2017 J-Pop Summit Unveils Programming Lineup


Source: J-Pop Summit
Summary:

The 2017 J-Pop Summit unveiled their full programming lineup for this year’s event, which runs on September 9 and 10. The summit will be held at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture.

Attractons are split into four major groups:

Arts


  • Band-Maid (Music – Rock)
  • May’n (Music – AniSongs)
  • Babyraids Japan (Music – Pop Idol)
  • Misaki Iwasa (Music – Pop Idol)
  • YANAKIKU (Music – “Cosplay Pop”)
  • Zoomadanke (Kendama)
  • Tokyo Gegegay (Dance – Vogue)
  • Azumi Inoue & Yuyu (Music – AniSongs)
  • Hiroyuki-Mitsume Takahashi (Comic Artist & Pop Designer)
  • Mitz Mangrove (Drag Show)

The J-Pop Summi twill host artist meet & greets, as well as hands-on workshops in an interactive studio area. The Interactive Studio will features CHIKAKEN xTAKEKICHI, MAMARACHO, Ukiyo-e Heroes, and s | kubo as participating brands.

Eats


  • Ramen Summit
  • Sake Summit (& Sake Summit Premium)

Travel

The Travel Pavilion will be presented by Japankuru. Much like last year’s event, the attraction will feature three “zones,” which showcase highlights of the typical Japan travel experience. Other activities are planned, including a Studio Ghibli trivia quiz hosted by Azumi Inoue & Yuyu, music performances, and a ramen speed-eating contests.

Innovations

The “Interactive Summit” will feature hands-on demos of various Japanese-made gadgets. In particular, VR/AR games and experiences are highlighted in the release.

Confirmed attractions include:


  • NTT West – “Comusumegane”
  • NTT Data – “VR Baseball Coaching System”
  • NTT Solmare – “Shall we date?”
  • Panasonic – Hugpathy
  • Fujitsu – ACT
  • Yamaha – HEARTalk & Vocaloid
  • Topology Eyewear – Made-to-Measure Glasses App
  • SAKAE CASTING USA -Aluminum Super-Casting
  • MIRAISENS – 3DHapticsVR
  • XOOMS – Virtual Drone

This year’s J-Pop Summit will also host a real escape game, which is being presented by SCRAP.


The 2017 J-Pop Summit unveiled their full programming lineup for this year’s event, which runs on September 9 and 10. The summit will be held at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture.

Attractons are split into four major groups:

Arts


  • Band-Maid (Music – Rock)
  • May’n (Music – AniSongs)
  • Babyraids Japan (Music – Pop Idol)
  • Misaki Iwasa (Music – Pop Idol)
  • YANAKIKU (Music – “Cosplay Pop”)
  • Zoomadanke (Kendama)
  • Tokyo Gegegay (Dance – Vogue)
  • Azumi Inoue & Yuyu (Music – AniSongs)
  • Hiroyuki-Mitsume Takahashi (Comic Artist & Pop Designer)
  • Mitz Mangrove (Drag Show)

The J-Pop Summi twill host artist meet & greets, as well as hands-on workshops in an interactive studio area. The Interactive Studio will features CHIKAKEN xTAKEKICHI, MAMARACHO, Ukiyo-e Heroes, and s | kubo as participating brands.

Eats


  • Ramen Summit
  • Sake Summit (& Sake Summit Premium)

Travel

The Travel Pavilion will be presented by Japankuru. Much like last year’s event, the attraction will feature three “zones,” which showcase highlights of the typical Japan travel experience. Other activities are planned, including a Studio Ghibli trivia quiz hosted by Azumi Inoue & Yuyu, music performances, and a ramen speed-eating contests.

Innovations

The “Interactive Summit” will feature hands-on demos of various Japanese-made gadgets. In particular, VR/AR games and experiences are highlighted in the release.

Confirmed attractions include:


  • NTT West – “Comusumegane”
  • NTT Data – “VR Baseball Coaching System”
  • NTT Solmare – “Shall we date?”
  • Panasonic – Hugpathy
  • Fujitsu – ACT
  • Yamaha – HEARTalk & Vocaloid
  • Topology Eyewear – Made-to-Measure Glasses App
  • SAKAE CASTING USA -Aluminum Super-Casting
  • MIRAISENS – 3DHapticsVR
  • XOOMS – Virtual Drone

This year’s J-Pop Summit will also host a real escape game, which is being presented by SCRAP.

PRESS RELEASE                     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING LIVE MUSIC CONCERT PERFORMANCES AND OTHER KEY EVENTS

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event Delivers ARTS, EATS, And INNOVATIONS With Live Music Concerts, Ramen & Sake Summits, A Travel Pavilion, And A Showcase Of The Latest In Japanese Technology And Consumer Product Innovation

San Francisco, CA, August 29, 2017 – J-POP SUMMIT 2017, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, announces an extensive and colorful roster of live programming for this year’s festival.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture located in San Francisco’s Marina district.

Attendees will experience this year’s theme ARTS, EATS, and INNOVATIONS; a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture featuring live music, Japanese food and travel attractions, and interactive technologies. The festival will be accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and additional events highlighted by appearances by several celebrity Guests of Honor. 2017 marks the 9th consecutive year J-POP SUMMIT has been held in San Francisco. Details and ticket info are available at www.J-POP.com.

ARTS:

This year, J-POP SUMMIT is proud to present a potent line up of music and dance artists that represent the wealth of cutting-edge talent emerging from Japan. Live concerts will be held on Saturday and Sundaynights featuring performances by artists including:

BAND-MAID – a 5-piece all-female rock band from Japan that performs in gothic maid costumes. Based on a ‘maid and master’ concept, they refer to their concerts as “services” and their fans as “Masters and Princesses.” Despite their kawaii appearances, they engulf their audience in classic hard rock sounds.

May’n – beloved ani-song performer. In addition to her work with anime songs, May’n has contributed to many songs for a variety of Japanese live-action television shows.

Babyraids Japan – a pop idol group renowned for their fascinating and exciting live performances

Misaki Iwasa – a former member of the massively popular Japanese female idol group AKB48, she has gone on to a successful solo career as one of Japan’s premiere “Enka” singers.

YANAKIKU – the beloved Kimono cosplay pop duo returns to engage fans with their unique blend of pop.

Zoomadanke – one of the most famous professional Kendama performers in Japan. The duo blends the elements of Kendama, a traditional Japanese wooden toy, with dance and music to create a whole new style of live performance.

TOKYO GEGEGAY – an edgy vogue-inspired dance group.

Azumi Inoue & Yuyu – the widely renowned mother/daughter singing duo that performs memorable theme songs to beloved anime films from the legendary Studio Ghibli.

Hiroyuki-Mitsume Takahashi – a pop designer and comic artist who designed this year’s festival poster.

Mitz Mangrove – one of the most prominent cross-dressing celebrities, singers, actors, and TV personalities in Japan returns to our second J-POP Queen Drag Contest as a special guest judge.

Artist Meet-&-Greet

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 offers an exciting array of Guest of Honor Meet & Greet sessions and unique autograph and/or photo opportunities at this year’s festival. Certain sessions are exclusively open to V.I.P. ticket holders only, but many are also open to general festivalgoers. Please visit http://www.j-pop.com/2017/meet-your-stars/ for complete details.

Artist Project & Interactive Studio Area

Attendees are invited to enjoy the first-ever J-POP SUMMIT ARTIST PROJECT, a DIY area where one can experiment hands-on and create a one-of-a-kind artwork! Participating brands include CHIKAKEN xTAKEKICHIMAMARACHOUkiyo-e Heroes, and s | kubo!

Additional J-POP SUMMIT Art Events

Japanese contemporary artist Ken Hamazaki also returns to J-POP SUMMIT with a new Red Tea ceremony live performance. This year, he will collaborate with ITO EN, one of Japan’s most popular tea brands, iichiko USA, a best-selling shochu brand dedicated to their motto, “Quality comes first,” and SOUSOU KYOTO San Francisco, a Kyoto-based apparel brand that features kimono-inspired contemporary designs.

EATS:

RAMEN SUMMIT

Launched in 2016, Ramen Summit returns this year featuring top-rated ramen restaurants from around the Bay Area as well as, this year – Seattle.  An array of ramen purveyors will show off their best broth and noodles in the Festival Pavilion Parking Area inside Fort Mason Center.  A J-POP SUMMIT pass is required to get into Ramen Summit, and you must purchase a ramen ticket (only available on-site) for $8/bowl.  The Ramen Summit is curated by RAMEN SUMMIT producer Mr. Maruyama, and sponsored by Yamachan RamenSun Noodle, and KikkomanFull Ramen Summit details at http://www.j-pop.com/2017/ramen-summit/

Enjoy a variety of authentic ramen from: 

Hinodeya Ramen & BarMarufuku RamenOrenchi Beyondnojo ramen tavern, and Yoroshiku

SAKE SUMMIT & SAKE SUMMIT PREMIUM

Prominent sake-makers and distributors from Japan and the U.S. will gather at the Festival Pavilioninside Fort Mason Center.  A J-POP SUMMIT pass is required to get into Sake Summit, and you must purchase a sake tasting ticket for $10/per person (21 years and older) for a one-hour tasting inside the Festival Pavilion. For guests who want to go beyond the daytime Sake Summit, J-POP SUMMIT is offering a new Sake Summit Premium event on Saturday, September 9th from 6:30-9:00pm at the Fort Mason Center Firehouse. Sake Summit Premium tickets are $30 each. (https://sakesummitpremium.eventbrite.com/

Full details on the Sake Summit are available at:

www.j-pop.com/2017/sake-summit-premium-news/

A variety of Japanese food, drinks, and local food trucks will also be offering Japanese fare available for purchase and will be stationed in the Food Park located outside the Festival Pavilion. A Japanese Food Court will also be located inside the Festival Pavilion that will feature samplings and sales of popular and delicious Japanese food and drinks.

TRAVEL PAVIILION

Presented by JAPANKURU, the J-POP SUMMIT 2017 Travel Pavilion offers guests a unique sensory experience in the virtual world of “Japanimmersion”, where attendees can see, feel, and learn all about Japan by “visiting” three ‘zones’ that each contain interactive experiences showcasing what makes Japan a traveler’s delight – fusing the past, present, and future. Details on Travel Pavilion are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2017/japankuru2017/.

The JAPANKURU stage inside the Travel Pavilion will feature additional fun activities, including the Mini “Studio Ghibli” trivia quiz with a special appearance by mother and daughter singer duo Azumi Inoue & Yuyu, music performances, and a ramen speed-eating contest.

INNOVATIONS

The INTERACTIVE SUMMIT will provide a playground filled with the latest in Japanese technology in collaboration with J-POP SUMMIT’s guest artists! Attendees can play, experience, and interact with advanced VR/AR, games, apps, and software, most of which are exclusively presented at J-POP SUMMIT.

Exhibitors Include:

  • NTT West – “Comusumegane:” Translate lyrics sung in concerts and conversations with artists in real time through AR glasses. Not only that, it recognizes specific sounds and words, and brings out a two-dimensional stage effect suited to it. You can enjoy directing like a manga in concerts and plays.
  • NTT Data – “VR Baseball Coaching System:” This technology brought by NTT Data was originally developed so that professional athletes could rehearse before real games to be ready to make the best performances. Try standing in the batter’s box on the baseball field and hit balls with the stats of MLB pitches threw in actual games in the past!
  • NTT Solmare – “Shall we date?” Video/Photo App: The dating simulation game series “Shall we date?” has captivated many ladies around the world! At J-POP SUMMIT, attendees can meet the partner of their dreams through AR technology and take a picture and movie with that person. This is an exclusive campaign presented by NTT Solmare only for J-POP SUMMIT fans!
  • Panasonic – Hugpathy: A human body communication technology which realizes data communication through body only by touch, handshakes, and hugs!
  • Fujitsu – ACT: ACT is the newest outfit that makes your communication with others more fun and visual! It begins to shine when you touch, hug, or cross shoulders with your friends! ACT will add more fun visual essence & excitement to your everyday lives.
  • Yamaha – HEARTalk & Vocaloid: HEARTalk is a new system to convert the typical flat computerized sound into a more natural humanized dialog; it lets you feel the ‘heart’ from the machine, so to speak. VOCALOID is a voice synthesis technology and software developed by Yamaha. Just put in a melody and lyrics and your virtual singer will sing for you!
  • Topology Eyewear – Made-to-Measure Glasses App: Topology’s custom-fit eyewear fits perfectly to never pinch, squeeze, or slip. Scan your face and design your glasses all from your iPhone. Stop by the J-POP SUMMIT booth to see how it works, or show off your design talents in a styling competition featuring Japanese musical artist Misaki Iwasa.
  • SAKAE CASTING USA – Enjoy how SAKAE CASTING’s super casting technology works to create everything from aluminum – you may come across the Aluminum Man! Don’t miss it!
  • MIRAISENS – 3DHapticsVR: Savor a strange and exciting digital experience with Realistic Haptic Sensation! Explore the miraculous world, roll the crystal ball, dodge the mysterious sprit and get to the final place!
  • XOOMS – Virtual Drone: Fly this drone any place and any time! Thanks to XOOMS’ networked MR (Mixed Reality) platform, a user can feel like they are operating a real drone. It is exactly a futuristic experience.

REAL ESCAPE GAME

This year, J-POP SUMMIT 2017 attendees are invited to enjoy a complementary pass to play the Real Escape Game as part of each paid Festival ticket. Developed by SCRAP, the Real Escape Game is an inventive, interactive puzzle solving game event, originally started in Japan, which requires players to cooperate and use their intuition and detective skills to solve multiple mysteries within a limited time.  Simply stop by the SCRAP booth during J-POP SUMMIT to pick up materials to start your game play! Game details will be posted at: http://realescapegame.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 (Fort Mason Center-only) Tickets are available for 1-Day, 2-Day, and Kid’s Passes (ages 0-12). Adult single-day passes start at only $35.00 each; 2-day passes start at only $50.00 each.Additional ticket purchase details can be found at:

http://www.J-POP.com/2017/Tickets.

Visit www.J-POP.com for festival information and a comprehensive listing of all the available J-POP SUMMIT 2017 ticket options.

About J-POP SUMMIT

J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events held annually in San Francisco, CA. As an open playground of discovery and diversion inspired by the wonders of Japanese pop culture, J-POP SUMMIT presents ARTS, EATS, and INNOVATIONS; a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture featuring live music, Japanese food and travel attractions, and interactive technologies. With more than 20,000 attendees for two days, the festival has become an immersive launch pad for new trends from Japan.

Official website: www.j-pop.com

Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JPOPSUMMIT/featured

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPOPSummit/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpopsummit/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JpopSummitFest

2017 J-POP SUMMIT sponsors include:

Presenting Sponsor: JAPANKURU

Platinum Sponsors: iichiko, NHK, Nifty, NEW PEOPLE

Gold Sponsors: NTT, NTT West, NTT Data, NTT Solmare, ASOBISYSTEM

Silver Sponsors: KINOKUNIYA, SAPPORO, JVTA, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, Panasonic, NHK WORLD, FUJITSU, DG717, SCRAP, YAMAHA, Cross Nations, Hori Pro, JETRO San Francisco Office, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, SOU・SOU KYOTO San Francisco, Goshiki USA, TOPOLOGY.

Official Production Partner: Dominic Phillips Event Marketing

###

About the author

Samantha Ferreira

Samantha Ferreira is Anime Herald’s founder and editor-in-chief. A Rhode Island native, Samantha has been an anime fan since 1992, and an active member of the anime press since 2002, when she began working as a reviewer for Anime Dream. She launched Anime Herald in 2010, and continues to oversee its operations to this day. Outside of journalism, Samantha actively studies the history of the North American anime fandom and industry, with a particular focus on the 2000s anime boom and bust. She’s a huge fan of all things Sakura Wars, and maintains series fansite Combat Revue Review when she has free time available. When not in the Anime Herald Discord, Samantha can typically be found on Bluesky.

Anime Herald

Support Anime Herald

Anime Herald is brought to you through our Patrons and Ko-fi supporters. Consider backing us for as little as $1 a month to help us keep the site ad-free and pay a fair rate to our writers.

Patrons and backers can access several benefits, including Early Article Access, our members-only Discord, and the ability to suggest articles for our team to write on your behalf.



Latest Posts

Columns

The Evolution of Abridged Anime Part 4 – No Screwing The Rules

Fears about legal ramifications were fairly common in the world of comedic anime fandubs, despite some arguing they might be protected under parody laws. Philip Sral of Sherbert Productions shared a story of how three fans caused a large amount of stress while trying to get a copy of one of their works by pretending […]

By Borealis Capps