Report on the Davos “JapanManga Night 2018” event, a festival for Japanese fans that continues to evolve

“JapanManga Night 2018,” a festival for Japanese fans, was held in Davos, Switzerland for 3 days from 5/25 (Fri) to 27 (Sun). This year, Japan Promotion participated for the first time, and summoned the stage of the traditional and regional culture pavilion “Ya A-MA-NE” and many exhibiting artists. A new aspect of “Japanese culture,” which goes beyond the anime and manga mentioned in the event name, was conveyed to visitors, and we were able to reach an end with great success. We will introduce the highlights and achievements of “JapanManga Night 2018” in a report.

JapanManga Night 2018 (Japan Manga Night 2018) Tradition/Regional Culture Pavilion “A-MA-NE”
‍Period: 2018/5/25 (Fri) -27 (Sun)
Venue: Davos Congress Center Japanese Manga Night
Venue Kongressplatz (Congress Square), 7270 Davos.
Festival organized by Nerdilicious GmbH
Pavilion management: Japan Promotion
‍≫JapanManga Night official website

Finally, it's time to join Davos! Surrounded by the beauty of the city

The tension of all the artists is greatly heightened by the beautiful location, just like a painting.

The scale of “JapanManga Night 2018” has expanded year by year, and this year it recorded over 10,000 visitors. From Japan, 9 groups of performers and 11 groups of exhibitors traveled to Davos via Japan Promotion to spread the appeal of “Japanese culture.”

Many of the performers and exhibitors arrived in Davos before 5/24 (Thursday). It is said that while traveling from Zurich Airport to the venue, the party was completely moved by the picturesque scenery of Switzerland that jumped into their eyes. The good location of the venue also gave me a sense of exciting and wonderful development. Anime song singer Eri Sasaki, dance and rap duo FEMM, etc. appeared at the eve of the 25th (Friday) festival, and RAM RIDER, Nard Lave, etc. performed DJs on the main stage on 26th (Sat) to liven up the rave party.

DSC_0616_R — The venue for “JapanManga Night 2018” is the Congress Center (Davos Congress Centre), which is also the venue for the “Davos Conference.”

Expectations for “JapanManga Night” are rising one after another from government officials as a cornerstone of Davos tourism business

DSC_0442_R — Organizer Lucas greets and greets guests (center of photo)

On 5/26 (Sat), a welcome reception party for Japanese guests was held at a nearby hotel, and a place for exchange was set up with many VIPs, including the organizer, Mr. Lucas (center photo), the governor of the state, Mr. Marcos, the head of the Davos Tourism Bureau, Secretary Tashiro Hirofumi of the Swiss Embassy, and Mr. Gen Aoto, Chairman of the Japan Club Zurich. “JapanManga Night 2018,” which has a history of 18 years and has now grown into a Japanese event representing Switzerland, has strong support from the community, and it is also characteristic that the distance between the organizer side, guests, and visitors is close.

DSC_0476_R — Governor Caviazi speaks in a friendly manner to each and every Japanese guest

DSC_0448_R — Mr. Marcos, Davos Tourism Director (center photo)

DSC_0430_R — Secretary Tashiro Hironobu of the Embassy in Switzerland (center of the photo)

IMGP0299_R — Mr. Caviazi taking a commemorative photo with the performers (center of the photo)

A-MA-NE, which participated for the first time, captivated the audience with performances and productions that were particular about “real things”!

On 26th (Sat), when “JapanManga Night 2018” started in earnest, performers gathered at the entrance gate to welcome visitors. Visitors of all ages, including anime fans in their 10s and 20s dressed in their own cosplay costumes and families with children, packed the venue to look forward to the event. The audience was very satisfied with the many splendid performances that interweave entertainment with a sense of beauty unique to Japan. The stage, which swirled with excitement, deeply fascinated all who watched.

DSC_4755_R — The venue was full of booths, and the venue had a festive mood. Visitors dressed in cosplay also add flowers to the glamorous mood.

IMGP0284_R — A Swiss couple who participated in “JapanManga Night 2018” wearing kimonos they are proud of. Take a commemorative photo at the photo booth.

DSC_0188op_R — A scene from the opening ceremony held on the main stage with videos introducing each performer in the background.

DSC_0865_R — Most people saw “bondage” for the first time, and it was a bondage performance that had a huge response. There was a standing ovation at the end.

DSC_0655_R — Demonstrations were shown in the small hall, and many spectators watched as the work was finished right in front of their eyes.

DSC_0221op_R — In addition to cosplayers in uniform, there were also visitors in yukata in the audience seats. I felt the depth of interest and interest in Japanese culture.

High quality Japanese art works continue to receive high praise! There are also artists that are sold out

The A-MA-NE pavilion exhibited and sold traditional Japanese crafts, paintings, and calligraphy works. There were quite a few exhibitors that this was their first time exhibiting overseas, but the customer base of “JapanManga Night 2018” was uniformly responsive, and they were surprised when they were able to get along right away. They used gestures to explain the work to customers who enthusiastically asked questions, and devised ways to arrange and display the works, etc., which led to many sales while enjoying communication.

DSC_0505_R — Mr. Marcos (center of the photo), the director of the Davos Tourism Bureau, visited the candy craft booth, and while watching intently at the delicate hand of quickly processing candy, “I want to make the state's symbol animal “ibex” with candy crafts and distribute them to VIPs who have come to Davos!” They said, and they seemed to really like it.

DSC_0101_R — A booth for blackboard kokeshi exhibitors. The idea that letters can be drawn with chalk on a blackboard processed body and the pop form were supported, and it became very popular as “cute” regardless of gender, and it was sold out.

DSC_0112_R — Many visitors were also glued to the calligrapher's demonstration. There was a long line of people who wanted their names written on a business card-sized mount.

IMG_0772_R — The fair booth, where you can play yo-yo fishing and ring toss, is always a popular spot crowded with people. A couple enjoying yo-yo fishing for the first time.

簪_R — A woman bought a hairpin at the A-MA-NE Selection booth, which has many traditional Japanese crafts, such as kimonos, mizubiki, and kumiko.

金箔石鹸IMG_0806 — A woman bought soap with a delicate gold leaf decoration. Take a commemorative photo with a friend.

簪IMG_0799 — The woman bought the hairpin she wanted and looked happy.

和紙ピアスIMG_0808_R — She got earrings made of Japanese paper from him as a present.

DSC_0196_R — Performances such as singing, sword fighting, and bondage were performed on the A-MA-NE stage, which was tastefully decorated with Japanese paper.

There are also many events where you can experience Japanese culture in a multifaceted way

As a whole, in addition to exhibiting on stage and booths, it is also an important point that many diverse experiential programs are being developed, such as aikido and zazen workshops, radio-controlled races, karaoke rooms, and maid cafes. Also, at the food corner, Japanese B-grade gourmet food was popular, and a curry booth appeared for the first time. Furthermore, coupler members who can eat and compare cup ramen have been set up, and the lineup has elaborate tastes where gourmet food can also be enjoyed.

DSC_0309_R — At the radio control corner, a race was held with people bringing their own radio-controlled models

DSC_4883_R — The zazen workshop, where you can listen to monks' anecdotes and experience zazen meditation, was so successful that there was no place to sit.

IMGP0388_R — The food court is stocked with everything from rice balls, curry, and cup ramen to sweets such as dorayaki.

DSC_4803_R — Merchandise booths are also bustling as usual. There were many booths selling new and used comics, doujinshi, anime goods, cosplay goods, etc.

Organizer Lucas said, “We aim for an event full of 'authentic' appeal through enhanced programs.”

IMGP0304_R — Mr. Lucas talking about JapanManga Night 2018 (photo left)

Regarding this year's “JapanManga Night 2018,” the organizer Lucas (left in the photo) said, “I think the quality as an art event has improved all at once with the addition of Japan Promotion performers and exhibitors this year. Thanks to being able to systematically show old and new Japanese culture beyond the boundaries of anime and manga, the customer base has also expanded,” she said in an excited manner.

Many moving comments were also received in the questionnaire that our participants conducted.

DSC_0525_R — “I was exposed to so many talents and received a lot of power from my full performance! I hope they will continue their activities to spread Japanese culture.” (Female in her 20s)

着物クラッチ(彼女）IMG_0814 — “These are really, really beautiful items! The design is great, and the careful craftsmanship is great!” (Male in his 30s)

DSC_0579_R — “Traditional Japanese culture is very interesting. It made me feel like I was traveling in Japan!” (Female in her 20s)

DSC_0543_R — “What a great idea. I was amazed at how many brilliant techniques there were. Both the show and the game were fun! Thanks!” (Female in her 20s)

This “JapanManga Night 2018” was the first time we participated in the Japan Promotion, but we were able to obtain a huge response and sales results that exceeded expectations. This event is definitely growing in presence in Europe. We will continue to further enhance the pavilions with the know-how we have gained this year and our next plans.

Consultations and requests for materials regarding exhibitions are being accepted at any time

In addition to exhibiting and selling art works (calligraphy, Japanese painting, ink painting, etc.), handicrafts in general, and clothing and accessories such as kimonos and Japanese goods, we are looking forward to receiving applications from various fields, such as performance performances related to tradition and regional culture.
There is an examination of works (products) at the time of application, but regardless of past activity records, everyone, from individuals to companies and local governments, has the opportunity to exhibit and perform.
Please send us a photo of your work (product) by email or mail. We will look at the work and propose the most suitable exhibition plan (booth size, exhibition fee, etc.).

Please contact us using the form below or via the “Contact Us” email form. The person in charge will reply to you shortly.

◎ To: Japan Promotion Association Japan Expo Exhibition Office
◎ Address: 4th Floor, Ebina Building, 6-18-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
◎ Telephone: 03-5766-2450/Fax: 03-5766-2451
◎ Email: info@japanpromotion.org

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Report on the Davos “JapanManga Night 2018” event, a festival for Japanese fans that continues to evolve

Finally, it's time to join Davos! Surrounded by the beauty of the city

Expectations for “JapanManga Night” are rising one after another from government officials as a cornerstone of Davos tourism business

A-MA-NE, which participated for the first time, captivated the audience with performances and productions that were particular about “real things”!

High quality Japanese art works continue to receive high praise! There are also artists that are sold out

There are also many events where you can experience Japanese culture in a multifaceted way

Organizer Lucas said, “We aim for an event full of 'authentic' appeal through enhanced programs.”

Consultations and requests for materials regarding exhibitions are being accepted at any time

この記事のプロジェクト

JapanManga Night

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