Fur-trimmed kimono, towering hairstyles and outfits built around being unmistakably yourself: Kitakyushu’s coming-of-age celebrations are the subject of a new exhibition opening today at Japan House London.
Tradition/Rebellion: Coming-of-Age Style in Kitakyushu, Japan follows eight young adults from their first fitting to the ceremony itself. Alongside the clothing, tactile displays and video interviews introduce the people behind these elaborate transformations.
The local creative industry is an important part of the story. Kimono renters, designers, hairdressers and photographers help turn each participant’s ideas into something they can wear. That makes this a particularly interesting exhibition for anyone drawn to costume design: the finished outfit comes with a glimpse of the work and collaboration behind it.
Co-curated by fashion director Yamaguchi Souta and Japan House London’s Simon Wright, with people from Kitakyushu, the exhibition explores one city’s distinctive approach to a familiar milestone. These are personal ceremonial fashions, rather than costumes based on fictional characters, and that distinction is worth keeping in mind.
It runs until 18 April 2027 at 101–111 Kensington High Street, London. Admission is free, with advance booking guaranteeing entry at busy times. The booking system allows approximately 40 minutes in the gallery, so it could fit neatly into a London visit without taking over the whole day.
A manga to start, rather than catch up with
This week’s reading recommendation is Kamome Shirahama’s Witch Hat Atelier, starting with volume one.
Coco wants to become a witch, but lives in a world where everyone insists magical ability is something you are born with. An encounter with the travelling magician Qifrey gives her reason to question that certainty. That is enough of the premise to begin with; there is no need to spoil what follows.
The appeal here is a fantasy built around curiosity and the possibility of learning something supposedly beyond your reach. If that sounds more inviting than joining a long-running story halfway through its latest battle, put the first volume on your reading list.
Read the official distributor’s synopsis. This is a backlist recommendation, not a new-release announcement.
Animation news in brief
There is still Japanese animation to catch in Manchester this week. Manchester Animation Festival lists Kohei Kadowaki’s We Are Aliens at HOME, Cinema 2 on Thursday 12 November at 10am. Its starting point is a childhood friendship between quiet Tsubasa and classmate Gyotaro. Check the festival’s booking options for remaining seats and current charges.
The festival also has an option for staying home. Its online programme runs from 13 to 30 November, with screenings and talks advertised. Short films are restricted to viewers in the UK because of rights arrangements. Treat it as a separate programme, rather than assuming every cinema feature will be available online.
Dates worth a look
15 November, Birmingham: The Sound of Epic Anime, Symphony Hall, 3pm. The advertised orchestral programme includes music from Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan, alongside Studio Ghibli and Makoto Shinkai soundtracks. B:Music lists £20.50–£38.50, including its stated ticket commission. Under-16s must attend with an adult. Official details and booking.
16–22 November, Edinburgh: Scotland Loves Anime at Filmhouse. A further-afield option for readers planning a cinema trip, with the festival’s official Filmhouse page confirming this run. Use the linked cinema booking route for individual screenings, prices and availability. Official festival page.
Booking ahead, 1 February 2027, Manchester: The Legend of Korra in Concert, Bridgewater Hall. Jeremy Zuckerman’s score accompanies HD projections from the series in a live orchestral presentation. The venue advertises £38.25–£74.25, including its £4.75 booking fee. Check the seller for available seats. Official details and booking.
These are independent recommendations, not events hosted or organised by DokkaDoki.