We’ve enjoyed talking to different artistic professionals about creativity in our new blog series. So far we’ve spoken to illustrators and musicians to get a better idea of what makes them tick creatively.
Hyper Japan Christmas Recap
It’s been a week since Hyper Japan Christmas and we’ve just about recovered from an intense weekend! It was a great three days and although we didn’t get to take in all of the show (downside of being an exhibitor), we did get to see a lot and meet a lot of great people.
A big THANK YOU to everyone that stopped by the mayamada stall and check out or line of original anime clothing & comics. Especially everyone that picked up a copy of the new Samurai Chef manga book. It was brand new for the show and got a fantastic reception.
Expect to see us at more expos in 2015, we can’t wait. And until the next Hyper Japan, you can always reminisce with our photos taken at the event.
See you next year!
Who To See At Hyper Japan
We had such a good response to our “Who To See At Hyper Japan” feature that we’ve put together a second part. We’ll be at Hyper Japan Christmas Market from Friday November 14th to Sunday November 16th and have been speaking to a selection of exhibitors also showcasing their brands at the event. It all takes place at Kensington Olympia National Hall in seven days time!
So as well as the mayamada stall, be sure to visit these great exhibitors over the Hyper Japan weekend:
Roxie Sweetheart
Who are you and what do you do?
I make and sell cute & kawaii designs on a variety of clothing, jewellery and accessories.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
It’s the best event if you want to experience or learn more about J-Culture, especially fashion.
I will be seeing Siro-A and the Fashion Show for sure!
What will you be doing at your stall?
I will be on my stand selling a variety of unique and handmade products including cropped tees, printed leggings, dresses, skirts and jewellery & accessories to suit both your kawaii and creepy cute needs!
I will also be bringing some new items, sweaters printed with the Melty Castle and Gothic Fairytale prints.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
It’s dedicated to J-Culture and they always have a really good mix of interesting guests and shows.
Twitter: @roxiesweetheart
Instagram: @roxiesweetheart
Facebook: /roxiesweetheart
Aid For Japan
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Akemi Solloway, founder of Aid For Japan: the charity to support orphans of the Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan. I also teach Japanese language and culture.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
To enjoy Japanese culture. Please support our charity.
What will you be doing at your stall?
Akemi will be doing calligraphy and writing people’s name in Japanese (Kanji) as well as teaching the meaning of your name. In addition to that we will be teaching people how to draw Manga, demonstrating Origami and Maiko will also be doing Japanese head massages.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
We can meet Japan fans. It is good to be together.
Facebook: /AidForJapan
Kikuya Kanzashi
Who are you and what do you do?
Kikuya Kanzashi designs and makes Japanese tsumami kanzashi hair ornaments inspired by those worn by the maiko and geiko of Kyoto, Japan.
We create a range of handmade kanzashi designs from traditional to modern as well as bespoke custom-made pieces.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
It’s a fun event celebrating a wide range of Japanese culture. There’s something for everyone!
What will you be doing at your stall?
We will be selling our range of kanzashi hair ornaments, perfect for Christmas gifts or as something special to wear during the party season.
We are also excited to be launching our new brand “Fugu Jam”, a contemporary clothing label inspired by Japan.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
Meeting people who are also passionate about Japan and Japanese culture. It is also great to meet the other stall holders, there is a lot of creative talent out there!
Twitter: @KikuyaKanzashi
Facebook: /kanzashi.uk
United Publications
Who are you and what do you do?
Publisher and retailer, selling translated Manga & Anime DVDs.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
An experience. Wide selection of things to see and do relating to Japan. You are likely to find you already have something produced in Japan and will find more of interest.
What will you be doing at your stall?
We will be promoting UK releases of DVD & Blu-Ray Anime.
And have wide selections of Manga & Anime titles from around the world.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
Hyper Japan able to contact a lot more Japanese companies who are interested in expanding their market to include UK customers.
Sam Sake
Who are you and what do you do?
Sam Sake is a London-based importer, distributor and retailer of finest quality sake from Akita & Niigata Prefectures, Japan.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
This the best Japanese Cultural event in UK, offering great variety of experiences and original flavours, bringing full spectrum of Japanese culture closer to UK .
What will you be doing at your stall?
For the second time this year our Sam sake Tasting Club will return to Hyper Japan. Our bespoke build bar will provide sake enthusiast with great range of sake available for both purchase and on site consumption.
We will entertain our visitors with Warm sake Hugs (sake + smoked fish) , Akita Chill experience (cold sake) and Plum Kiss (Umeshu).
We will offer opportunity to sample before purchasing any of the bottles. We are also happy to educate and advice about sake.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
As an exhibitor it is a direct opportunity to reach UK sake enthusiasts and bring them closer to delicious sake from Akita and Niigata Prefectures.
Twitter: @samsake
Facebook: Sam Sake
Meow Box
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Keynes, a dietitian who loves all things cute and sweet. I enjoy making jewellery and they are mostly miniature food themed.
Chateau de Meow is a collaboration with the talented Charlene who is behind Chateau de Gateaux; featuring a collection of handmade vintage inspired romantic flower accessories.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
One of a kind Japanese cultural show and amazing shopping opportunities. There’s something for suit everyone!
What will you be doing at your stall?
We will be selling our gorgeous handmade items and featuring some one-off pieces. Be sure to visit our table for some pretty Japanese fashion pieces.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
Everything Japanese you could ever wish for under one roof. Food, fashion, culture and lifestyle.
Twitter: @meowboxjewelry
Instagram: @meow425
Keiko Uchida
Who are you and what do you do?
I came from Japan, from a childhood heavily influenced by design: my mother is a long experienced kimono stylist in her mid ’70s now and my late grandfather and father were celebrated tearoom designers.
We produce our own branded products, which is a fusion of traditional Japanese and modern European aesthetics.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
It’s fun and delicious. It is far to go to Japan, but you can enjoy 100% Japan at Hyper Japan in London!
What will you be doing at your stall?
We are selling our Christmas gift collection at Hyper Japan. Kimono dressing gown, Kimono gift set etc.
We do a special 20% off promotion of Kimono dressing gown at Hyper Japan! If you are looking for a special present, you cannot miss our stand!
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
I will see many people, who are interested in Japan and Japanese culture, which means a lot to me as a Japanese, who lives in London for a while.
Twitter: @KeikoUchidaUK
Facebook: /KeikoUchidaUK
Pinterest: keikouchida
Who To See At Hyper Japan
We’re looking forward to Hyper Japan Christmas Market this month; Japanese performing arts, cosplay shows, lots of food and the first showing of our new Samurai Chef comic of course. There’s a lot in store and we’ve been speaking to other exhibitors heading to Kensington Olympia Friday November 14th to Sunday November 16th to find out what they’ll be doing at their stalls.
As well as seeing us in the Fashion & Kawaii area, make sure to pay a visit to each of these great exhibitors:
Japan Centre
Who are you and what do you do?
Japan Centre is one of the largest and most influential Japanese shops in London. We have a supermarket, bakery, deli, restaurant, homeware department and online service.
We are always eager to participate in Japanese related events happening in London and beyond. Come check out our selection of awesome Japanese goodies at Hyper Japan this year!
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
Hyper Japan is a fantastic opportunity for Japan enthusiasts to see a huge variety of entertainment, eat great food and get some early Christmas shopping done!
What will you be doing at your stall?
Japan Centre will have three stalls at Hyper Japan. The food shop will be selling snacks and confectionery, the bookshop will have manga, toys and Japanese books, and our umai stall will be selling hot Japanese snacks like tako yaki.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
We love how Hyper Japan brings people curious about Japanese culture together, allowing them to get involved in a whole host of activities that aren’t always available.
Twitter: @JapanCentre
Facebook: /japancentre
Fish Pish Studios
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Emma, I have been self-employed for the past year and a half. My work comprises of making custom one of a kind soft (plush) toys as well as costume accessories like wings, tails and ears for cosplayers and furry communities.
Most of my work is done online via Facebook or Etsy, however I am branching out to include conventions such as MCM Expo and Hyper Japan so I can meet my customers face to face and help them choose cosplay accessories to match their needs.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
Hyper Japan is an amazing event; it is completely different from other conventions in that it also shows off the culture of a different country which many of us would not have learnt about otherwise.
The items and events being held at Hyper Japan allow people to purchase unique items, often customised and fascinating in one location.
What will you be doing at your stall?
My stall will be selling costume accessories and kawaii items such as flexible headband cat ears as well as the smaller ‘kitten’ headband ears, tails, one of a kind cushion covers along with lots of other items.
The costume ears are unique in that they can be moved in any position and stay there. They make a great addition to any cosplay requiring such ears and are available in a whole variety of colours as well as custom colour selections (online only).
Custom orders are welcome at the stall. Any custom orders given will be fulfilled once I return from the convention. As my items are all hand-made, pretty much everything can be customised with different colours, swapped materials or even just a touch of embroidery.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
I love the Japanese culture, especially the food and drink, and while there are Japanese restaurants in London, Hyper Japan is one of the few places to get inexpensive Japanese food and drink without having to book a table.
Etsy: FishPishStidios
Facebook: /EmmaCainArtist
8th Sin Creations
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Laura and I create high quality handmade jewellery and accessories for Japanese fashion styles including Lolita, Dolly Kei, Mori Girl, Gyaru, etc.
My items are classic and cute inspired with a macabre twist.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
People should come to Hyper Japan because it’s a fun event for all ages to come and enjoy Japanese pop culture like music, fashion, games, etc.
You can try Japanese food, do some shopping and partake in fun events!
What will you be doing at your stall?
I will be selling my jewellery and accessories at my stall, please come and say hi!
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
I love Japanese culture so Hyper Japan is one of the few times of year I can enjoy the music, fashion and events, meet new friends and practise my Japanese language skills as well as show people my fashion brand and hopefully sell my items to lovely customers!
Etsy: 8thSinCreations
Facebook: /8thSinCreations
Little Moose
Who are you and what do you do?
Little Moose is a British fashion brand who create design led statement perspex jewellery and accessories.
Our vision is of a crazy, colourful world filled with curious crowd-pleasing character based creations that raise a smile and stand out from the crowd. We’re all about having fun with fashion.
Our influences range from early morning cartoons and nature to Japanese sweet wrappers.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
Well, if you’re obsessed with all things Japanese you won’t find an experience like it anywhere else in the country of course!
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas present that you wouldn’t find on the high street, Hyper Japan is the place to come.
As well as that, it’s just a great day out to experience something new on a mid-November day in London.
What will you be doing at your stall?
We’ll be selling all of our latest collection of jewellery, and some exclusive Christmas designs that you won’t be able to get anywhere else.
It’s also the first opportunity anyone will have to pick up the brand new collection of Little Moose handbags which will only have been in the country for a couple of days!
We’ll be trimming up to 15% off of our prices for Hyper Japan to make Christmas shopping just a little bit easier!
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
The best thing about Hyper Japan for Little Moose is that it puts us directly in touch with a large portion of our audience – people who love character design and Japanese counter-culture just like us!
It’s a fabulously creative and visually exciting place to lose yourself, from the products on sale to the people who’re visiting.
Twitter: @littlemooseshop
Instagram: @littlemoosegram
Facebook: /LittleMooseShop
Shinku Rose
Who are you and what do you do?
We are a UK indie brand specialising in bespoke Lolita and kawaii fashion making dresses and hair accessories using couture techniques where possible.
We like to get a beautiful finish and make things to suit each individual.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
This is a great event which has a wide variety of things linked to Japan from food to fashion, music to games etc and gives individuals a taste of Japan.
It is fun, informative and you know you will always find something amazing.
What will you be doing at your stall?
We will be selling ready-to-wear garments and accessories and taking orders for bespoke made to measure dresses.
We have a new base collection with different silhouettes which can be made in any colour and any size from 4 to 24.
We will also be launching our new print, “Winter Wonderland”, available in four colour ways.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
This is a difficult question as I love so many things! The food is always excellent but if I was to choose one thing it would have to be the shopping. There is so much variety from things directly from Japan through to other indie brands like myself who are inspired by Japan.
Facebook: /shinkurose
Tumbr: Shinkurose
Instagram: @shinkurosedesigns
Glitter Bomb Jewellery
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Elise and I’m the creator of Glitterbomb – a handmade jewellery company focusing on acrylic creations.
I make bright, glitter-laden jewellery which takes a lot of inspiration from Japanese fashions and pop culture.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
If they have even a slight interest in Japanese culture, it is a great place to experience more.
Food and fashion really shine at the event and there is a lot to see and do. The people I have met at Hyper Japan have also been amazingly friendly and the atmosphere is great!
What will you be doing at your stall?
I will be selling my jewellery with my good friend Cassia who will be exhibiting alongside me (Peppermint Puff).
I’ll also be drinking excessive amounts of bubble tea and whizzing around the amazing stalls as much as possible!
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
I love seeing the different fashions worn by people who attend Hyper Japan. The J-style fashion show is a fun event and it’s great seeing traditional Japanese, Lolita, decora and more all in one space.
Facebook: GlitterBombJewellery
MeowMeowCookie
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Patsy, an animal lover, owner of MeowMeowCookie, an exhibitor in Hyper Japan Christmas market this year.
As an artist, when I create my cat cookies I incorporate my love and thanks to the happy cats and dogs I had as pets when I was little. They always made me smile and care. They are the best gifts to me.
Therefore, MeowMeowCookie is a cookie gift. Each one comes with a tag so that you can write a lovely message to your friends.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
To experience Eastern culture.
What will you be doing at your stall?
I will be selling my cookie pops. As an art director and illustrator, I will show not just my cookies but also my creations and some of my lovely cookie cat animations.
I hope my cat team can give a lot of laughs to everyone. I have put one animation on the MeowMeowCookie Facebook page. I hope you enjoy it. More will be shown at Hyper Japan.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
As an exhibitor, Hyper Japan is a good fit for my product and I guess it is a good chance to show my cookie pops to everyone.
Facebook: /meowmeowcookie
Suga Dust
Who are you and what do you do?
Suga Dust is a brand new company specialising in customising and creating cool and unique jewellery and accessories all with a ‘Kawaii’ (Cute) twist!
Anything from cameras, pens, mirrors, phone cases, shoes, purses and much more can be customised. It all depends on what you want! There is no limit!
All of the jewellery – such as rings and necklaces – and accessories are handmade. Everything is created with love and care so why not have some Suga Dust in your life today! I ship internationally too.
Why should people come to Hyper Japan?
Hyper Japan is a the place to be if you love everything Japanese and just Japanese culture in general. There is something for everyone – cosplay, performances, games, food, kawaii culture and much more.
Hyper Japan also has a great selection of exhibitors all selling a range of different goods whether it be cookery ware, handmade goods, sweets, clothes and much more.
If you are looking for a fun day out, Hyper Japan is the place to be!
What will you be doing at your stall?
I will be exhibiting at Hyper Japan selling all of my products which are handmade and also selling all of my customised products. I will be selling phone cases, mirrors, rings, necklaces, keyrings and much more. I will be exhibiting across the three days.
What’s the best thing about Hyper Japan?
The best thing about Hyper Japan is its diversity. I like the fact that there are a diverse range of products and things on offer at the event.
The event doesn’t just focus on one particular section of Japan such as anime or manga; it includes every aspect of Japanese culture. There are computer games, anime, fashion, food and much more. Everything is included!
Twitter: @Suga_Dust
Instagram: @Suga_Dust
Facebook: /Suga_Dust
Etsy: SugaDust
Hyper Japan Summer 2014
We were excited to return to Hyper Japan this summer and it lived up to our expectations.
Hyper Japan is the biggest Japanese culture exhibition in the UK and attracts everyone from hardcore anime and cosplayers to families to people just coming to see what Japanese culture is all about.
mayamada was there for all three days and we enjoyed meeting so many new faces and fans.
The show also saw the debut of our brand new “SAMURAI” snapback and beanie hats, both got a great response from the Hyper Japan crowd.
Here are some of our highlights from the show. We’re already looking forward to Hyper Japan Christmas in November too!
Jaunty Performing at Frozen Yogurt Party
We’re now just a couple of weeks away from the Frozen Yogurt Party and so far, you’ve heard about the frozen yogurt. You’ve heard about the pop up shop. You’ve heard about the video game tournaments and even the Giant Jenga.
What else is there to talk about right?
Wrong. We’re proud to reveal that London hip-hop artist Jaunty will be performing live at the Frozen Yogurt Party!
Jaunty has been an early supporter of mayamada and can be seen sporting their Samurai Chef tee in a recent video.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRw2yElXsD0
You can also pick up his EP on the night. All this is on top of a live DJ at the event, who will be providing a great music all throughout the event.
Jaunty will be performing from 9pm so make sure you grab a seat or any space going in what is sure to be a packed Saturday evening at Tutti Frutti.
Samurai Chef Indiegogo Update #6
In case you missed the comic preview over Christmas, you can still check it out right here:https://www.mayamada.com/samurai-chef-preview
And if you liked the first few pages, please take a moment to thank our artist Pinali on Twitter (@Pinalinet) for her amazing work on the Samurai Chef comic.
This week will be of special interest to backers of the Just Desserts perk as we can now reveal the New Samurai Chef t-shirt design made specially for the project.
The design features the, err…watchful…face of the Samurai Chef alongside the bold lettering “Samurai Chef” in Japanese.
It’ll be available in both men and women fits and be on your way along with the book itself. Expect an email in your inboxes soon asking for preferred sizes before we make the print run next week.
For those that didn’t select this perk but are wishing they did, we’ll be making a limited run of the t-shirt and will have some left for purchase.
We’ll let you know the details of how to get them in the coming weeks, but you will have to be quick! Once it’s gone it will be gone forever.
We’re very close to the end now we can taste it…no pun intended!
See you again soon with more updates ahead of the book’s release.
“Once Again, One Day” Supporting Aid For Japan
We first met Aaron Jaunty at our picnic last year and since then we discovered he is hard at work making a name for himself in the music world.
He recently released a EP called Once Again, One Day produced by K-Nite 13. You can listen to it on his website.
The album was entirely written by Aaron during his visit to Japan when he landed on the day of the 2011 tsunami.
You can listen to it out here for free, or you can pay £5 (or more if you want) for the download and CD version. I got mine this past week 🙂
All the proceeds toward the EP go to Aid For Japan’s ongoing efforts to support children affect by the tragedy last year. Give it a listen and pick up the CD if you like what you here – show your support for a good cause.
Out to Lunch: Part 3
Here we are, the final part of our Hot lunch character introduction.
You’ve already met Taishi – the leader of the crew, and Tancho – the brains. The last member of the team goes by the name…
Bruce
Bruce is the crew’s 35-year-old stubborn equipment expert and enforcer. An experienced go-to guy who has become bored with making things happen for other people and is itching for some excitement. Taishi offers him an opportunity that he jumps at.
Bruce eats and drinks in very large amounts. During their first meeting he challenges Taishi to an eating competition…and almost loses. This convinces him that he may be worth following on his crazy mission.
To the untrained eye he appears no more than “a simple brute” (in the words of Tancho). But this masks the reality that Bruce is very good at what he does – getting the right tools for the job even if they don’t exist yet.
Although not a very skilled fighter, Bruce is physically larger than either Taishi or Tancho and his presence alone is usually enough to provide cover for the crew when things gets tight.
He is low on patience and his blunt personality makes him very easy to read – let’s others know when to get out of his way!
It also means he doesn’t always get on well with Tancho…the two personalities clash and at times it seems Taishi is the only one keeping the team together.
Our photoshoot for the new design featuring all three characters is this Sunday and we’ll have more news on it’s release real soon.
