treasures, including official anime T-shirts such as Dan Da Dan, STEINS;GATE, and CHAOS;CHILD, authentic figures imported from Japan, and ever-popular gachapon vending machines.
- Mainstage performances will feature anime actress and voice actor Aya Hirano – known for roles in Death Note, Lucky Star, Fairy Tail and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya– together with J-Pop singer-songwriter Miyuna, alongside traditional acts including Enka (sentimental Japanese popular music), Koto (a traditional stringed instrument) and Taiko (Japanese drumming).
- Hands-on workshops in Kintsugi – the art and philosophy of mending broken things to look more beautiful, Calligraphy, Shimenawa – a form of traditional straw rope tying sacred to the Shinto religion – and Origami. Workshops are separately ticketed add-ons and must be purchased in advance.
- Manga Booth where visitors can explore Japanese manga from three renowned publishers: Shueisha, Tokuma Shoten, and KADOKAWA CORPORATION.
- An interactive Sake Experience, where visitors can try, learn, vote and have the option to buy sake (ticketed add-on).
Yoshiki Sato, Managing Director at Hyper Japan, commented: “We’re bringing together the best of modern and traditional Japan under one roof. From the Evangelion 30th Anniversary Booth and the Sake Experience, to live music, workshops and an incredible marketplace of independent creators, we can’t wait to welcome fans and families for a weekend of discovery and celebration of Japanese culture.”
What else to expect at Hyper Japan Manchester
Food and drink
- Taste authentic Japanese flavours — from ramen, yakisoba, and takoyaki to karaage, onigiri, mochi, and matcha sweets.
- Try Japanese craft coffee or indulge in a matcha latte.
- Enjoy the Sake Experience, curated hands-on sake-tasting event.
- There will also be other sake exhibitors such as Suntory and Choya.
Stage performances
The Main Stage welcomes fan-favourite artists from Japan, including:
- Yoh Kamiyama — A singer, songwriter, and composer whose genre-blending pop sound and anime themes like Horimiya and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War have earned him widespread acclaim.
- Aya Hirano — Renowned actress, voice actor, and singer known for roles in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, NANA, and DEATH NOTE.
- Miyuna — Uprising singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and anime theme songs like Black Clover and Fairy Tail.
- Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese performances — Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Koto (string instrument), Taiko drumming and live kendo demonstrations.
- Cosplayers can take part in the Cosplay and Community Masquerades to showcase their creativity and passion.
Workshops
Visitors can take part in hands-on workshops featuring Japanese traditional crafts, including Shimenawa (Japanese wreath-making), Origami, Shodo (calligraphy), and Kintsugi (golden pottery repair technique). Participants can experience authentic Japanese artistry and take their own creations home as a unique souvenir.
When & where will it take place?
The event will run at Manchester Central Convention Complex on:
- Friday 14th November: 12pm–8pm
- Saturday 15th November: 10am–8pm
- Sunday 16th November: 10am–5pm.
Hyper Japan Manchester tickets
General admission day tickets start from £25.20, and children aged 10 and under go free when attending with a paying adult. You can find more information and buy tickets here.
