The inaugural Japan Park 2018 is happening now at Suntec Convention Center Hall 403 and 404 from 4th of August to 5th of August. The tagline of the event is “Play, Get and Taste a selection from 47 Prefectures”. Be sure to come with an empty stomach so that you can eat your fill at the event itself. You can also buy a piece of ‘Japan’ back home in form of a tatami at The Tatami Shop.

The entrance fee is SGD15 for a day and SGD25 for two days. The area itself isn’t that big that would warrant a two full day visits. However, if there are performances at the main stage that you wish to catch on both day, the two day pass will be suitable for you. There are other special package ticket which comes with either a special Keisuke Ramen or a VIP ticket for Poppin’Party, a popular girl band in Japan. More information at this link.

6 Zones of Japan Park

There are a total of 6 zones in Japan Park. The Omakase stage is where you will catch a list of performance ranging from traditional Japanese Dance to Celebrity Cosplayer talk show. Check out the time table below to make sure you don’t miss the performance that you are interested in.

If you have kids and wish to burn some of their endless energy, sign them up for the sports challenge at the Kids Sport zone. The challenge involves a few physical tests which will last about 20 minutes. The booth is hosted by the Albirex Niigata Singapore FC  which is a satellite of Albirex Niigata of Japan. The Singapore team has been playing in the S.League since 2004.

CharaExpo Mini

Unlike the last CharaExpo, this mini edition is definitely not comparable to the full scale CharaExpo of last year. The area is much smaller than the previous year. However, for fans of  BanG Dream!, this year CharaExpo will not disappoint you. Members from Poppin’Party will be performing live at the Omakase stage on the last day of Japan Park.

There was also a Yukata talk show on the first day where all the fans get to meet the members of Poppin’Party.

Other than BanG! Dream, Love Live is also another franchise that is promoted at this year CharaExpo Mini. There is a booth dedicated to Love Live where a big screen version of the popular Love Live School Idol Festival is available for you to try.

You can also get merchandises at the Bushiroad booth located in CharaExpo Mini. Some items are already sold out on Day 1. So make sure to get them quickly if you have decided on what to buy.

Experience Japan

There are a few unique Japan experience you can get to try out at Japan park. Koka city is known as the city of Ninja in Japan. Try your hands at shooting some ninja shuriken at a target. It is definitely not as simple as you think.

Matsuri game is another popular activity enjoyed by many in Japan during any Matsuri (festival). There are however only two games available at the Maturi Game booth.

For the tea lovers, you can get an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony experience . There are limited time slot so you may wish to register earlier with the staff.

Food at WA-Shiok Gourmet Festa

The WA-ShiokGourmet Festa is where you will find some of the best Japanese restaurants that are available in Singapore. With 18 stores including Keisuke Ramen, Ginza Lion and Menya Sakura, you will be able to enjoy all the different food together at the same time.

The event uses a cashless token system. Your wristband is how you will pay. Do note that the credits inside are non-refundable, so top-up them gradually and not at a single go.

---

Japan Park is definitely an event for Japanese lover. The event itself covers a broad base of Japanese Culture. However, the breadth comes at the expense of depth. It doesn’t feel like a Matsuri to me, nor does it feels like an Anime/Manga event. Nonetheless, Japan Park is a good to visit for the weekend for all the Japanese lovers out there.

Details

Japan Park Singapore 2018

Venue: Suntec City Convention Centre Halls 403-404

Date: 4th and 5th August 2018

Website: http://jpsg.asia

Facebook: JapanParkSG

Instagram: @JapanParkSG