The Béziers exhibition center is hosting the festival of traditional cultures and Japanese leisure activities “Japan Matsuri Béziers” this weekend of May 30 and 31.
Do you want to travel to Japan while staying in Béziers? The Béziers exhibition center is hosting the festival of traditional cultures and Japanese leisure activities “Japan Matsuri Béziers”, organized by the Montpellier association Assiana, chaired by Mohamed Abada, this weekend of May 30 and 31. The event, very well known in Montpellier, is an opportunity, for the public of Béziers and Biterrois, during this first edition, to discover, or rediscover, the different facets of modern and traditional Japanese culture through various activities and entertainment.
But why Béziers? “Today, Japan Matsuri is well established in Montpellier, with a 14th edition which took place last Septemberexplique Florent Ferrer, bénévole à Assiana. But we must remember that the very first edition was held in 2012, in Béziers. It was important to us to return to the city to share our passion.” Au programme…
Cosplay etc.
Cosplay will of course be in the spotlight: renowned cosplayers from Japan and all over Europe are invited, and photo areas specially designed for cosplayers will be set up. Notice to fans: there will be two cosplay competitions, one solo, which will take place on Saturday May 30, and the group competition, on Sunday May 31. Registration deadline: midnight Wednesday, May 27. Entry is free for cosplayers registered in the competition. K-pop demonstrations and initiations are also planned. Just like wearing a kimono and tying an obi during the two days, activities led by a professional approved to carry out this activity. In the traditional space, other experts will provide workshops and initiations for wearing this outfit. Registration on site subject to availability.
The public will also be able to play on freeplay arcade terminals, with recent and rare models, to take a leap in time, or on different video games (car racing, football…) and musical games (“Just dance”). Always free.
The Azura association will host a karaoke space: international songs, Random K-pop, dance (one session per day), musical blind test (one session per day), K-pop show by the duo Angeluce. Registration for activities will only be done at the association’s stand.
Furoshiki, calligraphie, gastronomie…
Furoshiki workshops and demonstrations will also be organized. This is a traditional Japanese technique of wrapping with fabric, which has become a truly ecological act. For around ten years, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment has brought it up to date and has advocated the development of this ecological gesture to combat the overconsumption of plastic bags and paper packaging.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the works of Japanese calligrapher Kimiko which will be exhibited during the two days. Finally, for lovers of Japanese gastronomy, the Japan Matsuri kitchen area will be a must. Curry rice, ramen, takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, sushi… Cooks will offer a wide variety of dishes, for all tastes and all budgets. These dishes can be accompanied by Japanese beers, sake and ramune (lemonade) with various flavors, at the bar set up for the occasion.
Finally, Japan Matsuri Béziers welcomes “people”: the YouTubers Tartin and Gero Japan, the influencer Arno Padawan, the actor Sébastien Roch (the four will host conferences), Éric Bouad, Musclés (in concert) and the Japanese singer Miou Japan.
