Japan Paradise Champagnole 2026: Where pop culture and community collide

On 24th and 25th of January, 2026 Champagnole was buzzing with a special kind of energy. The Oppidum hall hosted Japan Paradise for the very first time; a convention to celebrate manga and pop culture. It was as if you could touch the excitement beginning right from the opening doors at 10:00 am on Saturday. Some attendees arrived early with VIP access at 9:30 so that they could completely get into this amazing event. Others came with families and were looking forward to discovering the dynamic pop culture in Jura region.

Once the visitors crossed the threshold, they were awed by the magic around them. The multicolored booths, the aromatic smells wafting from their kitchens and the perfectly arranged displays immediately leaped everyone into visages where fantasy and reality converge. Fernandopolis welcomed guests with bubble waffles and Brazilian hot dogs – a first course that did not fail to please. Not far away, Ptit Izakaya food truck offered a culinary trip to Japan in izakaya culture while Nomad’s Crêpes presented their unique cone- shaped galettes right from vegetarian Jardin d’Eden to generous Nomadiflette. Every morsel was like a taste of something new, it reminded that normality is as much about taste as it is about sound and sight.

Schedule regulated the rhythm that everyone passed to. It was only Jedi Enclave of the Force’ lightsabers workshops which attracted both kids and grown-ups by teaching people how to be accurate while having fun. Kahoot quizzes brought out laughter and friendly competition into the air. Conference sessions gave a deep dive into the world of French dubbing, one very rarely touched upon, yet it is key in the storytelling process.

Chantal Baroin, Philippe Valmont and Alain Eloy, these three great voice talents of the French dubbing world openly recounted their individual journies with us. Chantal recalled the first time she ever dreamt of being an actress when she watched Louis de Funès’ movies as a child and how she later defied her mother’s wishes by joining a theatre group secretly. Her early dubbing jobs like Hercule were an eye opener for virtues such as patience, detail and attention which are essential in all duties. She described on the other hand how characters like Erza Scarlett and Bo-Katan Kryze may be engaging because they offer solace to the fans when things are hard.

Philippe Valmont who is famous for French voice of Christian Bale, Luke Wilson and Heath Ledger told about his first steps in theatre and auditions. He explained very humbly the way he has to do a completely different role in an art house film and an anime and how he always tries to focus on the essence of the character above all. Fore him such things as the Japan Paradise are a great possibility for actors to personally see what their works cause among audience members – it is really deep and satisfying experience.

Famous for some of the voices like Rick and Zoro (Rick and Morty and One Piece) Alain Eloy shared his own eclectic journey. He got into dubbing following his participation in theater, gradually growing to enjoy a wider range of roles within that domain. His anecdotes illustrated the fine line between creativity and discipline that has to be observed when an actor brings to life animated or live characters. Those who were at this session were not just moved by what was being said but also the authenticity of their experiences, through this they get insight into why they do things they love.

In the midst of conferences and workshops, the participants visited pavilions and shops of a wide variety of interesting businesses. Ninie Gravure presented engraved art on wood, glass, and slate; this artistry turns utilitarian objects into emotion filled heirlooms. Poupie provided an imaginary world with aromatic candles, epoxy resin branded items, and kawaii-inspired amigurumi. The MIWA Creations and Aurélie Passion Dessin presented self-made pop-culture fan art, whereas Sakura Japan Tattoo had elaborate designs; they could be manga or neo-Japanese styles. In turn to Kinza’s bright way of painting, GRIM ARTIST made bold compositions in black and white color palette accentuated with red tones and gallery-like experience was established.

Saturdays’ afternoon was a high point of excitement with the concert by Zed LeRouge. As the lead singer of Astero-H, he did very dynamic rock performances of popular anime theme songs. From Goldorak to Pokémon to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the crowd belted the songs, giggled and shared in waves of nostalgia. After his performance, Zed had a photo shoot with fans and signed autographs reaffirming that such conventions bear memories that can never be forgotten.

The intensity of Sunday was carried on in the same pace. Lightsaber workshops and quizzes kept the attendees excited, while new conference sessions made further analysis on dubbing profession. Chantal, Philippe, and Alain offered practical advices, personal stories and lessons they learned. Each anecdote gave you a picture of how voice actors should be very dedicated, flexible enough high depth emotional just in case you were looking for motivation and also entertainment for fans of all ages.

The convention floor was still the heart of finding. Collectors discovered treasures at Atougeek and Lord Of Toy, while Saint Seiya Myth Dream showcased huge dioramas and collectibles that had been made for many years. Having learned how to do the trading card exchange, attendees were able to complete their collections and share tips in a friendly manner as well as in an all inclusive environment. Talisman Replicas provided a broad variety of swords and katanas, which collectors as well as cosplayers would be interested in.

It was not only performances and workshops that served as entertainment. Irina Just Dance turned the crowd onto the dance floor with modern hits so all people could dance, laugh, and share joy. The cosplay parades and Heroes’ Event demonstrations let visitors to be part of their favourite characters’ worlds. Han Jones by name who is a performer or a cosplayer warmed up the audience through his interesting presentation as well as interactive activities namely games thus adding fun to the weekend occasion.

Craft markets remained an oasis of slow pace concentration within the hustle and bustle of the big commercial centres. Les Petits Doigts de Christelle, Creat Style Bijoux, Princesse Bari, JADART, Licorne la Fée, and Picturas.fr brilliantly represented objects that conjured a perfect amalgamation of creativity, passion and technical skills. From tiny dioramas to handcrafted jewelry or resin creations and even geek-inspired artwork almost every piece was incorporated with this quality; it told a story and stood as an invitation for people to discover new ways of self-expression.

The human side of the event was on display for the whole weekend. Visitors built a connection through shared interest, stories exchange and it was revealed that behind every creation there is a great story. Whether through claps for a performance, advice on a collector's item or just a smile at the stand; Japan Paradise helped build that sense of belonging and community.

The banquet wrapped up the event and the Oppidum hall was full of echoes of nostalgia. The souvenirs, collectibles, and fan art were what the visitors took with them—but more than this, they experienced an alive emotion and connection in a weekend. Japan Paradise Champagnole 2026 made it clear that conventions could not be reduced to what is displayed on stage and the issues discussed on panels only but rather to what people live together, share, and feel together.

These first attempts in the Jura region were pioneering, and were the forerunners of future gatherings. The weekend was a blend of concerts, workshops, trading events and artisan showcases that epitomized creativity, curiosity and unmistakable human togetherness. People from all walks of left with not just physical keepsakes but enduring remembrances of joy, discovery and inspiration.

The Japan Paradise Champagnole 2026 edition will be unforgettable not by the grandiose of its stage or by the size of its crowds, but rather by the authentic experiences and human moments that define this weekend. From the workshops to the concerts, from artisans to interactive events, every visitor contributed to building up a joint story of wonder and love. And in the hearts of those who were present at this weekend, these echoes remain and will do so perpetually – for it is a proof of culture’s, creativity’s and community’s power.