At ATM Events, we love bringing unique themed events to life, and this past December, we had the pleasure of creating an unforgettable Christmas party for our client and their 250 guests. Every year, they choose a different theme to surprise their employees, and this time, they took them on a trip to Japan—without ever leaving Leeds!

Our chosen venue was TESTBED, a versatile warehouse space in the heart of the city. With its blank canvas layout, we knew we had our work cut out for us, but we were excited for the challenge. Our Event Management team completely transformed the space, immersing guests in the vibrant and dynamic culture of Japan.

Tokyo-Inspired Welcome

From the moment guests arrived, they were transported straight to Tokyo with our Japanese themed event. Our elegant Geisha girls greeted them at the entrance, setting the tone for the night ahead. The drinks reception was a neon-lit space, filled with props that captured the electric energy of Japan’s capital. An authentic Japanese Enka singer serenaded the crowd as they mingled, adding an atmospheric touch that truly brought the themed event to life.

An Immersive Japanese Experience

At the sound of the gong, guests were led into the main event space—an enchanting Japanese garden. The room was filled with cherry blossom trees, lanterns, and delicate décor to set the scene within this perfect Japanese themed event. 

The entertainment for the evening was nothing short of spectacular. We curated a lineup of Japanese-inspired acts, including:

A Japanese folk duo

Kyoto dancers

Illusionist

Samurai performers

Japanese lion dancers

Each act added to the magic of the evening, keeping guests engaged and entertained throughout the night.

A Unique Dining Experience

Breaking away from the traditional three-course Christmas Party dinner, we treated guests to an Asian-inspired sharing menu to accompany our Japanese themed event. This featured a variety of delicious dishes, including:

Fresh sushi

Flavourful stir fry

Fragrant curries

Japanese-inspired desserts such as mango & rice pudding

The unique dining experience was a huge hit!

The Ultimate After-Dinner Experience

As the night continued, guests could step outside to unwind with shisha and fresh pizza or dive into a range of entertainment options. Classic arcade games, a talented caricaturist, and even a clairvoyant added an extra layer of fun to the evening, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

An Unforgettable Christmas Party

This event was a perfect blend of creativity, culture, and celebration. It was a pleasure to bring our client’s vision to life and to craft such an immersive experience for their team.

Thinking about hosting your own Japanese-themed event? Get in touch with ATM Events today—we’d love to make it happen!