[Concert Recap] Japan Weekend Madrid 2025

Photography by Sol

Last September 20th and 21th, IFEMA Madrid hold their bi-annual event for those who enjoy manga, anime, Japanese music and culture: Japan Weekend.  As all their conventions, they were two days to remember, full of activities, events and concerts for everyone to have a good time!

Even when the venue was under construction, the queues to enter the event were as good as always. Staff and security made sure everything worked smoothly, despite some delays. The event had seen their ticket prices go up due to some new IFEMA policies, but this didn't stop the fans from coming by! The halls were full and there were a lot of performances, workshops and other activities to participate in. There were also plenty of artists selling their handmade items from almost any franchise you can imagine, made with their very own hands (thanks to the Japan weekend checking each portfolio before allowing them to have their booths - they make sure to support real artists!). For those Japanese music fanatics, concerts, fan signing events and Q&A fan meetings with Aina Aiba and Shuhei Kita were waiting for them.

The main stage held several activities, like the Asian Cover Dance contest, with two different categories to let the participants show their dance abilities. Attendees made sure to welcome each of them with ovations. The public was also able to participate during the Q&A of different artists, making satisfying their curiosity possible.

But the main event were the concerts: Aina Aiba and Shuhei Kita performed for their fans, who were so energetic that the artists kept on going for the whole hour! With their iconic songs, their fans had a whale of time, and had the chance to sing together and interact with each of them.

Aina Aiba delighted her fans with a setlist that included some of her solo songs, like Reasons (TASUKETSU -Fate of the Majority ending) or lead the way, and her group’s Starlight Kukugumi’s Star Divine.  She also performed some of the Bang Dream! hits, like Youkoso Japari Park e, and other songs from the different animes she gave her voice to. The setlist was a dream come true for anyone who has been a fan of her since the beginning, and the public let her know how long they have been waiting to have a blast at her concert! It was full of people wearing cosplays and ornaments that shared their passion for the voice actress.

During his act, Shuhei Kita also made his fans have a once in a lifetime concert! With the different openings he was part of, like Issei no Sei (Natsume's Book of Friends), Secret Garden (Otometeki Koi Kakumei☆Love Revo) or Soul Phrase (Persona 3), Energetic and with amazing vocals, he had an outstanding performance that left everyone on awe, and interacted with his fans in Spanish, which was a great surprise!

After their respective concerts, both singers signed for their fans. Aina Aiba had a lottery system (you had to fill in a survey a few weeks prior to the event) and Shuhei signed to anyone who kindly approached his assigned booth. The interactions were wholehearted since Japan weekend always makes sure to have a translator close by! This ensures you can communicate with them properly. Moreover, gifts are accepted, and some artists can sign personal items you can add to your dear collection!

All in all, Japan Weekend Madrid 2025 has been a great experience for those interested in manga, anime or Japanese music. No matter what your preferences are: there's always a space for you between their hallways. Make sure to join them at their next event to enjoy their activities too!

Review by Sol

Photography by Sol