Japanese Pop Culture

[Overseas Coverage] Visiting a Japanese Fan Exchange Event in Lyon, France That Attracted 40,000 Visitors Over Two Days — What a Japanese Exchange Student Learned About How Japan Is Seen from France

My name is Yamamura, and I am currently studying abroad in Lyon, France. I am aspiring to build a career in the MICE industry in the future. During my stay, I had the opportunity to cover Japan Touch Lyon 2025, a Japanese culture event that attracted approximately 40,000 visitors over two days. What emerged from...

【January 2026】Notable Trade Shows and Events in Japan

For some, this season brings thoughts of hot springs. As for me, I enjoy creating a hot-spring atmosphere at home with bath additives. As the year draws to a close, we have compiled a list of notable trade shows and events scheduled to take place in January 2026. Three major events related to mobility will...

“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...

The World’s Premier Esports Tournament ALGS to Be Held in Sapporo in 2026, Alongside a Career Information Session for Game Industry Jobs Aimed at Gaming Fans

In January 2026, the ALGS Year 5 Championship, the world championship of the globally popular game Apex Legends, will be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido. On the following day, a career information session focused on employment opportunities in the game industry and aimed at gaming fans is also scheduled to take place. The World’s Highest-Level Competition:...

Sanrio, known for Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, unveils a basic plan to turn Oita’s Harmonyland into an “entertainment resort,” reimagined as a “Sky Park”

Sanrio Co., Ltd. and Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. have announced a basic development concept to transform Harmonyland, a theme park in Oita Prefecture, into a resort. Under the “Sky Park” concept, the project will embark on large-scale upgrades, including an all-weather grand roof and the potential construction of a new hotel. In collaboration with Oita...

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Tokyo Comic Con 2025: December 5–7 at Makuhari Messe — Johnny Depp, Norman Reedus, Sean P. Flanery, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Antony Starr, Karl Urban, and more; “Back to the Future” 40th-anniversary cast, including Christopher Lloyd and three others, also...

With excitement from Osaka Comic Con during Golden Week still fresh, Tokyo Comic Con 2025 has been announced for three days from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. The 2024 edition drew a total of 74,290 visitors, and this major pop-culture event—closely watched by MICE professionals worldwide—returns this...

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 confirmed — the stage moves to Tokyo. From the new home, TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, Japanese music goes global

Japan’s largest international music awards, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ), has officially announced its 2026 edition. Established under the concept “Connecting with the world and lighting the future of music,” the award is organized in collaboration by five leading organizations representing Japan’s music industry: Nihon Record Kyokai, Nihon Ongaku Jigyosha Kyokai, Nihon Ongaku Seisakusha Renmei, Nihon...

Osaka Hobby Fes 2025, one of Kansai’s largest model & hobby events, to be held at INTEX Osaka on November 1–2

The 2025 Osaka Hobby Fes, one of Kansai’s largest model and hobby events, will be held over two days on Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025, at INTEX Osaka, Hall 3. Designed for everyone—from dedicated enthusiasts to first-timers and families with children—the event offers hands-on experiences that showcase the fun of hobbies, a cornerstone of Japan’s craftsmanship...

TOKYO GAME SHOW 2025: September 25–28 at Makuhari Messe — Exhibitor highlights updated as announced

Under the theme “Unlimited, Neverending Playground,” TOKYO GAME SHOW 2025 will take place from Thursday–Sunday, September 25–28, 2025, at Makuhari Messe. From hands-on demos of new titles to e-sports and AR/VR showcases, Japan’s leading game show brings together a wide range of gaming experiences. This article provides an overview of the event and will be...

On-site Report: World Cosplay Summit 2025 Eve Festival — 41 Countries Walk the Red Carpet (50+ Photos)

On August 1, 2025, ahead of the opening of the World Cosplay Summit 2025 (WCS), the “Nagoya University of the Arts presents Red Carpet Ceremony” was held at Oasis 21’s Galaxy Platform in Sakae, Nagoya. A line formed an hour before doors opened, and once the venue opened the seating filled immediately. World cosplayers gather...

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Column: My First Visit to the Nintendo Museum on Foot — Impressions and a Local’s Perspective

From our base in Uji, which also serves as my workplace, the museum is a little over a ten-minute walk. It’s close enough from home to reach by bicycle, too. I finally made it the other day, clocking out early and heading over on foot. This piece is a casual collection of thoughts: my impressions...

BitSummit The 13th in Kyoto — Business Day Highlights: Standout Indie Games from Japan and Overseas (Even If You Couldn’t Attend)

BitSummit The 13th, one of Japan’s leading independent game festivals, took place at Miyako Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall) from July 18 (Fri) to 20 (Sun), 2025. The event brought together indie creators, publishers, and stakeholders from Japan and overseas.This article reports from the first day, Business Day—useful for readers who wanted to go but...

Board Game Business Expo Japan 2025 (BGBE 2025) — Exploring the Boundless Business Potential of Modern Board Games

Held on January 18–19, 2025 at INTEX Osaka, Board Game Business Expo Japan 2025 (BGBE 2025)—now in its second edition—is one of the largest board-game events in Western Japan. We reported from the venue to explore both the business potential of board games and their possibilities as a MICE event. This is a long read—feel...