There were some raised eyebrows at the news that JapanEX London is due to return for its second year.  The first event drew mixed opinions from attendees and companies, but was obviously successful enough for them to consider giving it another shot.  JapanEX London is run by the same people who bring us the MCM Expos, and cynics have suggested that it was an attempt to separate out the anime and manga from those events.  The organisers have always denied this. 

This dates for this year's event are unconfirmed at present, but it is expected to be some time in July.  Once again it will be held at the ExCel Centre in London's Docklands, if indeed it goes ahead.  JapanEX had similar opening hours and ticket prices to the MCM Expos in 2007, so it is likely to follow them again in 2008.  We expect it to be open from 10am till 5pm both days, but unlike the MCM Expos there was no special 'fast track' entry tickets available in 2007 and we don't expect there to be any in 2008.

Tickets should cost £10 per day for adults and £5 per day for children.  Child tickets should be available for attendees aged between 5 and 14, anyone aged 15 or over is counted as an adult.  If it follows last year, children aged 4 or younger would get in free.

Unlike dedicated anime conventions you do not have to register or pay in advance to attend the JapanEX, and there doesn't appear to be any limit on attendees.  Tickets can be bought in advance through the JapanEx London official website, but they can also be bought on the door.  However, Cosplayers are advised to register in advance if they want to enter the Cosplay Masquerade competition, registration forms and rules for the masquerade can be found on the official website.

"JapanEX London is an event based around the rich and varied traditions, culture and lifestyle of Japan.

The show is set to give the UK public an insight into Japan and it's people.

The show will include opportunities to experience all aspects of Japanese culture and tradition with a special emphasis on culture, tourism and education.

Modern Pop culture will be part of JapanEX London with many aspects including Manga, Cosplay, DDR, Fashion and much more."

Many attendees left the inaugural JapanEX event in 2007 with mixed feelings.  The organisers had promised an event that would explore Japanese culture, not just anime and manga, and that would cover diverse interests such as cooking, music and fashion.  As it was the event was very similar to the MCM Expos, with numerous merchandise stalls, the Sweatdrop manga alley, all of the anime companies and a screening area.  Many fans were unhappy at the focus on retail and the general lack of cultural focus, which was limited to stalls for the Japan Centre, Japan Airlines and a handful of stalls focusing on arts, music and craft.  Many of the retailers were not selling

anything other than anime and manga goods, and some were selling American toys and snacks, which kind of missed the point.  Despite this the event was still well attended and there was plenty to see and do.  The few cultural things that were on offer, such as the drumming workshops, Japanese sweet making demonstrations and historical sword displays were both interesting and varied, whilst many of the things that make the Expos so enjoyable were there too.

If 2007 is anything to go by the 2008 event should also be much like the MCM Expo.  However, we expect the organisers to heed the comments from attendees and retailers and there will probably be more arts and craft demonstrations and workshops than last time.  Despite this the main focus of the event will probably still be anime and manga, and there will still be a large amount of retailers present.  At the moment the event remains unconfirmed for 2008, so it seems that the organisers are doing some thinking about its future.  If it goes ahead we still don't expect there to be a radical departure from the MCM Expo model, but there should still be enough variety to make it worth your while.

For further info on JapanEX London, please visit www.mcmexpo.net/japanexlondon

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