Japan Expo Paris 2023 “WABI SABI Pavilion” Event Report

We met again this year!
The “22nd Japan Expo” has made a complete comeback

Europe's largest Japan event that was resumed last year after overcoming a 3-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic”Japan Expo Paris”. This year, which is now in its 22nd year, the number of exhibitors from Japan also recorded a record high, making a complete comeback in an era when borders were reopened. Approximately 255,000 Japanese fans rushed to the venue over 4 days. The number of visitors last year, which was a record high, rushed in not only from France, but also from all over Europe. Among the many Japanese events, you can enjoy not only anime and games, but also a variety of Japanese culture, such as arts and crafts unique to Japan, traditional performances, food, martial arts, etc.”Japan Expo ParisIt makes” special. Let's take a look back at the festival, which is full of enthusiasm once a year.

Japan Expo Paris 2023 -Japan Expo-
‍Period: 4 days from 2023/7/13 (Thu) to 7/16 (Sun)
Venue: Paris, Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center
‍＞＞Japan Expo Paris Official Homepage

The theme this time is “innocence.”
Disseminating “authentic Japanese culture” to the world
Pavilion “WABI SABI”

According to the Japan Promotion Association,”Japan Expo Paris“The largest (1,500m²) pavilion in the house that conveys Japanese traditions and regional culture”WABI SABIOperates”. This year, which is now in its 11th year, we welcome visitors with a variety of Japanese arts, crafts, and performances with 90 groups of exhibiting booths and 20 performing groups with the desire to “convey Japanese culture with a fresh heart.” Nearly 300 people involved traveled from Japan to the site and enlivened the pavilion.

The pavilion “WABI SABI,” which came to Paris for the first time in a year, was packed with fans looking for unique gems that can only be found here this year. The images they envision for “Japan” and the values they seek vary from visitor to visitor. They picked up a wide range of genres, from items with traditional Japanese motifs such as kimonos, origami, and calligraphy to products that exude a sense of “Kawaii.”
The large number of repeat visitors is also one of the characteristics of this pavilion. “Where is that artist from last year, this year?” I'm also often asked that. It's a special connection that can only be created because it's an event where you can meet in person, have a conversation, and express your feelings.

It's not just shopping!
Workshops offering “experiences”

There is also a booth that hosts workshops where visitors can actually experience Japanese culture. This is a valuable opportunity for visitors to not only deepen exchanges with exhibiting artists, but also to deepen their understanding of the technology being used. For artists, this is an opportunity to show off the high technical capabilities of the product. The workshop was also an opportunity for sales.

The venue was excited, enthusiastic!
Beautiful stage performance

This time, too, many unique and diverse artists assigned by our corporation performed on each stage of WABI SABI, SAKURA, and ICHIGO, making the venue very exciting.

▼WABI SABI SABI STAGE

A variety of performances will be held in the center of the front of the pavilion”WABI SABISet up a “stage”. Performances full of originality, such as performances, songs, sword fighting, calligraphy performances, and live painting, enlivened the venue. The sight of many visitors stopping or standing in front and watching as if eating in was impressive. A French person with a rich sense of emotion. The pavilion was integrated into the peaceful atmosphere created by the stage and audience, such as clapping according to the rhythm.

‍

▼SAKURA STAGE

WABI SABI PAVILIONAt the SAKURA stage, which is located right next to, various artists captivate visitors with their performances every year. A variety of stages, such as Japanese instruments, dance, sword fighting performances, and local character shows, were held this year, making the venue very exciting every day. On the final stage on the last day, all the artists who performed went up to the stage and graced the finale of the event in a grand way.

‍

▼ICHIGO STAGE

The ICHIGO stage is a large stage that can accommodate over 9,000 people. The full power of lighting, sound, and screens was also mobilized, and a wide variety of artists sprang up the packed venue this year as well. That enthusiasm is unique to live venues. It will further push the atmosphere of the venue, where “Japanese fever” is growing, to the next level.

‍

Disseminated again this year! Bringing Tokyo's traditional crafts to the world
“Tokyo Handicraft” Project Booth

Last year, we promoted the appeal of Tokyo's traditional crafts at this biggest Japanese event in Europe.”Tokyo handicraft” Project. Under the support of the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Business Promotion Corporation, a total of 12 new businesses exhibited under the guise of this year as well. Masterpieces that are finished by hand by craftsmen will inevitably be more expensive than mass-produced products. What can only be done at the Japan Expo is to let people know the high level of technical ability, originality, and ease of use of products through demonstrations of manufacturing processes and usage demonstrations. The visitors were convinced by the high quality and story, and chose “slightly special items.”

‍

The media, which has many followers, is also in the spotlight!
“Don't miss it” and taiko ban

For many yearsJapan ExpoIt has given off a unique presence as the core of the traditional culture sectorWABI SABI PAVILION. In various media where Japanese fans gather, it was introduced as notable content even before the exhibition. Multiple media covered the pavilion during the exhibition. They enthusiastically shared their special experiences at the venue to their followers.
Even within Japan, the “Nikkei Cross Trend”Japan ExpoPay attention to transmission power. It has been featured multiple times as the first step in overseas expansion.

▼Console Fun
https://consolefun.fr/actualites/detail/30085/30-06-2023-japan-expo-culture-traditionnelle-japonaise

▼Journal du Japon
https://www.journaldujapon.com/2023/08/17/japan-expo-2023-les-artisans-de-tokyo-a-decouvrir-wabi-sabi/

▼Nikkei Cross Trend
https://xtrend.nikkei.com/atcl/contents/18/00867/?i_cid=nbpnxr_breadcrumb

▼La Croix
https://www.la-croix.com/Culture/Japan-Expo-2023-edition-tentaculaire-2023-07-13-1201275237

▼MANGA SANCTUARY
https://www.manga-sanctuary.com/news/41650/japan-expo-2023-le-compte-rendu.html

I've told you about the “Japan Expo Paris 2023-Japan Expo-” above, but I wonder if the enthusiasm and passion of these 4 days has reached everyone's hearts even a little bit.
Next year, we will head to France in search of even more new encounters and excitement.
A la prochaine fois (see you later)!

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

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

‍