“AnimeJapan 2026,” one of the world’s largest anime events, confirmed for March 28–31, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight

The AnimeJapan Organization has announced that AnimeJapan 2026, one of the world’s largest anime events, will be held over four days from March 28 to 31, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. Now in its 13th edition, the event will expand into the South Exhibition Halls and the Rooftop Exhibition Area, marking the largest footprint in its history. The previous edition in 2025 welcomed more than 150,000 visitors from Japan and overseas, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A wide-ranging program is planned again this year, and expectations are high.

AnimeJapan 2026 — Event Outline

Public Days: March 28–29

The Public Days will be held over two days on Saturday–Sunday, March 28–29, 2026. The venue spans Tokyo Big Sight’s East Exhibition Halls, South Exhibition Halls, and the Rooftop Exhibition Area. Opening hours are 9:00–17:00. Plans include exhibitor booths for general attendees, AJ stages, organizer-led programs, and official merchandise sales.

Business Days: March 30–31

The Business Days will take place on Monday–Tuesday, March 30–31, 2026, as areas dedicated to meetings and business activities. The venue is the Tokyo Big Sight Conference Tower. Hours are 10:00–18:00 on March 30 and 10:00–17:00 on March 31. In addition to exhibitor booths, there will be business seminars and the Anime Business Concierge.

Family Anime Festa 2026

Family Anime Festa 2026 will be held on the same dates as the Public Days, Saturday–Sunday, March 28–29, in the South Exhibition Halls. Admission is free, with family-friendly exhibits and stages, character greetings, and workshops planned.

Launch of the “New Creator Award” to Discover the Next Generation of Anime Talent

A new initiative, the “New Creator Award,” will debut as a short-form animation competition for students enrolled at domestic educational institutions, subsidized by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs. The award aims to increase students’ motivation to produce animation and to encourage the introduction of practice-oriented curricula within educational institutions. Winning works will be delivered to audiences worldwide via domestic and international streaming platforms, serving as a gateway to professional careers.

AnimeJapan 2025 — Key Figures

AnimeJapan 2025 attracted approximately 150,000 visitors in total, including the Business Days—the largest turnout to date. Roughly one in ten attendees came from overseas, underscoring its status as a global event. The venue hosted 116 exhibiting companies and organizations, and a total of 52 programs were held across four stages.