An artist with over 2.8 million followers on social networks, come and discover MINA, a bassist from the vibrant city of Osaka 🎸

Member of the all-girl rock band “GIRLFRIEND”, they made a name for themselves in 2016 and released two albums, as well as playing numerous live concerts.

After the band split up in 2021, MINA began a career as a solo artist, mainly on social networks 🎶

Thanks to the short videos of her performances that she posts online, she made a name for herself in Japan as well as abroad, where she has a huge following!

Come and discover this artist on Saturday from 1:00pm to 1:30pm, and on Sunday from 11:30am to 12:30pm and from 5:30pm to 6:00pm in the Matsuri room. In the meantime, follow her on Youtube !

We’re delighted to welcome Axel Witzke to Japan Impact!

A passionate jack-of-all-trades, Axel lives and writes in Japan, where he juggles romance and fantasy from the rooftops of Tokyo. After a career as an architect and model, he now devotes himself fully to writing, sharing his experiences between France, Japan and his travels around the world.

During his conferences, he will share his personal experiences of his adventure in Japan, and even more during round-table discussions on contemporary and historical Japan with Sandrine Chabre. And if you’d like to bump into him between lectures, try your luck: whisper his name three times in the wind and hold up a piece of cheese… or just follow him on his social networks! 😉

Come and bring to life an adorable chibi character drawing inspired by the world of video games thanks to Couleur Geek and their coloring workshop! 🎨

In this activity, discover techniques and tips for mastering colored pencils and expressing your imagination. Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more and immerse yourself in a unique creative moment 😁.

Armed with your pencils, give color to your ideas and give free rein to your inspiration and leave with your personalized drawing, as a souvenir of your experience at Japan Impact ✨

We’re delighted to announce that French mangaka Jéronimo Cejudo is coming to Japan Impact!

A manga enthusiast from an early age, Jéronimo was inspired by classics such as Dragon Ball and One Piece, but it was Reno Lemaire’s Dreamland that convinced him to become a manga artist in France.

He began his career as the illustrator of Lil’ Berry, and went on to shine internationally, taking second place in the 100th Tezuka competition with his one-shot Devil Dive Inferno. A feat hailed by such legends as Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) and Kazue Kato (Blue Exorcist). Today, he continues his adventure with his RIPPER series, published by Ankama.

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Diane Georges & Co are returning to Japan Impact to bring you two activities and a captivating conference, offering you the traditional and the immersive! 🎴🎲

🌸 Hanafuda: At a conference, discover the fascinating history of these flower cards, from Portuguese sailors to Nintendo, and delve into its hidden symbols, understand why they were long banned, and the impact of this game on swathes of modern Japanese pop culture.

Alternatively, come and try your hand at Hanafuda directly from the Diane Georges & Co stand, with two variations:
👉 Hana-Awase: Perfect for a gentle introduction.
👉 Koi-Koi: A more strategic challenge for players seeking competition.

An accessible game, easy to learn, and ideal for anyone curious about Japanese culture!

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After captivating the audience of Japan Impact last year, historian Sandrine Chabre returns this year with an exciting series of lectures exploring Japan from every angle. 🗾

Whether it’s diving into history through manga, reliving the first contacts between the West and Japanese culture through the eyes of Frenchman Léon Dury, or exploring the daily lives of foreigners in 19th-century Japan, Sandrine offers you a journey rich in discovery and emotion.

And complete the story with Sylviane de Cerjat Hagger’s lectures to discover the Japanese perspective on the return of the Europeans!

Japan Impact is proud to welcome back Natsumi Yuzu, a singer, composer and talented player of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument. Skillfully blending traditional music and J-Rock influences, she shares with the world the beauty and sophistication of Japanese culture.

With her shamisen and catchy rhythms, Yuzu has already captured hearts in 23 countries across the globe, including the USA, France, Thailand and many others. Currently based in New York, she brings a unique and original breath to a saturated music scene, and promises an unprecedented musical experience. 🎶

Don’t miss her show when she comes to Switzerland for Japan Impact, on February 15 and 16! ✨

Come and meet Hiroko, Master of Japanese calligraphy, and immerse yourself in the fascinating art of this ancestral discipline.

📜 At her stand, come and discover her magnificent creations, available in small and large formats, and you’ll also have the opportunity to have your name or an ideogram of your choice written.

🖌️ During her workshops, Hiroko will guide you through the basics of Japanese calligraphy, a unique opportunity to learn the techniques of this traditional art and leave with your own creation..

Come and discover various traditional workshops organised by Itsuko Yoshikawa, who has come all the way from Japan.

During a tea ceremony, you will have the opportunity to discover while participating in the preparation of matcha which you will taste accompanied by delicious pastries called Wagashi 🍡

During the incense ceremony: Itsuko will introduce you to different Japanese incenses, followed by a game 🏮

And finally at the kimono workshop, you’ll try on this very popular traditional garment worn mainly for special occasions 👘

Following her success at previous editions, talented and passionate designer Yasuka Mastro returns to Japan Impact for a brand new conference on the symbolism of kimonos. 👘

Active under her brand name Midnight Blossom, Yasuka Mastro is a kimono specialist with a playful and sometimes comical approach, who will introduce you to the fascinating language of Japanese textiles. In a friendly atmosphere, let yourself be carried away to the heart of Japanese culture and its symbols through this clothing art rich in history and meaning. 🌸