Japan Expo Paris 2026 Overview | WABI SABI's 25th Anniversary Theme is "Japonism"

Europe's largest Japanese culture event, attracting over 250,000 Japanese culture enthusiasts annually, "Japan Expo Paris".

This major event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The "WABI SABI" pavilion, dedicated to traditional Japanese culture, will showcase authentic Japanese beauty and craftsmanship. This year's theme is "Japonism."

When and Where? Japan Expo Paris 2026 Event Information

The dates for Japan Expo Paris 2026 areJuly 9 (Thursday) – July 12 (Sunday). The venue is Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, and it will be held over four days again this year.

As it marks its milestone 25th edition this year, an even greater turnout than usual is expected. The number of visitors is projected to reach 250,000.

Event Name: Japan Expo Paris 2026
Dates: July 9 (Thursday) – July 12 (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center
Estimated Visitors: Approximately 250,000 
Venue Area: 140,000㎡ (approximately 3 Tokyo Domes)

Guest Appearances at Japan Expo Paris 2026

As of April 2026, the announced guests performing and attending Japan Expo 2026 are as follows:

• Shoko Nakagawa (Singer, TV Personality)
• yama (Musician)
• ≠ME (Idol Group)
• Sho Kiryuin (Musician)
• Umikun (Singer-Songwriter)
• Sarah Àlainn (Singer, Violinist)
• Keisuke Itagaki (Manga Artist)
• Upiko (Musician)
• Daisuke Igarashi (Manga Artist)
• Kia Asamiya (Manga Artist, Animator)

"WABI SABI," Japan Expo's only traditional Japanese pavilion, delivering authentic "Wa" (Japanese culture)

"WABI SABI" is Japan Expo's only official traditional Japanese culture pavilion, planned and operated by our organization, Japan Promotion. It consistently expands its recognition and influence in Europe, being featured annually by local Japanese culture enthusiast media*. *Le Japon à Paris, Journal du Japon

This year, 103 sales and workshop booths and 26 stage performers will participate, with Japanese creators across a wide range of fields, including traditional crafts, handmade goods, art, and food culture, welcoming visitors.

Nearly 100 Japanese creators across a wide range of fields, including traditional crafts, handmade goods, art, food culture, workshops, and stage performances, participate and exhibit annually.

Far from being just an exhibition, many exhibitors utilize it as a stepping stone for international expansion, a place to directly meet local fans and receive their genuine reactions.

The 2026 Theme is "Japonism"

WABI SABI has consistently created its space under a new theme each year, presenting new facets of Japanese culture.

The 2026 theme is"Japonism".

WABI SABI interprets this term, which refers to the craze for Japanese culture that swept through Europe in the late 19th century, not as a re-enactment of a past movement, but as a redefinition of the value the world now finds in Japan.

In France, the heartland of Japonism, we aim to create a space that connects the origins and future of Japanese culture.

For Exhibition Inquiries, Contact Japan Promotion

Japan Promotion is anofficial agencyfor Japan Expo Paris, serving as the contact point for WABI SABI exhibitors. We provide comprehensive, one-stop support, from advising on product selection and booth layout to French translation, logistics, and on-site setup and sales support on the day of the event. Proxy exhibition, where you do not need to travel to the venue yourself, is also available.

If you are interested in exhibiting, please feel free to contact us via "Inquiries".

*Please note that all exhibitions are subject to review. Participation is not guaranteed.