Hana no Machi Brings Japanese Culture to DoKomi Conventions

The group Hana no Machi continues to establish a distinct cultural space at German anime conventions, most notably DoKomi. Founded by Ruby and Hikari, the collective aims to provide a serene alternative to the typical convention environment by recreating the atmosphere of traditional Japanese teahouses. The name translates to "city of flowers," reflecting their goal of creating a diverse and beautiful setting for attendees.

Visitors enter a dedicated room featuring classic Japanese decor, including spider lilies, wisteria branches, cherry trees, and recently added wooden shrines offering omamori charms. Guests sit on floor cushions surrounded by brightly colored light cubes, allowing them to relax while watching performances that blend traditional arts with modern interests. The program includes ikebana flower arranging, origami, koto music, shamisen playing, and various forms of acting and singing.

Since their debut at DoKomi in 2021, the team has expanded significantly from seven performers to a larger ensemble. They tailor annual themes to member talents, covering topics from geisha history to contemporary anime adaptations. For DoKomi 2026, they are scheduled to present "Akuma no Mori" (Devil’s Forest), a horror-themed event separate from their usual feel-good concept, alongside a new production based on The Apothecary Diaries.