Doki Doki – The Manchester Japanese Festival is an event celebrating both traditional and modern Japanese culture.

The annual event, which was first held in 2011, features talks, demonstrations, parades and other events showcasing Japanese culture. This includes language, fashion, cosplay, games, music, dance, manga, anime, martial arts and other arts from Japan’s past and present, as well as retail stalls, artist stands, a cinema room and games area. Hot and cold Japanese food from a number of local retailers are also available to festival goers.

Doki Doki also partners with design and clothing outfit Genki Gear, who donate sales of their annual Festival T-shirts to Aid For Japan.

The Doki Doki (“heartbeat”) Festival has also prided itself on being a consistent supporter for Aid For Japan as the event’s selected charity. It also regularly features Akemi Tanaka as a guest speaker as well as answering audience questions about Japanese life and culture.