LEGO in the Land of the Rising Sun: A look at Japan Brickfest 2023
The Japan Brickfest (JBF) is Japan’s largest international fan-organized LEGO event and an official LEGO networking event since 2017. More than 270 LEGO lovers - kids, teens, and adults - from all over the world have exhibited their MOCs throughout the years. It was held yearly until COVID shut Japan’s borders and forced everyone to stay home. This 2023 it was held June 10-11 at the Canadian Academy at Rokko Island, Kobe, Japan.
This is my third time attending JBF, having previously attended in 2018 and 2019. This year, though, was my first time attending JBF without my LUGmates from the Philippine LEGO Users Group and staging a solo display. Here’s my account of what went on in JBF this time around:
Day 1: Experiencing Japan and Setting Up
I arrived at Kobe from Manila via Osaka late on the evening of the 8th, so I wasn’t able to do much upon arrival. The morning of the 9th dawned bright and clear, and I was able to do some sightseeing before set-up. One simply cannot go to JBF without exploring Japan! Kobe is well known for its sake breweries and beef, so for this trip, I decided to focus on these during my one free day.
I visited the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum and the Kiku Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, which were within walking distance from each other. Sake is an alcoholic beverage from Japan that is made by fermenting rice. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about sake brewing, and of course, tasting the free sake. Here’s a tip: if you enjoy your liquor, you can pay for additional sake tasting, and bring home the pretty sake cup as a remembrance!
The Hakutsuru sake brewery museum is one of the many museums you can visit in kobe.
After that, I went to Kobe Tanryu Sannomiya for the best meal of my life so far. I booked a beef teppanyaki course at this tiny restaurant that seats only 7 people. Teppan means iron plate, and yaki means grilled or pan-fried. To say that everything was perfect is a gross understatement, and it was clear why Japan is so proud of its Kobe beef.
After my leisurely lunch, it was time to go back to Rokko Island to set up my display. This year, I decided to bring 10 models of Philippine flowers. I commend the JBF Team for a well-run, organized event. Registration was a breeze, and I was able to set up in a little over an hour.
pre-event set-up complete!
Then it was off to a great sushi dinner in Osaka before going back to the hotel and crashing for the day.
Day 2: Japan Brickfest Is Back!
Saturday morning started with the Builders’ Meeting at 9:30 before JBF opened its doors to the public. Since I set up very early, I only saw most of the builds this day. Some builders were also still in the process of finishing up their displays. It was an absolute thrill walking through the exhibits, and meeting builders from all over the world. I was also happy that some of my friends from previous years were back, and we got to reconnect. I also met some of my Instagram friends in person (finally!).
Since this was Japan, the land of Gundam and Mecha, Mecha builds were mind-blowingly awesome. From tiny transforming critters to people-sized robots, Mecha were everywhere! There were also lots of references to Japanese lifestyle and culture, including manga and anime-inspired builds.
International builders brought their best work, with many creatures on display as well as mosaics, more Mecha, Star Wars, and even LEGO games for children. JBF also had an assortment of LEGO-related displays, such as art and photography. It was pretty cool seeing the many different ways people could create art with LEGO.
The first time I exhibited my flowers in 2019, I only had 5 and shared a table with my friends. This year, I had a full table for my display. I always enjoy watching the kids’ reactions when they walk past me, as their faces really light up, and I could see them pointing to the various flowers and saying “Kawaii!” (which means cute in Japanese). Sometimes, AFOLs, many of whom were fans of the LEGO Botanicals Collection, would also stop and talk to me about the various species on display.
My complete display of 10 flower species from the philippines!
LEGO designer Mel Caddick was also present as a special guest and had a great interview and talk about being a LEGO designer. I think Mel inspired a whole new generation of builders and designers, so LEGO better be prepared for an influx of designer applications from Asia in the future!
Mel’s interview with nathan bryan.
The day ended with the VIP Party for the participants, a stop-motion video showing, and a LEGO auction.
Day 3: LEGO Is Its Own Language
The second day of JBF 2023 was cold and rainy, but the weather didn’t deter the many families from showing up! There were even more people on the second day than the first, with many families bringing their little children to enjoy the activities like mosaic building and play area.
This day I decided to focus on the people as much as the models and had so much fun talking to the different builders. I loved being able to finally match the beautiful MOCs I’ve been seeing online with their makers. I particularly enjoyed talking to the young builders and their awesome parents. 13-year-old Rima from Japan and 12-year-old Goni from Korea particularly impressed me with their MOCs. It made me so happy to see a whole new generation of LEGO builders, many of whom already have amazing skills even at such a young age.
The concept and execution of this moc by goni (who is 12 years old!) is just incredible.
Just like in previous years, I was blown away not just by the skills of the builders present, but by the warmth of the AFOL community. Attendees came from all over Asia, with some guests flying in from Europe and the United States. It didn’t matter that half the time, I couldn’t speak my fellow builder’s language. JBF is proof that LEGO is its own language, and that love for these tiny bricks will transcend any barriers to communication.
Sadly, I had to leave early to catch my trip home to Manila, so I wasn’t able to close the event or attend the last builders’ meeting. I also missed the autograph signing by designers Mel Caddick and Markus Rollbühler! But it was a good thing I left when I did though, because I made it to my gate just ten minutes before boarding!
Post-JBF Musings
JBF is more than a LEGO convention. The organizers have worked hard to make it a true festival, both for the participants and the visitors. It’s an opportunity to experience Japanese culture, with bands and Wadaiko (traditional Japanese drums) infusing the atmosphere with energy. JBF even has a mascot, Bricky, who adds to the fun! My tip for those attending future JBFs is to come to Japan not just for JBF itself but to explore the country. There is so much to see and enjoy in Japan.
bricky having fun!
Overall, I would call JBF 2023 a smashing success, for the memories made, the friendships forged, and the experiences never to be forgotten.
You can check out more pictures from other online sources, such as Japan Brickfest on Facebook and Keibricks Art Museum. You can also check out the hashtag #JBF2023 on Twitter.
Have you attended JBF before? Do you plan to attend? Let us know in the comments below!
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