AnimeJapan 2026: The World’s Largest Anime Event Is Back with a Bang!
Mark your calendars, anime lovers! The colossal AnimeJapan 2026 event is locked in for March 28 and 29, 2026, at the iconic Tokyo Big Sight. The hype train has left the station with the reveal of an epic key visual that brings together characters from 22 different series. In more awesome news, the popular idol group Sakurazaka46 is returning as ambassadors for the second year running, and the full list of exhibitors has been unveiled.
Bigger and Better Than Ever: Event Scale and Details
Celebrating its 13th edition since starting in 2014, AnimeJapan 2026 is aiming to top last year’s record of over 150,000 attendees. The venue will once again be the sprawling Tokyo Big Sight, but this time it’s expanding to include the South Exhibition Halls and the Rooftop Exhibition Area for what promises to be the largest event area in its history.
The fun for the public, known as Public Days, is on March 28 and 29. These days are packed with exhibitor booths from anime companies and thrilling stage shows for popular series. For the business-minded, Business Days are set for March 30 and 31. And for families, the free-entry Family Anime Festa 2026 will run concurrently with the Public Days on March 28 and 29, featuring kid-friendly exhibits and stages.
A Who’s Who of Anime: Exhibitors and the Stellar Key Visual
The exhibitor list reads like a who’s who of the anime industry, with heavyweights like Aniplex, KADOKAWA, TOHO animation, and Bandai Namco Filmworks leading the charge. In total, a record-breaking over 120 companies will be setting up shop, making this the biggest AnimeJapan yet.
Now, let’s talk about that key visual! It’s a vibrant, action-packed piece featuring beloved characters from across the anime spectrum. We’re talking about Yuru from Yomi no Tsugai (which can be translated as “Twins of the Underworld”), Subaru and Emilia from Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World), Gero Hikaru and Shirosaki Mei from Marriage Toxin, and many more—22 series in total. They all look ready to jump right off the page and into the festival!
Sakurazaka46 Returns as Ambassadors!
Following their successful stint last year, the members of Sakurazaka46 are back as official ambassadors for AnimeJapan 2026. Members Matsuda Rina, Morita Hikaru, Taniguchi Airi, Nakashima Yuzuki, and Matono Mio have all shared their enthusiastic comments. We can expect them to be at the heart of the event’s activities, including the announcement ceremony for the “Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking 2026.”
Kickoff with Star Narrators: AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2026
The excitement starts early! Following last year’s format, the “AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2026” will premiere on the official AnimeJapan YouTube channel on January 16 at 20:00 (JST). The premiere will be narrated by two of anime’s most beloved voice actors, who will help unveil the hotly anticipated AJ stage lineup and the latest news for AnimeJapan 2026.
Here are the star narrators for the KICKOFF event:
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Kaji Yuki |
| Narrator | Hayami Saori |
Be sure to tune in and get the first look at what’s in store!
Ticket Information and Full Event Overview
Tickets for AnimeJapan 2026 will come in several varieties. There will be a limited-quantity Premium Admission Ticket, stage lottery entry tickets, general admission, day-of tickets, and this year will also see the return of special goods-included tickets. For all the nitty-gritty details on prices and sales periods, please check the official website.
Event Overview:
- Public Days: March 28-29, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight (East Halls 4-8, South Halls 1-4, Rooftop Exhibition Area). 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).
- Business Days: March 30-31, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight (Conference Tower). March 30: 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30). March 31: 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).
- Family Anime Festa 2026: March 28-29, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight (South Hall 1). 9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30). Free entry.
Full Comments from the AnimeJapan 2026 Ambassadors: Sakurazaka46
Matsuda Rina
I’m so excited to be serving as an ambassador again this year, following last year! Getting to stand on the AnimeJapan stage for the first time last year was an unforgettable memory, full of nerves but also the fun, excitement, and wonder of anime! “AnimeJapan 2026” will be a place for new encounters with anime, with people, and with the things you love. I want to enjoy it to the fullest with everyone who comes to the venue! Let’s make lots of memories together!
Morita Hikaru
I’m incredibly happy to be serving as an ambassador again this year! I hope we can all enjoy “AnimeJapan 2026” together. Last year, my heart raced with the unique stages and amazing booths you can only see here. I hope we can share our love for anime and discover new charms together. Let’s have a blast and get pumped up!
Taniguchi Airi
I have been given the role of ambassador for “AnimeJapan 2026.” When I heard I’d be serving as ambassador for the second year in a row, I was really, truly overjoyed. I love anime myself, so I want to talk about anime with everyone in this amazing space and discover even more about its appeal. Let’s enjoy “AnimeJapan 2026” together!
Nakashima Yuzuki
I have been given the role of ambassador for “AnimeJapan 2026.” I’m so happy to be involved with this wonderful event for the second year in a row. Thank you very much. On the day so many people are looking forward to, I want to use my experience from last year to hype things up with everyone. I’m also looking forward to new encounters with anime this year. Please look forward to it!
Matono Mio
I will be serving as an ambassador for “AnimeJapan 2026”! Every time I touch the world of anime, my heart is moved by the stories, and I’ve received courage time and again. I want to connect the works and the fans as a bridge, working hard to hype things up and deliver that charm and passion to even more people. I’ll give it my all with all my heart! Thank you for your support!
《Written by Nakase Kootarou》
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