Japan Expo Paris Draws 250,000 Fans for 25th Anniversary Bash

Japan Expo Paris, Europe’s largest celebration of anime, manga, music, and otaku culture, closed its 25th anniversary edition on July 12 after four energetic days at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center.

Roughly 250,000 visitors filled the vast halls for the “25th Impact,” drawn by a loaded guest list that included Baki creator Keisuke Itagaki as guest of honor and a special concert appearance by X Japan’s YOSHIKI, alongside Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Jujutsu Kaisen voice actor Junya Enoki, and the Persona team marking 30 years.

Cosplay dominated the atmosphere, highlighted by the Extreme Cosplay Gathering finals and thousands of detailed outfits roaming artist alleys, official booths, and fandom zones. Attendees enjoyed creative workshops, panels, anime screenings, music stages, and exhibits from more than 800 vendors across hundreds of events.

Fans praised the variety and fast entry, though some noted typical large-event quirks like uneven hall temperatures during the summer heat. Vendors and artists reported strong turnout, with several creators celebrating personal sales records and last-minute crowdfunding surges.

The festival once again showed its role as a gateway, where spectacular cosplay and Japanese street food often lead fans toward deeper dives into anime, manga, and broader Japanese creativity.