From cosplay to Japanese yodeling: the Main Matsuri Festival at FBM26

Frankfurter Buchmesse is getting a festival upgrade: Main Matsuri brings daily cosplay competitions, live performances from Japan, and plenty of community spirit right to the fair. Nathalie from the FBM and Norman from the Main Matsuri Festival share more information!

The Main Matsuri Festival is making its debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair with its own stage. How did this collaboration come about, and what does it mean for the both of you?

Nathalie: We at FBM have been wanting to bring more of a festival vibe to the event. And especially for the anime, manga, and cosplay community there was a lack of opportunities for people to connect and meet up at our fair. This area needs more space and a continuous program. That’s exactly what Main Matsuri can offer us. Norman and I first crossed paths over 20 years ago; we’ve both been exhibitors at the FBM ourselves, and now we organize events full-time while staying in close contact.

Norman: When people have a deep personal respect and trust for one another, that’s when formats can even begin to take shape - formats that can later be brought to life. For Main Matsuri, the collaboration with the Frankfurter Buchmesse clearly means even greater visibility and broader acceptance.

What exactly can someone expect when they come to the stage? What are the highlights?

Norman: We have a very diverse program and really have something to offer for all age groups. Artists coming directly from Japan range from taiko drummers to singers, as well as “Takeo Ischi,” the Japanese yodeler, who truly captivates everyone with his performance. The talented and well-known DJ “Rhina Love” will also be performing alongside “Mitsuru Kijo,” the Japanese singer from Tokyo. In addition, we’ll have lots of activities, such as a noodle-slurping contest.

The Koneko community loves cosplay. What’s behind the daily contests, who can participate, and what are the prizes?

Nathalie: There will be a major cosplay contest every day from Friday through Sunday! Brother is providing prizes worth around 4,000€ for this - what cosplayer doesn’t need a new sewing or embroidery machine! On FBM Sunday, there will be a cosplay contest for characters based on novels.

For those coming to the FBM for the Main Matsuri stage: What other stops shouldn’t they miss?

Nathalie: Starting this year, all public events will take place on the lower levels, with even more stages and a great program. The German manga and comic publishers, as well as the artists, are mainly located in Hall 4.0. Be sure to stop by Hall 4.1 as well, there will be a DIY artist area there, and you can also meet voice actors there over the weekend. We’re getting support from the group “Spread the Flame,” which will help pass the time with short live role-playing games. And at the joint booths for Japan in Hall 4.2 and Korea in Hall 5.1, you can often get a first look at tomorrow’s manga bestsellers!

The interview was conducted by Katharina Crass, PR-Trainee at Frankfurter Buchmesse.

The interview first appeared in the 136th issue of Koneko.