Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair 2026 (KYOMAF): September 19–20, Featuring Special Collaborations with Kyoto Landmarks and Popular Anime
The Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair 2026 (KYOMAF 2026), one of western Japan’s largest manga, anime, and game events, will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026. The event will be held across three venues: Miyako Messe and ROHM Theatre Kyoto as the main venues, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum as the second venue. Combining Kyoto’s historic cultural heritage with contemporary Japanese pop culture, the event will offer a variety of programs for fans and visitors.
For its 15th edition, KYOMAF 2026 has unveiled special collaboration visuals featuring popular anime titles and iconic Kyoto landmarks. The event will also feature hands-on traditional craft experiences, limited-edition food menus, exhibitions, stage programs, and other activities that bring together Kyoto’s traditional culture and Japan’s manga and anime culture.
A Special Collaboration Visual Featuring Popular Anime Characters Against the Backdrop of Kyoto’s Historic Landmarks
A special collaboration visual has been created by bringing together Japan’s traditional culture and popular anime titles. This year’s theme is the “400th Anniversary of the Kan’ei Imperial Visit,” celebrating Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Newly illustrated characters from popular anime titles are depicted against the backdrop of six of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks.
The six locations featured in the visuals are Kurodani Konkai-Komyoji Temple for the original TV anime Kaze wo Tsugumono; the Nara-no-Ogawa stream at Kamigamo Jinja Shrine for the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries; Shimogamo Jinja Shrine for the TV anime Shuiro no Kamen; and Ninnaji Temple for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers.
The TV anime Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian features the former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle, while Wazamonogatari: Karen Ogre uses Jisso-in Monzeki Temple as its backdrop.
At the event, visitors will be able to see exhibitions featuring these newly created illustrations. Original merchandise featuring the collaboration visuals will also be available for purchase.
Original Menus Created by the Event’s “Okoshiyasu Ambassadors”
Special limited-time menus will be available at cafes and food stands throughout the venue. Original dishes created by voice actors Yuki Kaji and Sumire Uesaka, who serve as the event’s “Okoshiyasu Ambassadors,” can be enjoyed at CAFE & BBQ TERRACE ABURU, a cafe and restaurant located inside Miyako Messe.
At the Kyomaf Stand in the Character Cafe area on the first floor of Miyako Messe, collaboration food inspired by Kaze wo Tsugumono, an original TV anime set in Kyoto and scheduled to begin broadcasting in January 2027, will also be available. The menu includes Kazekiri Hiyashi Kamo Soba for ¥1,200 and Soufu no Kyo Matcha Zenzai for ¥900, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the world of the anime ahead of its broadcast.
A Special 15th-Anniversary Ema Prayer Project at Heian Jingu Shrine
As part of the event’s 15th-anniversary celebrations, a special collaboration with Heian Jingu Shrine will be held. In partnership with the shrine, which marks its 130th anniversary in 2026, a “Heian Jingu Ema Dedication Corner” will be set up at the venue.
Limited ema wooden prayer plaques featuring the 15th-anniversary logo will be available for ¥1,000. Visitors can write their wishes on the plaques at the venue, after which Okoshiyasu Ambassadors Yuki Kaji and Sumire Uesaka will dedicate them at Heian Jingu Shrine and have prayers offered on behalf of the participants. For those unable to attend the event in person, a crowdfunding option for having an ema written and dedicated on their behalf will also be available until noon on September 11.
Limited merchandise commemorating the 15th edition will also be available. The lineup features newly illustrated mini-character designs of Kyoto City’s public relations character Kyono Tsukasa and Uzumasa Moe, the official support character for the Kyoto City Subway and City Bus operated by the Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau. Items including ticket clear files, clear shikishi boards, and mini-character jerseys will be sold at the venue.
Hands-on Workshops Led by Kyoto Traditional Craft Artisans
A range of hands-on activities for both children and adults will be held on the basement level of Miyako Messe. Character greeting sessions will feature members of the Demon Slayer Corps from the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, while the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design will offer workshops where participants can learn about Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship in an accessible way.
Participants can create their own works under the guidance of skilled artisans, including making Kyo tatami mats with Ota Tatami Shop, traditional Japanese sweets with Tawara-ya Yoshitomi, Japanese uchiwa fans with Shiomi Uchiwa, and kimono coloring works with Kimura Sensho. Other activities include gold-leaf application and raden polishing workshops by the Kyoto Buddhist Altar Fittings Cooperative Association, as well as tumbler-making at Hakusai Kikan.
The program also incorporates digital creative experiences, including drawing with LCD pen tablets and creating animation using a game engine, offering participants opportunities to explore both Kyoto’s traditional crafts and contemporary digital production techniques.
Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2026: Event Overview
- Event name: Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2026
- Abbreviation: KYOMAF (Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair)
- Dates: September 19 (Saturday)–20 (Sunday), 2026
- Main venues: Miyako Messe and ROHM Theatre Kyoto
- Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on September 19; 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on September 20
Admission closes 30 minutes before closing.- Secondary venue: Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Secondary venue hours: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Admission closes 30 minutes before closing.
- Organizers: Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair Executive Committee and the City of Kyoto
- Co-organizers: KYOTO CMEX Executive Committee, Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kyoto Computer Gakuin, and Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics
Official website: KYOMAF official website
Related article: Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2026 Confirmed for September 19–20
