Last weekend Select CITYWALK, Saket, turned into a mini-Tokyo: Konnichiwa Japan 2025 landed in New Delhi for two energetic days (13–14 December 2025), bringing a full-spectrum celebration of Japanese culture — from thunderous taiko drums and sumo demos to ramen, kimono trials and one of Delhi’s biggest cosplay showdowns.
The opening act: what the festival looked and felt like
Konnichiwa Japan is run as an immersive family friendly festival — stalls and pop-ups stretch the length of a mall promenade, a big central stage hosts performances and contests, and activity nooks offer hands-on workshops. Programming combined traditional arts calligraphy, classical dance, kimono with contemporary pop culture (anime music and J-pop DJ sets, gaming zones). Organisers promised that the entire weekend would be something to behold with hundreds of artists playing, and the scale of the line-up was evident on stage and also in the exhibition hall.
Traditional Japanese Standout Performances
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Taiko drumming — a festival favourite: groups delivered powerful, rhythmic sets that filled the mall atrium and set the tone for the day.
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Sumo demonstration — an eye-catcher: two visiting sumo wrestlers performed ritual and demonstration bouts that attracted big crowds and lots of photo moments.
Traditional dance and music — troupes and soloists showcased classical movements and song, connecting visitors with Japan’s longer cultural arc.
The cosplay scene — Delhi’s biggest cosplay reunion
Cosplay is a big part of what makes Konnichiwa Japan awesome. This year’s event featured a large cosplay contest with hundreds of participants: everything from elaborately tailored costumes of anime characters to gaming icons, and even pop-culture mash-ups. Contests on the stage, walk-rounds and judging panels generated a carnival mood — loud cheers, dramatic poses and genuine craftsmanship. Social media posts and coverage of the festival have showcased the endless creativity of the cosplayers, who turned the mall into a live anime scene.
What made the cosplay segment special
🔥 1. Anime Icons That Broke the Internet
Characters from Naruto, Demon Slayer, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan dominated the floor. Detailed wigs, hand-made props, armor builds, and expressive poses made these cosplays feel straight out of the anime screen.
🕹️ 2. Gaming & Pop Culture Crossovers
Gamers showed up strong! Cosplayers dressed as Genshin Impact, Pokémon trainers, Mario universe characters, and classic Japanese game icons brought nostalgia and hype together. Some even mixed anime + gaming crossovers — a huge hit with photographers.
👘 3. Traditional Japan Meets Modern Cosplay
One of the most beautiful sights was cosplayers blending kimono, yukata, samurai and ninja aesthetics with modern anime styling. This fusion perfectly matched the spirit of Konnichiwa Japan — honoring tradition while celebrating pop culture.
💃 4. Performance Cosplayers & Stage Stealers
It wasn’t just about looks — many cosplayers performed signature moves, dialogues, and anime poses on stage and in open spaces. These moments became instant reels and stories across social media.
Exhibitors & companies from Japan (and Japan-linked brands)
Konnichiwa Japan positions itself as both a cultural and a lifestyle exhibition; this year it included official regional representation and multiple Japan-linked brands:
Hokkaido was the partner prefecture for the Delhi edition, showcasing regional culture and food specialties.
Chiran Tea (a Japanese tea brand with operations in India) had a dedicated presence — matcha and specialty Japanese teas were served, and the brand promoted its imported tea lines to festival visitors
Interactive Workshops and Creative Experiences
The festival wasn’t just about watching — it was about participating:
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Japanese calligraphy (Shodō) booths invited visitors to try their hand at writing kanji with real brushes.
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Manga and anime art displays showcased the work of both Indian and Japanese artists, inspiring fans and creators alike.
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The kimono experience was a crowd favorite, letting attendees wear traditional attire and take memorable photos.
🍱 A Taste of Japan: Food Stalls at Konnichiwa Japan, Delhi
One of the biggest crowd-pullers at Konnichiwa Japan was undoubtedly the Japanese food zone. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes, sizzling grills, and brewing matcha turned the festival into a true Japanese street-food experience right in the heart of Delhi.
🍣 Authentic Japanese Street Food
The food stalls offered a wide variety of popular and authentic Japanese dishes, giving visitors a chance to taste Japan beyond sushi rolls seen on social media.
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Sushi & Maki Rolls – Freshly prepared with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options
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Ramen Bowls – Warm, comforting, and perfect for winter evenings
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Takoyaki – Crispy outside, soft inside octopus balls that became instant favorites
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Tempura – Light, crunchy fried vegetables and seafood
- Onigiri (Rice Balls) – Simple yet iconic Japanese comfort food
🍡 Japanese Desserts & Sweets
The dessert section was equally exciting and Instagram-worthy:
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Mochi – Soft, chewy rice cakes in multiple flavors
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Dorayaki – Japanese pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste
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Matcha Desserts – Cakes, ice cream, and drinks made with Japanese green tea
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Japanese Cheesecake – Light, fluffy, and crowd-pleasing
These stalls constantly had queues, especially among anime fans eager to try treats they’d only seen in shows.
🍵 Matcha & Japanese Tea Experience
A dedicated tea section showcased traditional Japanese teas, including:
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Matcha (Hot & Cold)
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Sencha & Green Tea Blends
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Japanese Milk Tea Variations
Visitors could watch matcha being whisked live — adding a cultural touch to the food experience.
Note-
“The Konnichiwa Event, Delhi concluded with great enthusiasm, fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between India and Japan. Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey.”