Convention - Comic Con France 2025: MION Electrifies the Main Stage with a Cultural and Musical Tour de Force

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 13 april 2025

Comic Con France 2025 at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte was nothing short of a celebration of global pop culture in its most dynamic and inclusive form. Amidst a sea of cosplay, collectibles, and cinematic fandoms, one performance in particular stole the spotlight and left an indelible emotional imprint on attendees: the exhilarating live showcases by Japanese singer-songwriter MION. Set across two high-energy 40-minute sets on both Saturday and Sunday at the main stage, her performances were a standout moment of the weekend. Not just because of the technical polish or vocal power she brought to the event, but because of the rare authenticity and joy she exuded. Whether performing original J-Pop hits, emotionally charged J-Rock ballads, or irresistibly nostalgic covers of legendary anime songs, MION brought the crowd to life with an infectious charisma that blurred linguistic boundaries and resonated deeply with the international audience. For many, her presence wasn’t just a musical act—it was a cultural experience, a connection point between East and West forged in melody and rhythm.

Saturday showcase :

Sunday showcase

MION’s musical journey is as impressive as it is inspiring, and understanding her background makes her triumph on the Comic Con France stage all the more significant. Originally from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, MION was born into a family saturated in music—her father owns a music school, her mother teaches piano, and her three brothers are all musicians. She began performing publicly by the age of six and was already writing songs by her early teens. At just 16, she was awarded the Best Performance Prize at the prestigious YAMAHA Music Revolution competition, a moment that catalyzed her professional career and began her decade-plus trajectory as an independent artist in Japan. She has since released eleven singles, completed four nationwide tours, and performed at countless festivals and live houses across Japan. Her breakthrough hit "Summer Magic" topped the Oricon Singles chart, cementing her status as a rising star in the Japanese pop scene. But unlike many artists who find success domestically and stay within their borders, MION sought to transcend those boundaries. In 2022, her artistic accomplishments were recognized internationally when she was granted a Global Talent visa by the UK’s Home Office—an endorsement of her extraordinary ability and a powerful step toward building a truly international career.

What made her Comic Con France showcases so remarkable wasn’t just the strength of her voice or the diversity of her setlist—it was the synergy she created with the audience, many of whom were discovering her for the first time. There was a moment during her Saturday set, for example, when she transitioned seamlessly from a soaring J-Pop anthem into a beloved anime theme, and the energy of the room shifted from polite applause to a full-on chorus of fan voices singing along. It was clear that her music had struck a chord. She wasn’t performing to an audience, she was performing with them. Between songs, MION took time to share anecdotes, express her love for French culture, and show genuine gratitude for the warm welcome she had received. It was this sense of humility and mutual appreciation that elevated the performances beyond entertainment and made them something more—something memorable, even magical. Her presence served as a shining example of how music, when rooted in sincerity and shared experience, can transcend geography and language.

The choice to feature MION on the main stage of Comic Con France this year was more than just an inspired booking—it reflected a broader trend in the cultural exchange between Japan and Europe, particularly in the realms of music, anime, and live performance. Over the past few years, Japanese artists have increasingly found passionate fanbases in European cities, with festivals like Japan Expo and now Comic Con France playing pivotal roles in building those bridges. MION, with her strong foundation in J-Pop, her versatility as a composer and performer, and her open embrace of international audiences, feels like the perfect ambassador for this moment. Her dual focus—original compositions and anime covers—also cleverly mirrors the tastes of a Comic Con audience that values both fresh artistic expression and the comforting familiarity of beloved cultural references. From an industry perspective, her success at the event may very well encourage more collaborations and invite other Japanese artists to follow in her footsteps, creating a new wave of artistic exchange between the two continents.

As the weekend came to a close and attendees filed out of the bustling halls of the Parc des Expositions, MION’s name was on the lips of many fans—some long-time followers, others new converts still buzzing from the discovery of a new favorite artist. In a space so often dominated by visual spectacle and franchise-based fandoms, her performance reminded us all of the power of live music to connect, move, and uplift. MION didn’t just perform at Comic Con France 2025—she became one of its defining moments. Whether through her chart-topping originals, her faithful tributes to anime classics, or simply her joyful presence on stage, she offered something rare and beautiful: a shared experience that transcended borders. And if the enthusiastic response she received is any indication, this will likely not be the last time French audiences get to witness the magic of MION live. For now, her echoes linger in the hearts of those who watched her, danced with her, and sang along—a testament to music’s unique ability to unite us, even if just for forty minutes under the lights.

You can discover our photos selection in our Flickr page and here

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville