A Weekend in Japan (Well, Almost)

Fancy a weekend in Japan but not the jet lag? A couple of weeks ago (April 4 & 5), we found ourselves swept up in the vibrant whirlwind of the fifth edition of the Athens Japanese Festival.

Launched in 2019 with the ambition to bring Japan closer to Greece, the event has grown into a dazzling celebration of all things Japanese. Thousands of artists, workshops, exhibitions and performances now gather each year to showcase the many faces of this mythical country, from ancient traditions to modern pop culture. It’s energetic, it’s creative, it’s inspiring… and yes, we love it!

The vast halls of the Peristeri Exhibition Centre were buzzing. One entire section was dedicated to shopping, and you could find absolutely everything: delicate teas and tea sets, shimmering samurai swords, plushies of everyone’s favourite Pokémon, and even tattoo artists ready to ink the boldest visitors. Many exhibitors had gone all‑in with costumes straight out of beloved mang and visitors, too, showed up in their best cosplay, proudly bringing their favourite characters to life with infectious enthusiasm ; a delight for fans and photographers alike. 

 

Another area shone a spotlight on traditional Japanese culture, and the passion behind it was palpable. Registered participants could try their hand at bonsai or ikebana, while others folded intricate origami creations. Passers‑by were invited to vote for their favourites ... a tricky task, given the talent on display!

We were particularly charmed by the photography exhibition,  offering a genuine glimpse into everyday Japanese life. The textile arts stood out too, with their vibrant kimonos and delicate textures quietly drawing attention.

There truly was something for everyone — even car enthusiasts, who happily posed with their favourite Japanese models. Visitors could even leave with their name or chosen phrase beautifully written in calligraphy.

The cinema corner hosted talks, Q&A sessions and, of course, film screenings. Nearby, a lively gaming area (board games, arcade machines, video games) kept both children and adults entertained from morning to evening.

And despite the rain, the outdoor food court was buzzing with hungry festival‑goers queueing patiently for bao buns and prawn tempura. With those mouth‑watering aromas drifting through the air, resisting was simply not an option.

From 8,000 visitors two years ago to 15,000 expected today, the festival has grown at an impressive pace. What’s the secret? “A lot of organisation,” a staff member told us with a smile. And indeed, understanding what the public loves, responding to that demand, and building local and international partnerships with artists and exhibitors is no small feat. Judging by the festival’s expansion, though, it’s safe to say the mission has been accomplished!

The same staff member admitted, half‑worried and half‑amused, that they may soon need an even bigger venue than the Peristeri Exhibition Centre. She wonders whether this is simply a trend that began around fifteen years ago with the rise of manga, and whether the festival might be reaching its peak. But if we look at Paris’ Japan Expo, which only keeps growing, perhaps Athens’ own celebration of Japanese culture still has many bright years ahead.

So we’ll surely be back next year for another trip to the Land of the Rising Sun!