Anime, Game & Pop Culture Conventions in Japan 2026–2027

6 big conventions and expos, in date order — dates, tickets and access, checked against each official site.

Japan's fan events are enormous and tightly scheduled: Comiket and Tokyo Comic Con land in December, Tokyo Auto Salon in January, AnimeJapan in March and Tokyo Game Show in September. Most sell tickets in advance and are cash-heavy inside, so check each page before you plan a day around one.

Conventions in Japan: common questions

What are the biggest anime and game conventions in Japan?
Comiket (the Comic Market) is the largest, held every August and December at Tokyo Big Sight. Tokyo Game Show is the biggest video game expo, AnimeJapan the main anime industry fair, and Tokyo Comic Con the Hollywood-style pop culture convention. The upcoming dates are: Tokyo International Film Festival Mon, Oct 26 – Wed, Nov 4, 2026; Design Festa Sat, Nov 14 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026; Tokyo Comic Con Fri, Dec 11 – Sun, Dec 13, 2026; Comic Market (Comiket) Tue, Dec 29 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026; Tokyo Auto Salon Fri, Jan 15 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027; AnimeJapan Sat, Mar 27 – Sun, Mar 28, 2027.
Do I need tickets in advance?
For most of them, yes. Comiket needs a ticket or wristband (afternoon wristbands are sold in advance at anime shops), Tokyo Auto Salon sells digital tickets only, and Tokyo Comic Con's advance tickets are cheaper than buying on the day. Each event page lists the current prices.
Where are these events held?
Mostly at the two big exhibition centres around Tokyo: Tokyo Big Sight on the waterfront at Odaiba/Ariake (Comiket, Design Festa) and Makuhari Messe in Chiba, about 30 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Keiyo Line (Tokyo Comic Con, Tokyo Game Show, Tokyo Auto Salon). AnimeJapan moves to INTEX Osaka in 2027.
Already happened in 2026 (1) — save these for next year

These conventions have already taken place this year. Note the dates below so you can plan a trip around the same time next year.

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