Anime Japan

You may have gone to an anime convention back home. Why not go to one in the country that started it all? Anime Japan has everything you’d expect: exhibitions, goods, special anime-business collaborations, and stage appearances and performances by some of the biggest names in the industry.

Along with winter and summer Comiket, it’s one of the biggest events on the anime calendar.

Anime curious? Check out our non-anime-fan’s guide to anime.

What’s on at Anime Japan 2023

In addition to booths from all the major animation studios, there will be 42 live events, split over three stages over the two days. Highlights include appearances by voice actors from Kimetsu no Yabai, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, and Attack on Titan.

For the 2022 event, the number of people admitted to each live event was limited, awarded by lottery. In order to enter the lottery, you had to purchase an advanced ticket (¥2,300) by a deadline in February. Details on admissions for 2023 are yet to be announced.

Cosplaying at Anime Japan

To cosplay at Anime Japan you need to purchase a “cosplay ticket” (¥2,000). This gets you access to the changing rooms and cloakrooms (they won’t let you in already dressed up and changing in restrooms isn’t allowed).

Cosplay tickets must be purchased by midnight on February 21st (Japan time). The number of tickets is limited and will be awarded by lottery if too many people apply.

Getting tickets to Anime Japan

Tickets can be purchased online in advance — cheaper! — or on the day. In addition to admission you can also purchase an additional “fast ticket” (¥3,900) for priority entry.

Admission is free for children 12 years old and under (oh, the benefits of youth!). However, kids do need their own advance ticket for a chance to see the live events. And also their own fast ticket to skip the queue.

Tickets are also valid for one day only, so if you want to go both days you’ll have to cough up more cash.

Instructions for how to purchase tickets can be found on the website.