HYPER JAPAN

It was my first visit to the vibrant fun day at the Hyper Japan Festival in London.  There is plenty going on to keep you occupied throughout the show such as Cosplay, Anime screenings, sake tasting, traditional Japanese dishes and Manga Manga Manga… http://www.hyperjapan.co.uk/

People turned up in full costumes of some of your favorite Anime, Manga or video game characters accessorized with glittering eyelash extensions and wigs.  I personally think that some of the efforts were exceptionally good and better than those displayed in the Cosplay parade.

The Love Making Van

There was a small gathering of Japanese cars and it was the pink Bosozoku that stood out the most.  Pimp my ride!!! Literally!  Jarvis Cocker sat in this 🙂  My friend and I were absorbed by the dark purple silk sheets and mirrors at the back of the van.

 Food Court – Here’s a thought…

GIVE US MORE FOOD STALLS NEXT TIME.  My friend and I gave up queuing at some of the most popular food stalls because they were so busy but we still got to sample some gyoza (dumplings) and takoyaki (octopus balls).  Although extremely good for you, I didn’t attempt to try Unagi (eels).  Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake) were awfully popular.

We tasted various teas, some plum wine and the Sake we tried, to my friend’s surprise, was from her home town.  It is very interesting receiving knowledge on the different temperatures and ways in which sake can be enjoyed.

Rajio Taiso

Rajio Taiso was performed on a floor platform and anyone could join in.  Rajio Taiso means Radio Exercise and began in 1928 by the Japan Post and NHK Radio.

Today it is routinely performed on construction sites, schools and at 3pm in many offices.   I am tempted to start doing this on a daily basis before I go to work.

All drawings below by me are from Draw Something 1 (2012) and are all Japanese inspired by either Anime or Manga.

Please also take a look at this link to Instagram of my fellow Draw Something partner Memo [really the Stig from the British motoring TV show ‘Top Gear’] who also draws some beautiful Manga from time-to-time. http://instagram.com/memopackers#