Shizen - Japanese Christmas Village

Shizen: The Soul of Japan in Pantin for the Holiday Season

Shizen means "nature" in Japanese. And it is precisely this spirit—combining authenticity, beauty, and harmony—that the Shizen Japanese Christmas Village seeks to instill each December at the Cité Fertile in Pantin. Since its first edition, the event has become a must-see during the holiday season in Île-de-France, attracting thousands of visitors who love Japanese culture.

Cité Fertile: An Ideal Setting

Located at 14 avenue Édouard-Vaillant in Pantin, Cité Fertile is a unique place: one hectare of former SNCF railway infrastructure transformed into a space dedicated to ecological and social transition. Its large industrial halls, inner courtyards, and green spaces offer an industrial and vibrant backdrop ideal for hosting the immersive atmospheres of the Shizen village.

Over 70 Stands for Total Immersion

Shizen's uniqueness lies in its richness. Each edition brings together over 70 stands run by Japanese artisans, creators, and grocers, or those specializing in Japanese culture:

• Crafts: pottery, traditional textiles, washi paper, lacquerware, fans, noren
• Fashion and Accessories: kimonos, jewelry inspired by Japanese folklore, yukatas
• Gastronomy: ramen, takoyaki, onigiri, wagashi (traditional sweets), mochi
• Drinks: sake, umeshu (plum wine), Japanese teas, and craft beers
• Books and Manga: comic books, cookbooks, novels, art books
• Games and Geek Culture: Japanese board games, figurines, trading cards

Activities, Workshops, and Concerts

Beyond the market, Shizen offers a program of activities that transforms the event into a true cultural festival:

• Workshops: origami, Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), cosplay
• Concerts: traditional Japanese music (koto, shamisen, taiko), J-pop, J-rock, and Japanese electro
• DJ Sets: clubbing nights with Japanese sounds on Friday and Saturday evenings
• Round Tables: conferences on Japanese culture, art, and gastronomy
• Screenings: anime and short films with free access

A Passionate Community

Shizen brings together an eclectic community: fans of Japanese culture and anime, long-time Japanophiles, families looking for an original holiday outing, and fashion and design professionals attracted by Japanese craftsmanship. The event is also a meeting place for the Japanese community in Paris and residents of Pantin and the 93 department, strengthening cultural ties between the two communities.