April 26 & 27 Japan Weekend in Elche

Spain's largest Japanese culture fair arrives in Alicante

Get your best cosplay ready for the new edition of Japan Weekend, which brings the best of manga and anime to Alicante at Spain’s largest Japanese culture fair on April 26 & 27.

Once again this year, IFA Fira Alacant in Elche will host the 13th instalment of a weekend packed with activities such as Japanese calligraphy and origami workshops, concerts by renowned manga artists and a chance to meet your favourite YouTubers and streamers.

Explore the various booths offering a wide range of cosplay prints, merchandise and exclusive memorabilia. If you're a content creator with a significant following on social media, you can register for a spot at a booth to showcase your talents.

With a minimum number of followers required on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Twitch and YouTube, this is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded fans and industry professionals.

The event features an impressive line-up of international artists including Hiroki Takahashi, Halca and Satsuki & Tales of Lightning, cosplay sisters from Sevilla. Enjoy Asian food masterclasses, interesting facts about Japan, karaoke and video game tournaments, all set amidst a backdrop of freedom of expression and zero tolerance for harassment.

Take part in the famous Cosplay competition on the main stage on Saturday, now featuring an international selection, and compete for a chance to represent Spain in the grand international final in Sofia, Bulgaria in October. Online registration is open until April 10.

Or, on Sunday afternoon, why not showcase your dancing skills at the Japan Weekend Idol Festival, exclusively for cosplayers from idol-themed series and video games, with prizes ranging up to €200. The minimum age for entry is 16.

With plenty of food options available, including the freedom to bring your own, and benefits like a 5% discount on Renfe trains and an anti-crisis ticket, this event has something for everyone.

Tickets are now available online and children under 6 can attend for free.

Also of interest: May 10-11: Cartagena transforms into a slice of Japan this May

Image: Japan Weekend

Linea Directa Bottom Article A-L CAR INSURANCE

Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox

Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)