Festivals - Japan Expo 2025 : Cookiesan Brings Manga-Rap to Life with Electrifying Performances and Emotional Fan Moments

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 05 july 2025

At Japan Expo 2025, held once again in the sprawling halls of Villepinte’s Parc des Expositions, one name echoed throughout the weekend with increasing intensity: Cookiesan. Hailing from Mantes-la-Jolie and dubbed one of the pioneers of manga-rap in France, Cookiesan returned to the convention with a fire and energy that instantly captivated longtime fans and new attendees alike. His reputation had been steadily growing since his breakout track Isekai 13 and his memorable performance at Japan Expo Marseille earlier this year, but nothing could have prepared audiences for the scale and heart of what he brought to Paris. Over four densely packed days, Cookiesan didn’t just perform—he made Japan Expo 2025 his home, electrifying multiple stages with concerts, engaging deeply with his fanbase during extended meet-and-greets, and proving that his unique blend of anime-inspired lyricism and heartfelt hip-hop has become more than a niche genre—it’s a movement.

Thursday’s performance on the Tsubamé Stage set the tone with a thunderous 15:15 show that blended musical performance with storytelling, fan interaction, and unfiltered emotion. The crowd—an exuberant sea of fans decked in anime shirts and cosplay—erupted as Cookiesan launched into his opening number, flowing with surgical precision through hits like “Lettre à Jiraya” and “Minato.” The energy was palpable, but what truly defined the experience was the feedback loop between artist and audience. Fans didn’t just listen; they sang, they cried, they shouted lyrics with the kind of fervor usually reserved for stadium legends. Throughout the song breaks, Cookiesan didn’t hesitate to share the origin of his tracks, explaining how Naruto’s themes of perseverance, grief, and camaraderie inspired him to write from a place of personal vulnerability. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a communion, a manga-rap ceremony that transformed an expo hall into an emotional amphitheater.

The next few days only deepened that connection. On Saturday, Cookiesan stunned the crowd again with back-to-back mini showcases—first at 10:15 on the Yuzu Stage, then at 12:30 on the Tsubamé Stage. Each time, fans packed into the venue far ahead of schedule, some even skipping panels and signings just to be front row. Social media erupted with clips and commentary. On Instagram and Reddit, one attendee wrote: “The way Cookiesan sings about anime characters is the way we feel about them. He gets it. It’s like poetry for otakus.” His lyrics carried references to Hunter x Hunter, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball Z, and Evangelion, weaving these mythologies into verses that felt both introspective and epic. The line “Genkidama Love,” which has become his personal mantra and a fan slogan, was chanted in unison by the crowd, reaffirming the artist’s message: that friendship, loyalty, and passion—core themes of shōnen anime—are not only fictional ideals but real, lived values.

But it wasn’t just onstage where Cookiesan left a mark. His meet-and-greet sessions, held daily and stretching longer than the standard slots, were described by fans as emotional, personal, and surprisingly intimate. Several brought custom artwork, handmade gifts, and letters sharing how his music helped them through difficult times. One emotional moment caught on social media showed a young woman giving Cookiesan a hand-drawn illustration of his characters surrounded by Naruto, Goku, and Kurapika, telling him his songs helped her process the death of a loved one. He embraced her, visibly overwhelmed, telling the crowd, “This is why I do what I do. These are the real isekai stories—our own.” These weren’t just photo ops. They were unscripted, deeply human exchanges that perfectly captured the soul of Japan Expo: a place where fans don’t just consume media, but live it.

Throughout the event, Cookiesan teased new projects and collaborations. While staying coy on details, he confirmed the upcoming release of a new vinyl album featuring original cover art inspired by classic anime aesthetics and announced that he’s in talks with other Japan Expo artists for cross-genre collaborations. Hints dropped during his Yuzu Stage appearance suggest a possible joint project with a prominent AMV (anime music video) director and a new video that blends live action with cel-style animation. While release dates weren’t given, his excitement—and the crowd’s feverish response—spoke volumes. His booth also offered exclusive merch that sold out quickly, including enamel pins, zines, and limited-edition posters hand-numbered and signed during the event.

What made Cookiesan’s presence at Japan Expo 2025 so unforgettable wasn’t just the performances or the merchandise. It was his ability to channel the essence of anime storytelling—struggle, growth, bonds—into a format that felt urgent and alive. His music became more than sound; it became a mirror for fans who grew up with the same stories, who found comfort in characters overcoming hardship and who now, in adulthood, find a new kind of catharsis in Cookiesan’s lyrics. At a convention overflowing with industry titans, blockbuster reveals, and legendary voice actors, it was this rapper from the suburbs of Paris who reminded everyone what Japan Expo is truly about: the human stories behind the fandom, and the unspoken power of art to bring people together, one Genkidama at a time.

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Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville