The programming, varied but could do better
This year, Japan Expo Sud 2026 came back with a rather entertaining lineup, even if it can always do better. On Friday alone, a small screening of the friendly animated film Kamiari’s child of the monthreleased on Netflix in 2022 (still available by the way). All this, in the company of the film’s producers, who even took the opportunity to immediately announce its spin-off currently being produced, Kamisari’s Beast of the Month. A great announcement for this license, which should delight fans of the first film, or those who are fans of Miyazaki’s films, from which the producers were largely inspired.
Of course, in addition to this screening followed by various conferences with various guests on quite a few themes (Vincent Chansard, Dorian Coulon, Julien Cortey, Arnaud Laurent etc.), cosplay was there with the WCS on Saturday, and the Cosplay Show on Sunday. The first allows, as always, the winning duo to represent France for the final in Nagoya next August. As for the other, it is a simple usual cosplay competition, with prize giving at the end of the day. Besides, we were less excited about the cosplays than last year, when there were a lot more to see.
In short, a classic program, although the activities are always diversified with various quizzes on other stages, as well as various stands here and there, which remain clearly traditional for a Japan Expo. Indeed, we had the usual stands of amateur creations and other much more imposing stands selling routine products (t-shirts, goodies, pop culture paintings, various manga, video games, derivative products, etc.). Classic in layout, but always pleasant to explore in order to find that rare pearl. Apart from that, Cyprien was also on stage on Saturday, to talk about his book The Worst Guide to Japan. His presence was therefore more than justified for the convention.
In the rest of the loose programming, the Anime Awards 2025 were there on Saturday evening until 8 p.m. Presented by the Kanimy association invited for the occasion, the two presenters were able to ignite this evening by awarding various prizes for the best soundtrack, film or categories from the world of anime, by other guests of this Japan Expo Sud 2026. It was the perfect opportunity to have a good time, and it must be said that this event on the main stage, brought a big plus to the Saturday programming unlike that of the next day, a little lukewarm in the activities, at least on the main stage.
Best in video games
Concerning the part that interests us the most, namely video games, Japan Expo Sud 2026 did a little better than last year. Even if we unfortunately find the same stands with the Games Academy (video game development school with quite a few student projects highlighted), or the freeplay and esport section to try out a few titles including 2xKO or even Super Smash Bros. UltimateNintendo terminals were present.
Thanks in particular to the Nintendo League association, we were able to see playable terminals from the latest productions on Nintendo Switch 2, notably the pleasant Mario Tennis Fever, and even games released a few months ago with Pokémon ZA, Donkey Kong Bananza even Animal Crossing New Horizonswhich has been out for a few years now. Tournaments were also included, in order to at least offer additional activities.
We will also note a small Ankama stand for the 25th anniversary of Dofus. It was thus possible to try out this MMO still standing after so many years, but also some goodies on sale (mouse pads, Wakfu manga etc.). However, the problem remains the same in this video game section: it is quite thin. So of course there are better things but concretely, having a few little exclusives from time to time on the Marseillaise convention like the one in Paris which has them in abundance, would not be a refusal…
Is this 2026 edition of Japan Expo Sud 2026 still as magical? If the founders have made some efforts, particularly on the video games side, but also with some pleasant events (the Anime Awards 2025, Cyprien, WCS etc.) and concerts, the festival remains in a very similar arrangement to last year. Certainly, the convention is a tad less empty than the last edition (and even then…), but it must be said that you always get around it quickly, unless you come for specific activities in order to have a good time. This Japan Expo Sud Marseille 2026 is a little better than last year, even if we will now have to improve certain points, starting with the video games section which must be more fleshed out, perhaps with one day publishers or prestigious guests.