If you’re an anime fan dreaming of visiting Japan, or already living here, 2025 is your year. With anime conventions in Japan returning bigger and better than ever, Tokyo and other major cities will host a packed anime convention schedule filled with cosplay, manga, creator talks, and exclusive merch.
Let’s check the best anime events in Japan 2025, with a special spotlight on AnimeJapan 2025, the premier anime convention at Tokyo Big Sight. Whether you’re planning your trip or just curious, we’ve also included practical tips, must-see dates, and how to make the most of these conventions, especially if you’re not fluent in Japanese yet (psst: we have a tip for that too!).
AnimeJapan 2025 – The biggest anime convention in Japan
One of the largest animation-related events in the world, AnimeJapan 2025 is the ultimate destination for fans of Japanese anime. Held at the iconic Tokyo Big Sight convention center, it boasts over 150 exhibitors, live stage shows, cosplay contests, and exclusive releases from studios like Aniplex, Kadokawa, and Bandai.
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba
Dates: March 22–23, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
Admission: Approx. 2,500 yen (elementary students and younger enter free)
Highlights: Anime panels, voice actor performances, industry booths, new trailers, cosplay, shopping areas
AnimeJapan is one of the largest animation-related events in the world, held at Odaiba’s Big Sight convention center. From Demon Slayer to LoveLive, the event boasts the biggest names in Japanese animation.
Other major anime events in Japan in 2025
If you’ll be in Japan, here’s a list of must-see anime conventions scheduled for 2025:
Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2025 (Ikebukuro)
Venue: Theatres in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Dates: March 7-10, 2025
Focus: Screenings of anime films – released and unreleased, short and full-length
Ideal for: Anime film lovers, industry professionals, and animation students
A more cinematic, artistic experience compared to other events, TAAF offers insight into the creative future of anime.
Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival (Reitaisai)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight East Hall
Date: May 5, 2025
Theme: Touhou Project fan works
Activities: Cosplay, game demos, music, fan art, and merchandise from independent creators
A cult-favourite among fans of indie games and self-published anime-related works.
Jump Festa 2025 (Chiba)
Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
Date: December 20-21, 2025
Content: Shonen Jump manga, anime announcements, game previews, live performances
Admission: Free
This anime convention is a must-visit for fans of Naruto, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and other Jump titles. Expect huge crowds and early morning lines.
Comic Market (Comiket) – Summer and Winter
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Dates: August 16-17, 2025 (Summer), December 30-31, 2025 (Winter)
Focus: Doujinshi, cosplay, indie games, merchandise
Reputation: The world’s largest cosplay and comic market, drawing over half a million people per event
If you love independent manga, cosplay, and grassroots Japanese fan culture, Comiket is the most authentic and energetic place to be.
Wonder Festival (WonFes)
Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
Date: July 27, 2025
Theme: Figurines, model kits, garage kits, collectibles
Vibe: Otaku and craft culture heaven
Fans of anime-inspired collectibles and figurines can’t miss this celebration of Japanese craftsmanship and creativity.
Sunshine Creation & Akihabara Super Doujin Festival+
Venue: Tokyo (multiple venues throughout the year)
Dates: February 23, 2025, June 29, 2025, November 2, 2025, May 28, 2025
Focus: Doujinshi, self-published content, fan fiction
Vibe: More intimate than Comiket but rich with unique finds and anime subculture gems
These niche events are perfect for deep-diving into fan-created works and supporting up-and-coming creators.
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
Venue: Ikebukuro area, Tokyo
Date: October 24-26, 2025
Highlights: Street cosplay, parades, photo ops, DJ sets
Atmosphere: Fun, chaotic, and Instagram-friendly
It’s Tokyo’s biggest open-air cosplay event. You don’t need a ticket, just a costume and a camera.
Osaka Comic Convention 2025
Venue: INTEX Osaka
Dates: May 2-4, 2025
Vibe: Japan meets Hollywood, with panels, booths, and celebrities
Great for: Anime, comics, Marvel, Star Wars, video games
If you’re in the Kansai region, this is your anime convention alternative to Tokyo-based events.
Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2025
Venue: Miyako Messe & other locations, Kyoto
Dates: September 20-21, 2025
Focus: Anime, manga, stage events, and Kyoto’s role in Japanese culture
Ideal for: Families, students, cultural enthusiasts
Combines Kyoto’s traditional charm with a vibrant manga and anime festival atmosphere.
World Cosplay Summit (Nagoya)
Venue: Oasis 21 and nearby venues
Dates: August 1-3, 2025
Participants: Cosplayers from over 40 countries
Events: Global cosplay competition, parades, workshops
This is the most prestigious cosplay competition in the world and a massive celebration of anime-related fashion and performance.
Want to enjoy anime conventions more? Learn Japanese fast
Let’s be honest: attending a Japanese anime convention is fun, but not knowing the Japanese language can be frustrating.
Ever felt lost at a booth, unable to ask questions, understand announcements, or talk with Japanese creators or cosplayers? You’re not alone. Even many long-term expats still feel awkward in anime settings because of the language barrier. That’s exactly why we created Japan Language Factory, to help anime fans and professionals learn Japanese fast and naturally.
Speak Japanese at conventions in just 2 months
At Japan Language Factory, we don’t teach you 2,500 kanji or grammar you’ll never use. Instead, we coach you to speak Japanese in real-life situations, like ordering food, asking for directions, or chatting with other anime fans at Comiket!
Our speech-based method is:
- Focused on real conversation
- 100% speaking and listening – no textbook drills
- Designed for busy people
- Proven to get results in as little as 2 months
You’ll work with a personal Japanese tutor, practice key phrases for daily life and travel, and gain the confidence to truly connect with native Japanese speakers.
“Now I can talk to Japanese strangers at anime events… and they actually understand me!” – Rodney, USA
Why learn Japanese if you’re an anime fan?
Anime is more than subtitles – it’s culture, voice acting, emotion, nuance. When you can understand Japanese directly, your enjoyment multiplies. You’ll:
- Decode inside jokes and references at cosplay events
- Interact more freely with anime creators and publishers
- Navigate any Japanese anime convention with ease
- Join local fan clubs and communities
- Buy rare merch without translation apps
And if you’re living in Japan, being able to speak Japanese makes everyday life – from convenience stores to workshops – so much easier.
Plan your anime adventure in Japan with language confidence
AnimeJapan 2025 and other conventions will be the highlight of your year – so why not make it even more unforgettable?
- Start planning your trip or itinerary
- Book tickets early for popular events like Jump Festa (date TBD)
- Choose accommodations near Odaiba’s Big Sight convention center or Makuhari Messe
- Enrol at Japan Language Factory to speak Japanese in time for your trip
Ready to immerse yourself in Japanese anime and language? Join Japan Language Factory today and start speaking like a native.