Japanese London: Anime, cosplay and a bit of J-pop

London is turning Japanese over the next few weeks. Victoria Stewart looks at how you can be part of the cultural swell of food, music and cartoons
19 July 2013

Are you up for some anime? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for a spot of matcha afternoon tea? Actually, while we’re at it, have either J-Pop or cosplay reached your radar? The reason I ask is because over the coming weeks London is playing host to a vast number of Japan-related events.

Japan fever begins tomorrow evening where about 1,000 people will descend on The Rocket Complex at London Metropolitan University to join an anime and gaming convention. It originally began life in a bar but, this year, has grown bigger than ever, with Japanese pop singer Yama-B and dance acts Kimono Time on stage, professional voiceover workshops and anime screenings of High School of the Dead and Death Game.

“Japanese culture is becoming increasingly popular within Western society and there are so many fascinating elements, most noteably its anime, gaming and cosplay (costumes from your favourite comic or anime),” says Michael Towers, the event’s organiser. “We have hit a tipping point where the British mainstream is starting to open up to many aspects of this culture and the different perspectives it can offer.”

If you want a bigger bite of the J-pie, take a trip to Dalston Junction where, until Sunday, you can queue up for the last few tickets at Matsuri at the Roof Gardens opposite. Here Masterchef-winning chef Tim Anderson hosts a food festival as a preview of what will be his restaurant Nanban. With the help of street food traders, there will be pancakes and fish-shaped cakes to eat while watching Japanese films.

This Japanese foodie fever is partly down to the fact that today many people are searching for “new exciting tastes, allergy solutions and healthy diets”, says Christopher Dawson, chairman of Clearspring food company which has just released a new range of tofu and matcha tea.

“Japanese cuisine has a clean, fresh taste and a spectrum of intense flavours. It has also brought the Umami fifth taste dimension to the forefront. The food is very beautifully presented but it doesn’t just look good — it makes you feel good, too. Light flavours, good quality ingredients and a low fat content make this nation’s cuisine a healthy option.”

Luckily, there is more where that comes from because two days ago one happy tweeter @_GellyFish_ wrote: “going to hyperjapan with @azuchus super excited about all the food we are going to eat”. @Ali_Haikurgirl agreed, saying: “Mmm… can’t wait for Japanese ice cream @hyperJapanevent! > A Taste of Japanese Summer.” @Noodlee wrote: “I’ve put LOTS of effort into my Ellie cosplay, I’m proud of it too! Just a few final bits now I am excited for HP.”

They were, of course referring to Hyper Japan, a gigantic culture festival taking place next weekend at Earl’s Court that is being billed as the country’s biggest J-culture event. Here you can hear J-pop star Yun*chi, below, watch a Japanese fashion show or a cosplay parade, meet manga superstars or settle into a Nintendo or Namco Bandai gaming session.

If you’re too busy sunbathing to catch any of these events, there are still ways to get a taste of Japanese food culture. This week The Evening Standard’s restaurant critic gave four stars to the new Soho restaurant Kirazu, where she tried flame-seared rice balls and takoyaki made with dry-fried batter and diced octopus. Last year’s two new ramen noodle restaurants, Tonkotsu and Bone Daddies, opened on Dean Street and this month they have begun offering a summer version of the popular dish: chillen ramen noodles with various toppings.

Are you ready to join the J-crew?

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