Tokyo is gearing up for a vibrant year of anime, gaming, and cosplay events in 2026, offering a diverse calendar for enthusiasts. From large-scale conventions like AnimeJapan and the Tokyo Game Show to niche gatherings like acosta!, the city promises a full schedule for fans throughout the year.
Major Events Set to Draw Crowds
The year kicks off with hosting AnimeJapan 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight. Building on the success of the 2025 edition, which attracted over 150,000 visitors and featured 116 companies exhibiting across 52 stage programs, the 2026 event is expected to be similarly large. AnimeJapan will feature announcements about upcoming titles, talk shows with voice actors and production staff, and dedicated exhibition booths for specific anime works. Cosplay activities will also be a key component of the event, alongside the concurrently held “Family Anime Festa” which will include character meet-and-greet sessions.
Also in , hololive SUPER EXPO 2026 will take place at Makuhari Messe. brings Niconico Chokaigi 2026 to Makuhari Messe, followed by NIJIFes 2026 (the Nijisanji Festival 2026) in , also at Makuhari Messe.
Summer will see Animelo Summer Live 2026 at Makuhari Messe in . August is a particularly busy month, with Hatsune Miku “Magical Mirai 2026” scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hamamatsu. The Tokyo Toy Show 2026 will also be held at Tokyo Big Sight in , alongside Comic Market 108, also at Tokyo Big Sight.
Gaming and Pop Culture Highlights
The gaming community will have its focus in with the Tokyo Game Show 2026 at Makuhari Messe. October offers a mix of events, including the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2026 in the Ikebukuro area, and Nintendo Live 2026 TOKYO at Tokyo Big Sight.
Cosplay Opportunities Abound
For cosplay enthusiasts, 2026 offers numerous opportunities to showcase their creativity. Comic Market 108 in and Comic Market 109 in at Tokyo Big Sight are major draws. The acosta! events, held multiple times throughout the year at various locations across Japan, provide another avenue for cosplayers to participate, though these are members-only, paid events with restrictions on photography and participation.
The Kanto region, encompassing Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma, will host a range of cosplay events throughout 2025 and 2026, with detailed information available on dedicated event listings.
New Layers Paradise Cosplay Festival, held at Tokyo Dome’s Prism Hall, is another classic event, typically attracting over 3500 attendees. While not as large as some of the other major conventions, it provides a dedicated space for cosplay and anime/manga appreciation.
Year-End Events and Looking Ahead
The year concludes with Tokyo Comic Con 2026 at Makuhari Messe in , and Jump Festa 2027, also at Makuhari Messe. Comic Market 109 will also be held in at Tokyo Big Sight.
Event dates, names, and venues are subject to change, as of January 2026, so attendees are advised to check official websites for the latest information. The comprehensive schedule promises a year filled with immersive experiences for anime, gaming, and cosplay fans in the Tokyo area.
