The unique event focusing on Japanese animation and its creators, ANIME FANTASISTA JAPAN 2026, will be held over two days on July 19 and 20, 2026, at the Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu in Musashino City.
Now in its third edition, this summer event gathers anime fans from Japan and abroad. This year, it is organized with the cooperation of Musashino City and several animation production companies based in the area—often called the “town of animation”—to further energize the local scene.
The event celebrates exceptionally talented Japanese animators and creators with outstanding technical skill and creative expression, referred to as “Anime Fantasista.” Through talk sessions, live demonstrations, and workshops, attendees can get a rare glimpse into the creative process.
Main Stage Talk Show Lineup
This year’s main stage will feature a talk show with a distinguished roster of creators driving some of the most globally acclaimed anime today, including: Yamashita Seigo, Gurenzou, Mise, Tajima Koji, Hirota Yusuke, Nishino Akihiro, Iwai Kenji, Soejima Yasufumi, Kameda Yoshinori, Hasui Takahiro, Shinomiya Yoshitoshi, Tanji Takumi, and Yatabe Touko. These front-line artists will discuss the passion, techniques, and expressive nuances behind their works, delving into the core of animation production.
New Job Consultation Booth
For the first time, a “Job Consultation Booth” will be set up at the venue. Animation studios based in Musashino City will participate, offering students and young creators aiming for a career in anime a precious opportunity to speak directly with studio staff and receive real on-the-ground advice about the industry.
Screenings, Workshops, and More
Alongside screenings of masterpiece anime from various production companies, the event will also host animation production workshops suitable for both children and adults—introducing the quiet yet passionate world of animation that is rarely accessible to the public.
For the second consecutive year, the poster visual features a design by the renowned animator Honda Takeshi, whose long career includes many classic works and more recent roles as animation director on The Boy and the Heron. His artwork symbolizes the event’s worldview.
Pre-sale tickets for the main stage and other paid programs will go on sale from June 6 at 10:00 AM.
