It’s now over, and I can give a shot on my impressions: first, I think it was really a huge expo, maybe the biggest one in France, with thousands of visitors and hundreds of stands. All japanase comics editors were present, also DVD editors, but the most interessant aspect (according to me) was the presence of many fanzines writers and also many cultural stands, showing demonstrations of japanese traditions.

There had many animations, like karaokes, projections, cosplays … though I am a bit restrained on them, because finally, there were all overcrowded and it was hard participating, or at least seeing them, despite the giant screens. It’s one of the main drawback of huge events like this one: the more stands there are, the more people there is, the less you can see things and the longer you have to wait in queues … So on one side you can see exclusive things that you can’t find in smaller expo, but on the other side you have to wait a lot, and you loose a big part of your time of the day waiting in queues. Among the various animations available, I have noticed: learning GO, learning SHOJI, comics drawing with a computer, calligraphy, a “Kyoto stand” with traditional games, karaokes, a live TV Show, a Maid Coffee ^^, …

The best day was surely friday, because it was less crowded. So I have been able to play on several arcade machines, with the latest hits from Japan. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to play that much on the latest DDR machine, I could try it only once. The DDR competition on Sunday was really impressing, the level was really high and the score difference was really tiny between the competitors: if you miss a perfect, then you are dangerously decreasing your chances of winning. How many years will I have to train to get the same level ?

If you are fan of cosplay, then you can’t miss the Japan Expo: you will see on the scene some of the best costumes of your favorites heroes, and of course all hand-mades.
Also, this event was good to see various fanzines writers: I have seen on no other places such a wide variety: shojo, shonen, seinen, chibi, yaoi, hentai ?!! all genres were present, and the quality of the magazines was really high: some of them looked like mangas ! The time when fanzines were printed with desk printers is for sure now over.

So, if your idea is to come for shopping comics and dvds, seeing cosplays and some other japanase cultures related animations, then I am sure you would have been pleased by the Japan Expo. See you on edition 2007.

Although, if you are more interested in discovering the japanese culture, playing videogames than in shopping comics and dvds, and without having to wait hours before getting your turn, then you will prefer smaller events.

PS: I will update this post with a photo gallery soon.