Shueisha’s annual exposition Jump Festa 2018 was held on 16-17 December, brought to thousands of eager fans by beloved manga magazines Weekly Shonen Jump, Jump SQ., V Jump and Saikyo Jump, as well as digital manga app Shonen Jump+ at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.
Just like previous years, Jump Festa 2018 proved to be an otaku paradise, with plenty of exciting attractions, stage events and limited-edition goods. Best of all, there were absolutely no entrance fees, meaning that anyone could enjoy this once-a-year celebration of Jump!
The star of this year’s show was the all-new “Jump Amusement Island”, where kids and adults alike could lose themselves in the world of One Piece and Dragon Ball. There were plenty of chances to get active with family-friendly attractions, including a One Piece mini-pirate ship race and a Dragon Ball ball pit where players searched for the seven Dragon Balls. With a gigantic Luffy and Goku there to welcome guests, how could anyone not get excited?!
The exciting experiences continued in other booths with activities like a One Piece game using motion tracked controllers and a My Hero Academia space to get your own Hero License!
The stunning illustrations displayed in various booths were also a highlight of Jump Festa, including special signed drawings from the authors, original illustrations, and more. Look out for the huge One Piece 20th anniversary display, complete with an epic frame of moments from the manga!
For fans who wanted to document their time at another incredible Jump Festa, there was no shortage of fun photo spots. Who wouldn’t want the chance to be featured on a Weekly Shonen Jump cover, journey with the Straw Hat crew, or become Higashikata Josuke himself?!
More chances for a memorable shot: gigantic Deku, Hinata and Playmaker!
Huge Jump magazines also gave fans the chance to fully appreciate the detail that goes into a each cover.
Another year, another Jump Festa packed with awesome attractions impossible to pack into one report. If you’re keen to see more, check out the album below, or better yet – visit Japan and experience all the Jump action for yourself!
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article with photography by Hara T.