Excitement is brewing as multiple upcoming events promise a weekend filled with fun and community engagement in Japan. On March 22 and 23, 2025, the Ageo Easter Marche is set to bring joy to the Aeon Mall Ageo, showcasing a variety of handmade goods, gourmet treats, and engaging workshops. Meanwhile, the newly opened IKEA pop-up store at Aeon Mall Hakusan reveals a delightful array of Scandinavian products, available from March 15 through May 6, appealing to shoppers eager for modern household items. Finally, on March 30, the vibrant cosplay culture takes center stage with the acosta! event at Aeon Mall Hiroshima Fuchu, an immersive experience anticipated to attract over 20,000 participants.
The Ageo Easter Marche will be held in AGEO PARK, operating from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM each day. This cheerful event will feature not only local vendors selling handmade merchandise and artisan confections but also kitchen cars serving a variety of delicious foods. One of the highlights will be a special stage showcasing performances throughout the event. With spring weather expected to grace the weekend, families and friends are encouraged to come out, enjoy the fresh air, and partake in the myriad activities offered. "There will be so much fun to be had, from playing in fluffy domes to enjoying delectable bites!" said an event representative.
At the same time, IKEA’s new pop-up location inside Aeon Mall Hakusan is drawing attention with its unique offerings. Officially opened on March 15, this pop-up is the brand's first in Ishikawa and showcases 250 handpicked items from its extensive catalog of approximately 9,500 products. The store will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM until May 6. Notable items include the quirky Dala horse sponge, designed after a Swedish legend believed to bring good luck, and the ever-popular freezer bags that have won the hearts of many, including local celebrity news anchor Numamoto.
“In terms of design and affordability, IKEA hits the mark, and they have really captured the essence of Swedish craftsmanship,” Numamoto remarked, highlighting the charm and practicality of IKEA’s merchandise.
IKEA encourages customers to sign up for its family membership program, which allows for discounts on selected items without any membership fees. Moreover, visitors to the pop-up can test products like chairs before making a purchase, offering a hands-on shopping experience that online platforms do not replicate. “It’s like sitting on a marshmallow!” said Numamoto, delighting in one of IKEA’s sofas priced at around 22,990 yen.
HakoSta Co., Ltd. is also tapping into the local culture, bringing the acclaimed cosplay event acosta! to the Aeon Mall Hiroshima Fuchu on March 30. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, acosta! will allow cosplayers and photographers to engage in creative photo sessions within the mall's premises. The event has successfully drawn over 200,000 annual participants nationwide, with about 70% being female, predominantly in their teens and twenties, illustrating its popularity among younger generations.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth of Hiroshima to experience and celebrate cosplay culture,” said a HakoSta representative, adding that the event will enable participants to not only dress up but also explore the mall’s shopping and entertainment facilities. “We want to make a splash in the local community and bring energy through the joy of cosplay,” they noted, emphasizing the aim of revitalizing regional economic activities.
With ticket prices ranging from 500 to 3,000 yen based on age and purchase timing, acosta! is designed to be accessible for all. Specific Junior and Senior High School ticket provisions have been made to engage the younger crowd effectively. An outdoor group photo session is also planned, set to take place around 3 PM.
These events showcase the vibrant community spirit, highlighting local vendors, global brands, and cultural phenomena converging this March. As families and friends gather at these various venues, they not only celebrate creativity, local culture, and international brands but also foster a sense of connection and fun that energizes the local economy.
