We’re delighted to announce that French mangaka Jéronimo Cejudo is coming to Japan Impact!

A manga enthusiast from an early age, Jéronimo was inspired by classics such as Dragon Ball and One Piece, but it was Reno Lemaire’s Dreamland that convinced him to become a manga artist in France.

He began his career as the illustrator of Lil’ Berry, and went on to shine internationally, taking second place in the 100th Tezuka competition with his one-shot Devil Dive Inferno. A feat hailed by such legends as Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) and Kazue Kato (Blue Exorcist). Today, he continues his adventure with his RIPPER series, published by Ankama.

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Diane Georges & Co are returning to Japan Impact to bring you two activities and a captivating conference, offering you the traditional and the immersive! 🎴🎲

🌸 Hanafuda: At a conference, discover the fascinating history of these flower cards, from Portuguese sailors to Nintendo, and delve into its hidden symbols, understand why they were long banned, and the impact of this game on swathes of modern Japanese pop culture.

Alternatively, come and try your hand at Hanafuda directly from the Diane Georges & Co stand, with two variations:
👉 Hana-Awase: Perfect for a gentle introduction.
👉 Koi-Koi: A more strategic challenge for players seeking competition.

An accessible game, easy to learn, and ideal for anyone curious about Japanese culture!

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After captivating the audience of Japan Impact last year, historian Sandrine Chabre returns this year with an exciting series of lectures exploring Japan from every angle. 🗾

Whether it’s diving into history through manga, reliving the first contacts between the West and Japanese culture through the eyes of Frenchman Léon Dury, or exploring the daily lives of foreigners in 19th-century Japan, Sandrine offers you a journey rich in discovery and emotion.

And complete the story with Sylviane de Cerjat Hagger’s lectures to discover the Japanese perspective on the return of the Europeans!

Japan Impact is proud to welcome back Natsumi Yuzu, a singer, composer and talented player of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument. Skillfully blending traditional music and J-Rock influences, she shares with the world the beauty and sophistication of Japanese culture.

With her shamisen and catchy rhythms, Yuzu has already captured hearts in 23 countries across the globe, including the USA, France, Thailand and many others. Currently based in New York, she brings a unique and original breath to a saturated music scene, and promises an unprecedented musical experience. 🎶

Don’t miss her show when she comes to Switzerland for Japan Impact, on February 15 and 16! ✨

Come and meet Hiroko, Master of Japanese calligraphy, and immerse yourself in the fascinating art of this ancestral discipline.

📜 At her stand, come and discover her magnificent creations, available in small and large formats, and you’ll also have the opportunity to have your name or an ideogram of your choice written.

🖌️ During her workshops, Hiroko will guide you through the basics of Japanese calligraphy, a unique opportunity to learn the techniques of this traditional art and leave with your own creation..

Come and discover various traditional workshops organised by Itsuko Yoshikawa, who has come all the way from Japan.

During a tea ceremony, you will have the opportunity to discover while participating in the preparation of matcha which you will taste accompanied by delicious pastries called Wagashi 🍡

During the incense ceremony: Itsuko will introduce you to different Japanese incenses, followed by a game 🏮

And finally at the kimono workshop, you’ll try on this very popular traditional garment worn mainly for special occasions 👘

Following her success at previous editions, talented and passionate designer Yasuka Mastro returns to Japan Impact for a brand new conference on the symbolism of kimonos. 👘

Active under her brand name Midnight Blossom, Yasuka Mastro is a kimono specialist with a playful and sometimes comical approach, who will introduce you to the fascinating language of Japanese textiles. In a friendly atmosphere, let yourself be carried away to the heart of Japanese culture and its symbols through this clothing art rich in history and meaning. 🌸

Once again this year, we’re delighted to welcome our partners from the Swiss Cosplay Family to Japan Impact! 🤩

The Swiss Cosplay Family is a group of enthusiasts bringing together Switzerland’s largest cosplay community. Their mission? To create a united community, ready to help each other and grow, while sharing their love of cosplay with as many people as possible!

The theme of this year’s Swiss Cosplay Family is “Under construction”! 🚧 From the construction site to the stage, become the hero of your cosplay by taking part in the many workshops on offer throughout the weekend. Safety instructions will be the order of the day: each activity will make you aware of potential dangers and the best practices to adopt to design your costumes in complete safety. 🦺

Whether you’re a cosplay novice or a professional, the Swiss Cosplay Family looks forward to seeing you there to enjoy an unforgettable experience and develop your cosplaying talents!

Come and discover the art of preparing a bento and onigiri during the two cooking workshops hosted by Bento Lieferservice 🍱🍙

A bento is the perfect meal for a balanced and convenient lunch, ideal for a picnic. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare a complete menu with five different vegetables, rice and tofu. You’ll then learn how to arrange these ingredients to create an appetizing and harmonious bento.

As for onigiri, the famous rice sandwiches that can be bought as snacks in konbini, you’ll learn how to prepare them yourself, for a tasting at the end of the workshop.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover Japanese cuisine while having fun, and leave with practical tips for recreating these dishes at home! 😋

Dive into the fascinating world of sake in the company of Matthieu Zellweger, Master Sake Sommelier and Japan enthusiast for nearly three decades. 🍶

After discovering the country almost by chance, Matthieu has continued to deepen his relationship with Japan, exploring its geographical and cultural nooks and crannies. His passion for sake led him to become Sommelier en Saké in 2015, then Master Sommelier en Saké in 2023, a prestigious title held by just a few dozen people around the world. He is also the founder of Finest Sake, an online boutique dedicated to exceptional sake.

During his conference at Japan Impact, he will share his unique expertise on the history, manufacture and culture of sake. You’ll learn about his experiences in sake houses, where he had the opportunity to document several making seasons, giving birth to his book “Secrets de riz et d’eau” (2017), followed by his other releases “Worlds Beyond” (2019) and “Prière de relire” (2022). A sake tasting will also be part of the event, giving you the opportunity to better understand the origins of this passion that drives him.