ARENA STAGE

Over the years, Japan Expo has established itself as a benchmark for popular culture fairs both in France and internationally.
Japan Expo and its Japanese guests have constructed a solid bond of trust; in this year 2025, it's no longer just these guests who are flying to Japan Expo Paris, but Japan Expo Paris which is flying to meet them!
Who knows? Perhaps this new adventure in the land of the Rising Sun will become the dawn of new collaborations.

As part of the Osaka World Expo, Japan Expo is proud to illustrate and represent the influence of Japanese culture beyond its borders. For the first time in its 25-year history, Japan Expo exports directly to the Kansai region to meet the Japanese public, on April 26 and 27 at Japan Expo Paris in Osaka.

Each day's events are divided into two sessions: one in the afternoon with no strings attached, and one in the evening requiring reservation and a draw.
Discover the program of the Arena main stage!

AFTERNOON

• MIWA:
  She made her debut in 2010 while still a university student.
  Her first album "guitarissimo" released the following year reached number one on the album charts.
  In 2012, "Hikarihe" became a huge hit, and she performed at the Nippon Budokan for the first time at the same time as her university graduation ceremony, and the following year she made her first appearance at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
  This March marked the 15th anniversary of her debut, and she also released a greatest hits album.
• CHILD OF KAMIARI MONTH:
  The story is about a girl who runs from Tokyo to Izumo, based on the "Kamiarizuki" of Shimane, which marks the roots of this island nation. This work was released nationwide in the Olympic year, and was distributed worldwide (Netflix) Global Top 8, and has reached the finish line at the World Expo.
• "BATMAN NINJA" SPECIAL TALK SESSION:
  "Batman" is brought to life in anime by Warner Bros. Japan and KAMIKAZE DOUGA!
  Koichi Yamadera (Batman) and Yuki Kaji (Robin) will discuss about Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League!!
• KAMUI :
  The world-class Samurai Artist KAMUI, Beautiful movements, fierce battles, and the story of a master and his apprentice-You can feel the SAMURAI SPIRIT！
  * Representative Tetsuro Shimaguchi performed and choreographed at the movie "KILL BILL”

EVENING

• NANASE AIKAWA :
  Born in Osaka in 1975. Debuted in 1995, CD total sales exceed 12 million copies. In addition to her musical activities, she is also active in writing novels and essays, and in passing on traditional culture. After graduating from Kokugakuin University, she is currently studying folklore at the university's graduate school. This year marks the 30th anniversary of her debut.
• YOUTH THEATER JAPAN :
  Osaka Masquerade is an amazing performance with the theme of Osaka. Enjoy acting, dancing, and music by wonderful young people.
• MIKA KOBAYASHI :
  She performs the world famous theme song of Anime and her original songs.
  Please enjoy her concerts, where the audience would be filled with excitement!
• NMB48 :
  An idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto. They perform almost every day at the NMB48 Theater in Namba, Osaka, and their unique members are active in various media. They are the special supporters of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

AFTERNOON

• FUGA MELODIES OF STEEL 3 :
  CC2 CEO Matsuyama will present Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3, with live performances by supporters Sera Amagi and Neontetra.
• CREATIVE TALK - Tetsuo Hara,Masaya Ichi & Jean-François Dufour:
  They will discuss their creative processes, passion for art,and the fusion of manga and art. The conversation will also explore their careers, behind-the-scenes stories of their works, and insights into JAPAN EXPO.
• TAKUYA SUGIMOTO :
  A singer-songwriter from Kumamoto Prefecture. On TikTok, he posts videos in the Kumamoto dialect with the theme of boyfriend-like feelings under the name "Kumamoto's Boyfriend," and currently has over 1 million followers. He is set to hold a live house and hall tour "RE:MAKE" from August 2025. He is expanding his range of activities with a variety of activities, including a movie starring him scheduled for release in the fall.

EVENING

• AIUCHI RINA :
  Debuted in 2000 and achieved breakthrough success with the opening theme for "Detective Conan."
  Made her first appearance at the 54th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (Japan's prestigious year-end music show) in 2003.
  In recent years, actively performing at international music festivals and energetically expanding activities overseas.
• PANDA DRAGON :
  Formed in 2018, they successfully held their first Nippon Budokan concert in March 2025, and all of their music videos since their 2nd single have received over 10,000 views on their first day of YouTube release.
  They are the hottest boy group in Japan right now.
• CUTIE STREET :
  The group CUTIE STREET debuted as part of ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB. idol project in August 2024. The 8-member idol group consists of Risa Furusawa, Aika Sano, Kana Itakura, Ayano Masuda, Emiru Kawamoto, Miyu Umeda, Nagisa Manabe, and Haruka Sakuraba. The group’s concept is ‘KAWAII MAKER.’ With all different ages and backgrounds, the eight members will act as KAWAII MAKERS and transmit their own brand of ‘KAWAII’ from Harajuku to the world.
• HOLOLIVE PRODUCTION :
  Talents from hololive, hololive Indonesia and hololive English gathered to deliver a special showcase.

  Talents: Hoshimachi Suisei, Sakura Miko, Nakiri Ayame, Oozora Subaru, Usada Pekora, Shirogane Noel, Houshou Marine, Amane Kanata, Tsunomaki Watame, Kobo Kanaeru, Mori Calliope, Shiori Novella, Koseki Bijou, Nerissa Ravencroft, Fuwawa Abyssgard, Mococo Abyssgard

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MESSE STAGE SCHEDULE

Visit the official website of Japan Expo Paris in Osaka for further information.