Pont-Saint-Esprit Manga Fair Returns with New Location and Expanded Entertainment
A vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture, the Pont-Saint-Esprit Manga Fair, is set to take place this Saturday, January 24, at a new venue: Clos Bon Aure. The third edition of the fair promises a full day of immersive experiences, workshops, and performances, all offered free of charge to attendees.
A Day of Immersive Entertainment
The fair will transform Clos Bon Aure into a haven for anime and manga enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities. Visitors can test their skills in inflatable sumo fights, hone their accuracy with archery and shuriken shooting, or experience the thrill of laser bumping. A creatively designed apocalyptic area reconstruction will provide a unique backdrop for photos and exploration, while anime dubbing workshops will allow aspiring voice actors to try their hand at bringing beloved characters to life.
Adding to the dynamic atmosphere, martial arts initiations and demonstrations will be held at the dojo, featuring captivating samurai tales. According to organizers, the goal is to provide a holistic experience that caters to all levels of fandom.
Creative Workshops and Exhibitor Showcase
Beyond the action-packed entertainment, the fair will host a variety of hands-on workshops. Attendees can learn the art of kokedama (Japanese moss ball planting), design their own badges and fans, create intricate sand drawings, or unleash their creativity with Lego® constructions.
As in previous years, a bustling marketplace will feature exhibitors offering a wide selection of mangas, video games, goodies, jewelry, and collectible figurines. This provides a unique opportunity for fans to expand their collections and discover new treasures.
Musical Performances and Cosplay Extravaganza
The event’s schedule is punctuated by a series of captivating performances. A J-Pop performance and introduction will kick off the day at 10:30 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m., setting a lively tone. Later, attendees can enjoy a concert featuring Japanese anime music by Léa Yuna at 2:30 p.m., followed by a signing session at 3:30 p.m. The band Duo Taku will then take the stage at 4 p.m. with covers of popular geek culture hits.
The day will culminate in a spectacular cosplay parade at 5 p.m., showcasing the creativity and dedication of the community.
Special Guests to Headline the Event
This year’s fair will welcome several prominent figures from the world of Japanese pop culture and entertainment. In addition to Léa Yuna, the event will feature appearances by Otabunka, a popular TikToker, and actor Bô Gaultier de Kermoal, known for his roles in The Infernal Montparnasse Tower and the acclaimed series Kaamelott. Gaultier de Kermoal will be available for signing sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Pont-Saint-Esprit Manga Fair will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Clos Bon Aure, offering a refreshment bar and catering on site. Admission is free, making it an accessible event for fans of all ages. For a complete program of events, visit [ici].
