A new creator festival hosted by Village Vanguard, the retailer known for championing niche and independent culture, is coming to Yokohama for the first time this September.
VILLAGE VANGUARD FESTIVAL -vias JAM- brings together illustrators, handmade-goods makers, sofubi (soft vinyl) artists, zine creators, apparel brands, and other artists for three days.
The subtitle "vias JAM" carries the idea that when each creator's strong individuality and passion intersect, new culture is born.
Around 120 creators, each devoted to a "something they love" — spanning illustration, handmade crafts, sofubi, zines, apparel, and art — will gather to sell their work directly to visitors, market-style. Village Vanguard store managers from across the country are also set to converge on the venue during the event, alongside the general public. Visitors can look forward to exciting encounters with new works, and the birth of new culture on the spot, at Yokohama World Porters.
V.V.FES highlights
About 120 creators sell their work directly
Illustration, handmade goods, sofubi, apparel, general goods, and art — creators who have pursued their own "something they love" gather in Yokohama for a special three-day chance to buy limited-edition goods and works straight from the creators themselves.
"Bui Bui Kawaii Mon Ichi" pop-up
"Bui Bui Kawaii Mon Ichi", a market that has drawn crowds in Osaka, Hyogo, and Tokyo, makes a limited appearance inside the V.V.FES venue, adding fancy and cute goods and creator items to the space.
Village Vanguard POP workshop
Ever wondered how Village Vanguard writes its handwritten POP signs? A hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop lets visitors try their hand at the art of handwritten POP.
Additional events run by Village Vanguard staff are also planned.
iMEME rooftop release live
A special live performance by the six-member men's idol group iMEME takes place on the rooftop "Roof Top World" at Yokohama World Porters, set against the Minato Mirai skyline at dusk.
- Date: September 2 (Wednesday), starting around 6:30 PM (scheduled)
- Venue: Yokohama World Porters rooftop, Roof Top World
Details on how to watch and any priority viewing areas will be announced at a later date.
Details for each program, including timetables and how to take part, will be released in stages.
Event overview
- Event: VILLAGE VANGUARD FESTIVAL -vias JAM-
- Dates: September 2 (Wednesday) to September 4 (Friday), 2026
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Venue: Yokohama World Porters, 6F Halls A & B (2-2-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001)
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Minatomirai Station or Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai Line; about a 10-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station on the JR Negishi Line or Yokohama Municipal Subway. A dedicated indoor parking lot is available (7:00 AM to midnight).
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Village Vanguard Corporation
Official event page:
https://www.village-v.co.jp/popup/031205/
Participating creators (first announcement)
Additional participating creators will be announced on Village Vanguard's official social media and website.
