AnimeJapan is the main anime industry trade fair in Tokyo, drawing over 100,000 attendees to Tokyo Big Sight. Unlike Comiket (fan-driven), AnimeJapan is a showcase of upcoming anime, with major studios and publishers renting massive exhibition booths.
What to Expect
- Studio booths: MAPPA, Ufotable, Kyoto Animation, Toei, and every major studio previews upcoming work.
- Merchandise: Exclusive event-only goods from every major franchise.
- Main stage: Celebrity seiyū (voice actor) events, new trailer premieres, and live performances.
- Family area: Smaller scale on Sunday with child-friendly activities.
Tickets
- Saturday (industry/enthusiast): ¥2,200 advance, ¥2,700 door
- Sunday (family friendly): same pricing
- Weekend pass: ¥4,000
- Tickets sell out: buy through Lawson Ticket (ローソンチケット) or the AnimeJapan website in February.
Strategy
- Go Saturday: More exclusive goods, more events. Sunday is calmer but has fewer limited items.
- Booth map: Study the floor plan online before arriving. Popular booths (Demon Slayer, Gundam, Frieren) have 1-hour+ queues.
- Bag policy: Bring a large bag. You’ll accumulate flyers, pamphlets, and goods.
- Food: Big Sight’s restaurants are overwhelmed during AnimeJapan. Eat at Ariake Garden across the bridge.
Vocab: 声優 seiyū: Voice actor. Major draws for AnimeJapan stages and autograph sessions.