arts & culture

Japan Weekend lands in Barcelona for another year of celebrating all things Japanese. One of the city’s biggest cultural events, its focus is much broader than simply anime fandom: it covers manga, cosplay, illustration, gaming, guests, performances and so much more, turning a convention into its own little universe.

At its core, this is a celebration of Japanese popular culture and the global communities that have grown around it. The appeal is not just in browsing stands or spotting incredible costumes, but in the sheer range of activities to attend, from talks and exhibitions to meet-ups that make it feel as social as it is informative.

This year’s programme includes voice actor Laia Vidal, composer Masakazu Sugimori, singer Mayu Maeshima, illustrator ToshiaSan, pianist Victormame, and cosplayers Bellatrix Aiden and Rose Magpie, alongside the usual mix of stages, creator zones, cosplay contests, karaoke and other activities that give the event its exciting buzz.