The 15th edition of Japan Impact is officially over! It was a very emotional edition, and we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your presence and your unfailing support! The Japan Impact audience is without doubt the best ❤️

For this anniversary edition, thanks to you, we beat the attendance record with more than 13,000 visitors, a big thank you! We’re also proud to have been officially recognised by the Japanese Embassy as part of the 160 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland 🔥

A big thank also to all our musicians, artists, speakers, guests, stands, service providers, sponsors and partners for enlivening every moment of this incredible weekend!

We’d also like to thank the Satellite teams for their invaluable help in organising the concerts, the Z’Hiboo team for hosting the cosplay competitions, as well as EPFL and AGEPoly for their trust.

Last but not least, we’d like to thank our staff, assistants and former committees for their energy and dedication, without whom none of this would be possible ❤️

See you next year 😉

Stay tuned~ 🔥

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If you have lost one or more items during your visit, don’t hesitate to send us a private message on our social networks, or by e-mail to “communication@japan-impact.ch”.

This year, Japan Impact celebrates the spirit of the Yokai by welcoming an array of young local creators, united by their passion for Japanese culture and boundless creativity. Get ready to explore enchanted worlds through works inspired by pop culture, fantasy, and Japanese folklore. 🌸

Among them, Elliot Gaudard, Kiseki-Chan, EHE GOODIES, Arqo and Sedeto, Faeh’s Art, PaperCalypso, and Aerinn are just some of the talented artists who will be present at Japan Impact. Together, they represent a range of local talent inspired by Japanese pop culture, video games, otaku culture and Yokai, the fascinating creatures of Japanese folklore, promising an exhibition full of discoveries!

You’ll discover a variety of works and products, from illustrations and watercolors to handcrafted jewelry, clay figurines, amigurumi creations, risographies, and much more. These artists showcase both traditional and modern techniques, offering unique, handmade creations. Something for everyone!

Don’t miss the chance to visit their booths, talk to the artists about their artistic process, or even let yourself be tempted by a personalized work of art. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new talent and enrich your collection of art and unique objects!

As usual, this year at Japan Impact, we’re delighted to present a number of captivating screenings, including a Swiss exclusive never before shown in our territory. Prepare to be amazed by the magic of Japanese animation and filmography through three movies.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Makoto Shinkai with Suzume, a gripping tale of adventure. Follow Suzume, a courageous young girl, on her journey across Japan to close mysterious portals, the source of supernatural disasters. Accompanied by an enigmatic companion, she faces challenges that test her determination. This magnificent animated film combines fantasy, love and resilience, promising a breathtaking cinematic experience.

Discover The Lonely Castle in the Mirror for the first time in Switzerland. Follow the moving story of Kokoro, a teenage girl who, through a magic mirror, finds herself in a mysterious castle. Accompanied by other lonely souls, she embarks on a quest for self-discovery and friendship. This touching tale explores themes of isolation, acceptance and the courage to face one’s fears.

Alternatively, witness Izumi’s moving transformation in Shabon Dama. After a life of delinquency, Izumi finds refuge with Suma, an injured old woman, in a remote village. Initially motivated by greed, he is gradually accepted and loved by the villagers, awakening in him a desire for change. This Japanese drama explores themes of redemption, community and hope, in a powerful and moving narrative.

Join us this weekend for these three unique screenings in VOSTFR that promise to transport you through enriching stories and imaginary worlds.

Dive into the captivating world of Trading Card Games (TCGs) at Japan Impact! 🌟

League Valaisanne awaits you with initiations and demonstrations of popular TCGs such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, and Shadowverse Evolve. Don’t hesitate to grab your binders and head over to their exchange area to enrich your collection!

Will of Neptunia kicks off the challenge with a Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament. Prizes await the winners, and initiation sessions will welcome those ready to dive into the adventure.

At leLoupBar, get ready for a Wixoss tournament and try your hand at some unique prizes. Don’t miss the chance to discover a variety of TCGs such as Digimon, Pokémon and Weiss Schwarz.

Witcher - L’or invites you into the world of Lorcana, where magic and Disney meet to create an exciting card game. Take advantage of initiations to learn the rules and, if you’re ready, let us guide you through the construction of your first deck!

Whether you’re an expert or a newcomer to the world of TCGs, these four organizers guarantee a captivating experience, full of discoveries and thrilling competitions.

New this year! This year, registration for workshops has been made easier and will now take place online 🎉 Take a look at our tutorial video to learn about the new procedure that will make it easier for you to register ✨ Registrations will be made using your scanned ticket at the entrance, so please keep it safe! Please note that registration for a workshop only opens one hour before it starts, and it is not possible to register for more than one activity at a time! Children under the age of 7 may take part in activities in the company of an accompanying adult 👩‍👦

We are so proud to announce that Japan Impact is officially recognised as a cultural event by the Embassy of Japan, as part of the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland. Many thanks to them for their trust!

During a conference on the theme of art, discover how the fascination for a culture from the other side of the world has nourished European artists and how this has been adapted in the art of image, drawing and painting.

Kabé, a painter specialising in street art whose style is inspired by Japanese culture and whose work you can see on his stand, will also be talking to you about the recurring themes of Japanese culture and the adaptation of Japanese know-how.

You’ll also have the chance to discover the differences and similarities that give rise to these artistic creations.

Take advantage of the many food stalls to sample delicious dishes 🍙🍛🍥
Japan Impact also takes care of its eco impact and has worked alongside its partners to offer you vegetarian options 🥦🥕

Free water points are at your disposal, so don’t hesitate to take your containers (plastic or metal) 🧊

In addition, we favour reusable crockery. These are not returnable, so we’re counting on your civic-mindedness ✨️

After your meals, please leave your cutlery at one of the collection points indicated on the maps. Leftover food can be disposed of in the compost bins provided next door ♻️

Thank you in advance for your help!

Éditions Luciferines will be at Japan Impact to immerse you in the world of Shintoism and Japanese mythology. At a conference, you can explore the ancestral origins of Shinto beliefs, Japanese cosmogony and the distinction between the benevolent spirits of the Kami and the mysterious Yokai.

Éditions Luciferines will also highlight the links and differences between several Asian cultures, notably the influences between Japan and China, which is the origin of many Japanese legends. In addition, authors inspired by these Asian myths will be on hand to discuss and share how these timeless tales have influenced their recent works.

Did the film ‘Chihiro’s Journey’ fascinate you, and do you still remember with dread the various transformations and monsters that populate the heroine’s journey ?

In her talk “Chihiro’s Journey: Folklore and Beliefs Explained”, Joranne will tell us about the elements and messages that Western audiences don’t understand because of their typically Japanese connotations.

You’ll discover what comes from Shintoism or Buddhism, what part was taken from a folk tale or what aspect came from the Kabuki theatre and prints of the Edo period.

Joranne is a computer graphics artist and digital retoucher, and writes a blog about her experiences in Japan. She is particularly interested in Japanese objects, their history, function and evolution over time.