Japan Expo

"Japan Expo Marseille (also known as Japan Expo Sud) is a major convention dedicated to Japanese culture and pop culture in general. It takes place every year over several days at the Parc Chanot in Marseille. It's a not-to-be-missed event for fans of manga, anime, video games, cosplay, Japanese music and traditional cultural activities.
The event offers a festive, immersive atmosphere, blending Japanese traditions and contemporary culture: martial arts, ceremonies, artistic creations, culinary stands, meetings with guests (mangaka, dubbers, youtubers, creators), cosplay competitions, concerts, gaming areas and workshop zones.


Sample program - Examples of activities and events :
Cosplay - Parades, Shows & Gatherings
- Cosplay Shows: dedicated stages where cosplay fans present their costumes and performances inspired by manga, anime or video games.
- World Cosplay Summit: international competition with French qualifiers.
- Themed Cosplay Gatherings (e.g. One Piece, Marvel & Disney, Captain Tsubasa, My Hero Academia...).

Concerts & Musical performances
- Concert ANISONG by Misaki Mori: anime-inspired songs.
- Showcases by musical groups such as ALL IN or BANZAI JAPAN (Japanese music/pop).
- Live concerts by Cookiesan or UK (various musical styles, rap manga, J-pop etc.).

Video games & Gaming
- Japan Expo Game Show: quizzes, challenges, team games and mini-competitions.
- Video game tournaments
o Street Fighter 6, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Tekken 8
o Yu-Gi-Oh!, Disney Lorcana, Magic or Star Wars Unlimited (cards and formats built or sealed)
- Freeplay areas to test new releases, meet publishers or play freely.

Workshops & cultural events
- Traditional Japanese workshops :
o Origami (paper folding)
o Japanese calligraphy
o Ikebana (floral art)
o Tea ceremony
o Martial arts initiations (aikido, kendo, karate, etc.)
- Various demonstrations (e.g. lightsaber, K-pop dance, web culture).

Meetings, Signings & Conferences
- VIP guests: mangaka, dubbing actors/actresses, youtubers and creators.
o e.g. Yôichi Takahashi, creator of Captain Tsubasa in 2025
- Signing sessions with personalities from the animation and video game industries.
- Talk shows and Q&A with creators or influencers (e.g. Comme à la maison).

Animations & interactive games
- Quizzes, blind tests, anime karaoke and musical entertainment to test your knowledge.
- Interactive zones to play board games, challenge friends or take part in stage activities.

Stands & Food culture
- Japanese street food: ramen, takoyaki, mochi and other Japanese specialties.
- Culinary exhibitors and demonstrations of Japanese cuisine.


Japan Expo Marseille is much more than just a convention: it's a three-dimensional immersion in Japanese culture, from its traditional heritage to its most modern expressions (anime, J-music, gaming, cosplay, web culture)".