Overview
Japan’s biggest celebration in the UK is heading north this autumn. For the first time ever, HYPER JAPAN, the country’s most popular Japanese culture festival will take place in Manchester, transforming the Manchester Central Convention Complex into a vibrant hub of food, fashion, anime, and music from 14–16 November 2025.
After years of success in London, where the event regularly draws tens of thousands of visitors, HYPER JAPAN is expanding to give northern fans a chance to experience the very best of both modern and traditional Japan. The festival promises a packed weekend of discovery, creativity, and entertainment for everyone from first-time visitors curious about Japanese culture to dedicated fans of anime, J-pop, and street food.
A Weekend of Culture, Creativity, and Community
HYPER JAPAN Manchester will bring together over 180 independent artists and small businesses in its sprawling Manchester Hyper Market, a marketplace brimming with handmade art, crafts, fashion, and collectibles. Visitors will find everything from Japanese streetwear and ceramics to accessories, toys, and homeware. The event aims to showcase not only Japanese brands but also UK-based creators inspired by Japanese aesthetics and culture.
The bustling market has always been at the heart of HYPER JAPAN, offering a unique space for creators and fans to connect. In Manchester, this will be paired with a dedicated HYPER JAPAN Shop, where guests can browse limited-edition items such as official anime T-shirts from popular series including Dan Da Dan, STEINS;GATE, and CHAOS;CHILD, alongside imported figures, collectibles, and gachapon vending machines a nod to Japan’s beloved capsule toy culture.
Beyond shopping, the event will serve as a melting pot of cultural exchange, combining entertainment, food, and traditional arts to give visitors a true taste of Japan.
Food Takes Centre Stage
No celebration of Japan would be complete without food, and HYPER JAPAN Manchester promises to deliver an authentic culinary experience. The event will feature freshly made Japanese street food and sweets, with stalls serving crowd favourites like ramen, takoyaki, yakitori, and gyoza, as well as matcha-based desserts and other delicacies.
Visitors will also have the chance to take part in the Sake Experience, an interactive tasting area where participants can sample a range of sake from across Japan. They’ll learn about the drink’s brewing process, discover the regional differences that make each bottle unique, and even vote for their favourites. The experience combines education and indulgence, and like many of HYPER JAPAN’s hands-on activities, it will be a separately ticketed add-on.
Food has always played a key role in HYPER JAPAN’s mission to celebrate the everyday culture of Japan, and this Manchester edition continues that tradition inviting both newcomers and enthusiasts to explore Japan through its flavors.
A Line-Up That Blends the Modern and the Traditional
HYPER JAPAN Manchester will feature an impressive mainstage line-up blending contemporary Japanese pop culture with centuries-old traditions.
Anime fans will be thrilled to see Aya Hirano, the voice actress and singer known for her iconic roles in Death Note, Lucky Star, Fairy Tail, and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Joining her will be Miyuna, the J-pop singer-songwriter whose soulful voice has earned her a dedicated following in Japan and beyond.
Alongside these modern stars, audiences will experience traditional performances such as Enka (Japan’s nostalgic pop ballads), Koto (a stringed instrument that creates the distinctive sound of Japanese classical music), and Taiko (dynamic Japanese drumming known for its power and rhythm).
By mixing J-pop and anime icons with traditional acts, the festival aims to show the continuity and diversity of Japanese culture how centuries-old practices coexist with today’s global pop trends.
Celebrating 30 Years of Evangelion
One of the biggest draws at the Manchester event will be the Evangelion 30th Anniversary Booth, created to celebrate three decades of one of anime’s most influential series. Fans can look forward to immersive displays, exclusive Manchester-only items, and interactive experiences inspired by the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The booth is expected to be a major highlight for anime lovers, offering an up-close look at the artwork, themes, and cultural impact of Hideaki Anno’s groundbreaking franchise. For many fans, it’s a rare chance to step inside the world of Evangelion and collect merchandise that won’t be available anywhere else.
Learn, Create, and Explore Through Workshops
Beyond performances and exhibitions, HYPER JAPAN encourages visitors to get hands-on. A series of creative workshops will run throughout the weekend, offering people the opportunity to learn about Japanese crafts and traditions directly from skilled practitioners.
Workshops include:
- Kintsugi – The art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold, based on the idea that flaws and cracks can make something more beautiful.
- Calligraphy – Learn the flow and precision of Japanese writing in this meditative practice.
- Shimenawa – Discover the traditional Shinto craft of weaving sacred straw ropes used for blessings and protection.
- Origami – Explore the calming and creative art of paper folding, suitable for all ages.
Each session is designed to be immersive and accessible, offering a blend of artistry, mindfulness, and cultural learning. Like the Sake Experience, workshops are separately ticketed add-ons, ensuring small class sizes and meaningful, hands-on experiences.
“A Weekend of Discovery and Celebration”
Yoshiki Sato, Managing Director of HYPER JAPAN, said the Manchester edition aims to bring together the best of both worlds modern Japanese pop culture and deep-rooted traditions.
“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.”
This move north marks a new chapter for HYPER JAPAN. After over a decade of success in London including more than 53,000 visitors at its 2025 summer event the organizers are excited to share the experience with new audiences.
Manchester Central Convention Complex
Event Details and Ticket Information
The three-day event will run from Friday 14 November to Sunday 16 November 2025, with varied opening hours:
- Friday: 12:00 – 20:00
- Saturday: 10:00 – 20:00
- Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
General admission tickets start at £25.20, with free entry for children aged 10 and under when accompanied by a paying adult. Additional tickets for workshops and special experiences, such as the Sake Experience, can be purchased separately.
Tickets and full event information are available on the official website: https://hyperjapan.co.uk/manchester/
More Than a Festival
Since its launch in 2010, HYPER JAPAN has grown into the UK’s leading event for Japanese culture, blending entertainment, education, and community. The festival’s strength lies in its ability to bring people together not just fans of anime or pop music, but families, foodies, and anyone curious about Japan’s rich culture.
This Manchester edition represents more than a geographical expansion; it’s a statement of intent to make Japanese culture more accessible to people across the UK. With its lively mix of shopping, performances, and workshops, HYPER JAPAN Manchester offers a little piece of Tokyo right in the heart of the city.
Looking Ahead
Organizers have promised even more performances, artists, and workshops will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event, keeping anticipation high. Given the scale of the festival and the success of previous London editions, it’s expected to be one of Manchester’s biggest cultural weekends of the year.
For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate everything they love about Japan from J-pop and anime to food and tradition. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to discover the depth and diversity of a culture that continues to inspire the world.
So whether you’re there to eat your weight in ramen, meet your favorite anime star, or learn how to mend pottery with gold, HYPER JAPAN Manchester promises a weekend like no other.
About HYPER JAPAN
Launched in 2010, HYPER JAPAN celebrates both contemporary and traditional Japanese culture, spanning anime, gaming, fashion, food, music, crafts, and tourism. Produced by Cross Media, part of the TOPPAN Group since 2024, the event continues to be a bridge between Japan and the UK sharing creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit with thousands of fans each year.
