With so many toys and knick-knacks on hand, Jisedai Warudo Hobi Fair '12 (translated as The Next Generation Hobby Fair '12) is going to seem like a second Christmas. Or at least your kids might think so.
This biannual event has been organized by publishing giant Shogakukan since 1994 and this year, around 20 companies will set up booths to show off (and sell) their latest games and toys over a two-day period. These products will include popular characters such as Pokemon, Doraemon and the cast of sports video game "Inazuma Eleven."
During the fair, there will be a variety of stage-show presentations by video-game brands and the "Kamen Rider" television show. There will also be autograph sessions by famous cartoon artists from Shogakukan's magazines, Korokoro Comic and Chao. After Tokyo, the event will go to Nagoya and Fukuoka.
Jisedai Warudo Hobi Fair '12 (winter version) takes place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on Jan. 21 and 22; at Nagoya Dome on Jan. 29; and Fukuoka Yahoo Japan Dome on Feb. 5. All events start at 9 a.m. and admission is free. For more information, call (03) 5389-8101 or visit www.whobby.com (Japanese only).