It’s been a hot minute since it was first announced that Jump Festa would be moving online for 2021. This happened for obvious reasons and didn’t come as much of a surprise to many fans; one thing that was left unspecified, however, was the format this online event would take: would it be a livestream? Stage event? Press release? Well, now we know.
Announced on 21 November, Jump Festa 2021 will take the form of a virtual event, appropriately titled Jump Festa 2021 Online. Downloading the official app from the Jump Festa website, users will be able to explore and participate in Shueisha’s annual fan celebration through their smartphone, choosing an avatar and navigating around the setting of Jump Festa Island. You can see some screenshots below:
One of the more fortunate side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is how it has inadvertently made Japanese pop culture more accessible than ever, and Jump Festa 2021 is no exception. Much like other online and virtual events, Jump Festa 2021 Online makes participation from overseas even easier without necessitating a pricey plane ticket.
Of course, that’s assuming that the app won’t be region-locked, but we live in hope.
All the events that made previous Jump Festas so entertaining will still be going ahead (albeit virtually) such as the Super Stage, where the majority of the most exciting announcements are made; and the Jump Studio, where mangaka and editors alike discuss the process behind creating quality Jump manga. There are also some additional goodies planned, such as special mini games, so don’t hesitate to check the official website for more information.
Jump Festa 2021 Online also fits into a wider pattern of Shueisha embracing the digital world and the possibilities that it offers, as this event is clearly not intended as a replacement for the regular, in-person Jump Festa, but engineered to provide a unique experience.
After all, if Shueisha really just wanted to coast, they would’ve put together a livestream and called it a day – not make a full mobile app, which must’ve taken a considerable amount of time and resources. Hats off to them.
Jump Festa 2021 will take place online on 19 and 20 December.