Japan has taken some heavy blows in the past month or so. First came a megathrust earthquake, followed up by a devastating tsunami. On top of all that came a near nuclear meltdown at a power station close to Tokyo.
The crisis at the nuclear plant continues, and could go on for months, if not years. In the meantime, many Japanese in the north of the country are also having to deal with some sizeable aftershocks, making a decent night's sleep almost impossible.
These tumultuous events will no doubt be at the forefront of the minds of many people attending this year's Hyper Japan event, being held at the Olympia 2 Exhibition Centre in London.
By going along and enjoying the Hyper Japan event, you'll be showing your solidarity and support for a nation currently facing some unenviable challenges.
The lively show, which welcomed 13,000 through its doors last year, is a celebration of all things Japan, a country famous for its cool stuff, love of cute, and occasionally crazy shenanigans. There'll be all sorts going on, including the chance to get your mitts on the latest cutting-edge tech.
A performance stage will host a mix of special shows and demonstrations throughout the day, including the Hyper Japan UK Cosplay Award on the Saturday. You can even enter if you get your application form in pronto.
There'll be plenty of opportunities at Hyper Japan to try some J-things for yourself, like getting wrapped up in a beautiful kimono.
Or how about a spot of origami? For most of us, the only paper folding we do is when we turn the pages of the Metro while reading it on the tube each morning. At Hyper Japan you'll be able to find out how to take paper folding to the next level by trying your hand (or hands) at this dazzling ancient art. You'll never look at a sheet of paper in quite the same way again.
A food court (think sushi, yakitori, takoyaki etc) will take care of your tummy, and there'll be Japanese beer on sale too, as well as some rather odd sounding drinks such as the famous Pocari Sweat (don't worry, it's not real sweat).
For anyone with even the slightest interest in Japan, this is a must-go event. You might even see Jonathan Ross milling about there - the famous Japanophile turned up at last year's event and by all accounts had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Check out some of the highlights of last year's event:
