The organisers of a Japanese-inspired event are hoping to bring the culture of the Asian country to a Nottinghamshire town.
Japan Fest, a celebration of Japanese culture, music, and food, will return to Mansfield Rugby Club on Sunday, May 31, 2026, running from 11 am to 5 pm.
The one-day festival invites visitors to explore both traditional and modern Japan in a family-friendly environment, featuring live performances, cultural activities, workshops and Japanese street food.
Organised by Otaku World anime shop, the celebration was created to offer fans of Japanese culture an immersive experience from a far.
The CEO of Otaku World, Manuele Giacone, shared what visitors can look forward to most at this year’s celebration.
Manuele said: “For the Mansfield event, we felt it was important to present experiences that showcase the elegance and history of Japan, such as Koto performances, and traditional arts, while also celebrating the modern side that many younger audiences connect with through anime, gaming, cosplay, J-pop, and Japanese music culture.
“Rather than separating these worlds, Japan Fest aims to show how naturally they coexist and inspire one another.
“We have found that this blend creates a welcoming atmosphere where families, students, anime fans, and people discovering Japanese culture for the first time can all enjoy the event together.”
Since the festival began being held in Mansfield three years ago the festival has continued to grow in both audience and ambition.
It started as a smaller community focused event and evolved into a wider platform that attracts visitors from across the UK.
“Over time, we have expanded the entertainment programme, welcomed more performers and traders, and strengthened our connections with artists, cultural groups, and the wider Japanese community,” added Manuele.
“At its core, however, the vision has remained the same: to create an accessible and positive celebration of Japanese culture that brings people together.”
Festivals celebrating Japanese culture have also taken place in various parts of the country, including Derby, where the shop first organised the event.
Otaku World has hosted events in Nottingham and Buxton for several years, and since 2023, it has become an annual event in Mansfield.
Local businesses are returning to bring elements of Japan to Brits on the day.
Dress maker, Marianna Grace Adams, 32, owns Maz’s boutique and returns to the event as a vendor every year.
In excitement for this year’s edition, she said: “For me, being part of Japan Fest feels almost like a family, as I see many of the other traders and visitors at other events.
“There has always been a real sense of belonging and community at these events.
“Also, particularly when I get to meet and liaise with customers in person, I think it creates a personal experience for them, as they are buying and appreciating the work of an individual rather than a faceless brand.
“It makes me very happy to see the support I get as a small business, especially as this year I’m approaching 10 years of being a business owner!”
Last year’s event featured interactive workshops, including comic art classes, origami, painting, and traditional Japanese calligraphy.
