Japan Expo Paris [Artist Exhibition] Support Case Studies 2026

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Japan Expo Paris 2026 was held in Paris, France, from Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 12, 2026. Japan Promotion supported 106 exhibitors at the "WABI SABI" traditional Japanese culture pavilion.

The venue was filled with a diverse array of unique booths, ranging from traditional crafts like geta sandals, cut glass, and papier-mâché dolls to original accessories, fashion goods, and creative items inspired by Harajuku culture.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Japan Expo was held on its largest scale ever, with an additional hall added to the venue. Approximately 220,000 people from around the world gathered to experience the various charms of Japanese culture, including anime, manga, traditional crafts, music, and fashion, keeping the venue buzzing with excitement every day. (Read the event report here)

Local reactions, market insights, and artist connections: What we gained from exhibiting abroad

In our exhibitor survey, many participants shared that they felt the unique rewards of exhibiting overseas, noting that they were able to "interact with international customers" and "gain insight into local culture and market trends."

Others mentioned that they formed connections with fellow artists and business owners working in similar fields. It is clear that these encounters across borders are bringing new possibilities to their creative work and business development back home.

High interest in our work, new encounters, and fresh possibilities: Voices from our exhibiting artists

We asked our exhibitors to share some of the special encounters and stories that emerged during the event. Here are a few highlights.

"I was approached by a filmmaker from the UK about providing costumes, and also discussed potential costume collaborations with someone who manages Japanese idols in France."

"Someone who had purchased my work in the past came to see me this year wearing it. I was so happy to be reunited with them."

"A customer who bought an ema (votive tablet) I made told me with tears in their eyes, 'The words I wrote on that ema helped me keep going.' It brought me to tears, too. It made me feel so glad that I do what I do."

"When I posted photos on social media, the people who bought my work shared them, and so many more people got to see them!"

"They were genuinely interested in the production process and the meaning behind the patterns; it was clear they valued the sentiment behind the work, not just the appearance. I was so happy to have my work appreciated by customers like that."

"So many people kept saying, 'It's amazing! It's so beautiful!' Being recognized by the people of France, a nation of art, has given me true confidence."

"It feels just like being in Japan" | Feedback from French visitors

We received a great deal of praise and gratitude from visitors who experienced the works and techniques of our exhibiting artists.

"Your booth is lovely and the items are wonderful. Thank you for coming to France! The exhibitors and artisans were so kind, and now I really want to visit Japan."

"Your work is magnificent! It really conveys the culture and delicacy of Japan. I had a dreamlike time."

"I much prefer the WABI SABI pavilion, where I can buy artisan crafts, over the generic figures you see everywhere else."

"Thank you for sharing your work, your passion, and your beauty with us."

"I always look forward to seeing your products. It’s a shame my budget won't let me buy more! I will definitely be back next year."

"It’s so beautiful; I felt like I was actually in Japan."

Now accepting applications for Japan Expo Paris 2027

We celebrated the milestone 25th anniversary of Japan Expo Paris alongside 106 exhibitors.

At Japan Promotion, our Japanese staff provides end-to-end support, from application and international shipping to booth setup, as well as on-site interpretation and customer service during the event. Even if it is your first time exhibiting abroad, our system allows you to focus entirely on your creations and your work. We remain committed to supporting artists who continue to share Japanese culture, tailoring our assistance to each individual's needs.

Artist applications for 2027 are now open! If you are interested in exhibiting, please feel free to contact us.

[Click here for inquiries▶]