#Japan #Osaka #Japan Expo #Anime Tourism #Cool Japan

Experience Japanese Culture at the Cool Japan Showcase

The Cool Japan Showcase Anime Manga Tourism Festival, scheduled to be held from April 30 to May 2, 2025, is set to provide a vibrant exploration of Japan’s cultural exports. Organized by the Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters and the Anime Tourism Association, the event represents a significant step in enhancing international tourism related to anime and manga.

Event Highlights

The festival will feature 26 iconic manga and anime destinations, inviting people from around the globe to dive into the realms of Japan's celebrated pop culture. Attendees are expected to gather at the Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, within the EXPO Exhibition Center “WASSE”, where the spirit of creativity and cultural appreciation will flourish.

Among the highlights of the festival is a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event, bringing together exhibitors, anime production companies, and renowned manga publishers. The opening activity will include engaging talks and appearances by well-loved anime characters, ensuring a memorable start to the event. Notably, Rika Matsumoto, famed for her role as Ash in Pokémon and a dedicated ambassador of Cool Japan, will grace the stage to perform a live set. Attendees can look forward to her powerful renditions of homegrown hits.

A Cultural Gateway

A unique lineup of stage events will enrich the festival experience, including an engaging talk show featuring Minoru Kiuchi, the Minister of Cabinet Office for Cool Japan Strategy. Additionally, Cool Japan Ambassador and cosplayer Enako will share her insights, bringing fans one step closer to their beloved characters. The stage will come alive with performances by talented anime vocalists, voice actors, and VTubers, alongside the introduction of the Anime Song Bon Odori dance.

Not just a visual spectacle, the festival will promote hands-on participation through diverse programs, designed to emphasize Japan's cultural amassment through anime. Powerful initiatives will also address global concerns like anti-piracy efforts, featuring impactful messages from prominent manga artists.

Nourishing International Interest

Aligned with Japan’s New Cool Japan Strategy, the showcase intends to act as a cultural gateway for international visitors, stimulate excitement about Japan's rich heritage, and broaden inbound tourism. Each segment of the exhibition will serve to highlight the cultural diversity and unique qualities of various anime and manga hotspots across Japan. Visitors can engage with vibrant booths that spotlight the country's regional wonders—from the allure of famous landmarks to the delicacies offered by local cuisine.

The festival promises to entice not just anime enthusiasts but also those drawn to the intricate traditions that make Japan so unique. With an anticipated global audience, the Cool Japan Showcase aims to highlight Japan's status as an unmissable destination for those passionate about anime and manga.

How to Attend

For individuals interested in attending this exhilarating festival, reservations will be accessible through the EXPO2025 Digital Ticket platform. Detailed information, including event timings and programming, is available at Anime Tourism Association or via the provided QR code.

Get ready to immerse in the enchanting world of anime and manga at the Cool Japan Showcase, an experience set to leave an indelible mark on all who wish to discover Japan's culture through its artistic lens. Don't miss this chance to explore the magic that defines one of the most beloved aspects of Japanese culture.