The world's largest anime event, "AnimeJapan 2026," will be held at Tokyo Big Sight on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, 2026! Public Days are scheduled for March 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun), Business Days for March 30 (Mon) and 31 (Tue), and the free-admission Family Anime Festa 2026 will take place on March 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun).
With a record-breaking number of exhibitors—over 120 companies confirmed, surpassing last year—and the largest exhibition scale in AnimeJapan history, this year's event promises to be spectacular. A key visual has been released featuring 22 anime characters, including Yuru from Yomi no Tsugai, Subaru and Emilia from Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, and Hikaru Gero and Mei Kinosaki from Marriage Toxin, along with ticket information.
Additionally, Sakurazaka46 has been appointed as the "AnimeJapan 2026" Ambassador. Comments have arrived from members Rina Matsuda, Hikaru Morita, Airi Taniguchi, Yuzuki Nakashima, and Mio Matono.
Furthermore, the premiere of "AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2026" is set to stream on the official AnimeJapan YouTube channel on Friday, January 16 at 8:00 PM, continuing from last year. Voice actors Yuki Kaji and Saori Hayami will provide narration, announcing the highly anticipated AJ Stage lineup and the latest AnimeJapan 2026 information.
"AnimeJapan 2026" Key Visual Revealed!

AnimeJapan 2026 Will Be the Largest Event Yet!

Major companies including Aniplex, KADOKAWA, TOHO animation, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Toei Animation, and DMM.com are among the confirmed exhibitors—over 120 companies in total, exceeding last year's numbers. The total exhibition scale by all participating companies is also the largest in history, building anticipation for the excitement on event day.
Marking its 13th iteration since its inaugural event in 2014, "AnimeJapan 2026" will be held at Tokyo Big Sight's East Exhibition Halls, which hosted over 150,000 visitors last time and was filled with incredible energy, along with the South Exhibition Halls and Rooftop Exhibition Space, offering the largest event area ever for an even more spectacular celebration.
Public Days, where attendees can enjoy exhibition booths from anime-related companies and stages featuring popular series, will be held on March 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun). Business Days, focused on business meetings and negotiations, will take place on March 30 (Mon) and 31 (Tue). The free-admission Family Anime Festa 2026, featuring family- and kid-friendly anime exhibitions and stages, will be held on March 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun).
For the exhibitor list, visit ▶https://anime-japan.jp/exhibition/
Sakurazaka46 Appointed as AnimeJapan 2026 Ambassador!

Sakurazaka46, who have demonstrated worldwide success both domestically and internationally, return as the face of AnimeJapan this year. Having deepened their love and understanding of anime through last year's experience, the members will promote the appeal of "AnimeJapan 2026" to the world.
Comments have arrived from Rina Matsuda, Hikaru Morita, Airi Taniguchi, Yuzuki Nakashima, and Mio Matono regarding their ambassador appointment.
Their activities will include appearing at the "Most Wanted Manga to Be Adapted into Anime Ranking 2026" awards ceremony on March 4, actively promoting the event through official social media platforms like X and TikTok, and confirmed stage appearances on the event days. They will energize AnimeJapan 2026 in various ways, both online and offline. Stay tuned for their future activities!
Comments from the Members

Rina Matsuda
"I'm honored to serve as ambassador again this year, following last year!
Last year was my first time on the AnimeJapan stage, and despite my nervousness, I experienced the fun, excitement, and wonder of anime—an unforgettable memory!
'AnimeJapan 2026' will bring new encounters with anime, people, and 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!"

Hikaru Morita
"I'm so happy to serve as ambassador again this year, following last year! I hope to enjoy 'AnimeJapan 2026' together with everyone again this year.
Last year, the stages you can only see here and the spectacular booths made my heart race with excitement. I hope this will be a time where we can share our love for anime and discover new charms together. Let's fully enjoy ourselves and get excited!"

Airi Taniguchi
"I'm honored to serve as the 'AnimeJapan 2026' ambassador. When I heard I would be serving as ambassador for the second consecutive year, I was truly, truly happy.
I love anime myself, so I want to discuss anime with everyone in this amazing space and discover even more of anime's appeal. Let's enjoy "AnimeJapan 2026" together!"

Yuzuki Nakashima
"I'm honored to serve as the 'AnimeJapan 2026' ambassador. I'm happy to be involved with this wonderful event again following last year. Thank you.
On the event day that many people are looking forward to, I want to use my experience from last year to help energize everyone. I'm excited for new encounters with anime again this year. Thank you for your support."

Mio Matono
"I will be serving as the 'AnimeJapan 2026' ambassador!
Every time I encounter the world of anime, I'm moved by the stories and have received courage many times. I want to serve as a bridge connecting works with all the fans, so that I can convey that appeal and passion to more people and energize the event. I'll do my very best with all my heart! Thank you for your support!"
"AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2026" Premiere Scheduled for Friday, January 16 at 8:00 PM! (JST)
Following last year, the premiere of "AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2026" has been confirmed! Information about the AJ Stage lineup and the latest "AnimeJapan 2026" updates will be released all at once, accompanied by narration from Yuki Kaji and Saori Hayami.
"AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2026" Premiere
Stream Date/Time: Friday, January 16, 8:00 PM
Narration: Yuki Kaji, Saori Hayami
AnimeJapan Official YouTube:
◆For details, visit the official AnimeJapan website
AnimeJapan 2026 Admission Ticket Information
Ticket information for AnimeJapan 2026 has also been announced. Limited-quantity premium admission tickets will be sold, along with admission tickets with stage application rights, regular admission tickets, same-day tickets, and admission tickets bundled with merchandise!
*JST Time Zone
◆ Admission Ticket with Stage Application Rights
¥2,500 (tax included) per day
・AJ Pre-sale: Friday, January 16, 8:00 PM – Thursday, February 5
・CN Playguide/Animate Sales: Friday, February 6, 10:00 AM – Tuesday, February 24
◆ Goods & Admission Ticket with Stage Application Rights
¥3,300 (tax included) per day
・CN Playguide/Animate Sales: Friday, February 6, 10:00 AM – Tuesday, February 24
◆ Premium Admission Ticket <2-day priority entry, front-row seating for all AJ Stages, original merchandise, commemorative pass with photo>
¥50,000 (tax included) *Limited to 100 people, lottery sales
・Lottery Application Period: Friday, January 16, 8:00 PM – Wednesday, January 21, 11:59 PM
For details on other ticket types, please check the official website.
Ticket Information ▶https://anime-japan.jp/tickets/
"AnimeJapan 2026" Event Overview
*JST Time Zone
[Public Days]
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Halls 4-8, South Exhibition Halls 1-4, Rooftop Exhibition Space
Dates: March 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun), 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM *Final entry 4:30 PM
Content: Exhibition booths / AJ Stages / Main initiatives / Official merchandise sales, etc.
[Business Days]
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Conference Tower 1F, 6F
Dates:March 30 (Mon), 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM *Final entry 5:30 PMMarch 31 (Tue), 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM *Final entry 4:30 PM
Content: Exhibition booths / Business seminars / Anime Business Concierge
[Family Anime Festa 2026]
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Hall 1
Dates: March 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun), 2026, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM *Final entry 4:30 PM
Content: Exhibition booths / Family stages / Character greetings / Workshops, etc.
Organizer: AnimeJapan General Incorporated Association
Support: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (application pending), The Association of Japanese Animations, Comic Publishers Association
Premium Sponsor: Sony Group Corporation
Premium Sponsorship: Fate/Grand Order
Sponsors: Manga Productions / Docomo Anime Store, Inc. / TOHO animation /TOHO animation STORE ONLINE / TV Anime "Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World" (KADOKAWA) /SANKYO / NURO / DNP Photo Imaging Japan Co., Ltd. / Tsuburaya Fields Holdings / ABEMA
Secretariat: AnimeJapan Management Office (Sony Music Solutions Inc.)
Official Website: https://anime-japan.jp/
Official Social Media:
X @animejapan_aj
Youtube
TikTok
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation