AnimeJapan is a trade show or anime convention that has been occurring every March since 2014. Sadly, due to the coronavirus closures of large scale events in Japan, it was cancelled in 2020 but we can hope for it’s occurrence in 2021! It is turning into one of the largest anime conventions in Japan. Being in Tokyo I’m sure doesn’t hurt. From experience, it keeps getting better and better!
Split into different sections to showcase new anime, new video games, a little bit of new technology stuff (think Sony’s 3D headsets – who else loves the idea of VR?), animation schools, cosplay area and stages with voice actors, previews to shows, there is something for everyone!
[Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July of 2018 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.]
AnimeJapan: The Details
1. Getting your AnimeJapan tickets
Tickets are available the day of admission for general entry but you’ll save money if you get them ahead of time. If you decide to get them the day of, they’ll be near the entrance.
Looking to save a few dollars? Check out the machines at Family Mart or 7-11, if you need help, the staff can show you how to input the information. It’s similar to an ATM machine or sometimes you’ll see it integrated into an all-in-one printer/scanner/faxer/money machine!
If you live or are staying near an Animate (the biggest I’ve been to is in Akihabara, Tokyo’s anime central), they are there also. Last bet? They are available online.
Tickets are 1900 yen prior or 2300 yen at the door. They’ve slowly been increasing over the years but not at an astronomical rate.
2. Stage Show Lotteries
There are many stage shows throughout the convention, they are free, however, the only way to get into them is by lottery so sign up early for that! Start checking in January as the access to lottery tickets starts near end of January and continues through middle of February.
One thing to note, these will obviously be in Japanese. If you want to brush up, or start learning, I suggest starting with hiragana and the Minna no nihongo textbook series. If kanji interests you, then by all means, the best learning for that is to use memory science. You could use a program called “Anki” (conveniently a Japanese word but can be used for any slide deck application) but Wanikani will do the slides for you, and there’s audio to help!
3. English Ambassador Tour
One new addition starting since 2016 at AnimeJapan is an “English ambassador” tour of the convention. Local university students tour you around, which was nice to have someone translate everything that was going on when you are still working on your Japanese!
Through this program you can learn details about different shows that are coming out, what is going on at events throughout the anime convention and even just some good suggestions for around town! Odaiba has a lot going for it, including two of my favorite things — the art conglomerate teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets exhibits!
4. The Exhibits at an Anime Convention in Tokyo
This is a trade show, so there are different displays for all of the major production companies as well as all things anime. Schools, different vendors for merchandise, new shows coming out (!). Make sure to grab the program when you first enter. It’s all in Japanese but will give you a lay of the land.
Some of the fun is going around and seeing what swag you can get! Look out for people handing out large disposable bags. Granted, some you may want to keep with the designs they hold! These are a must! As you walk around, you will have opportunities to get free folders, pamphlets (of course) and even try for some prizes. One year I got a small figurine and another a random blow up animal!
Continue down this article for a look into what AnimeJapan is like with pictures I took a few years ago!
5. Cosplaying Area
Cosplaying is a little different here than you may be use to in other conventions around the world. While some people will walk around in their outfits, most people bring a suitcase and change at the venue. There is a designated area where cosplayers hang out and you can enter to take pictures of them. Always a good idea to still ask first for permission though!
Bring a bag so that you could join in on the fun but don’t know what to do with it? Look for the bag check area. There is always lockers available at the stations as well that you might want to utilize if you leave the convention for some food.
6. Where to eat when you get hungry
The AnimeJapan convention is massive and if you’re a huge otaku like a certain someone writing this, you’ll probably want to spend a good majority of your day walking around. So where to eat? Luckily, Tokyo Big Sight has got you covered. Not only are there many fast casual style restaurants, there is a cafeteria, and if all else fails, convenience stores!
The coolest option with a view? Check out one of the restaurants in the conference tower. Have a bite and get to see views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline!
7. Getting to Tokyo Convention Center – Tokyo Big Sight
The convention takes place at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba. It’s really easy to get to by train as there are two stations from two different lines right outside the convention hall. I’m partial to the Kokusai-Tenjijō Station on the Rinkai Line or you can take the loop around Odaiba on the Yurikamome Line and get off at the Tokyo Big Sight Station.
My first year (and subsequent years after) I didn’t realize I had to walk all the way to the left hand side as you face the front. You had to stay on the OUTSIDE of the building and I ran around inside the giant hall for awhile before realizing I had to go back around the outside. It’s a deceptively large building, that tiny mistake can waste a lot of time.
The queue starts early and it will be massive! If you want the first crack at merchandise, you want to get there early. For more information on where the exact location is, check out access information on the official website. In 2020, it was supposed to take place in the other wing and the queue location changed from the above map.
AnimeJapan 2016
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are a few pictures from 2016. Some things always remain, like the giant Pikachu has been there every year, but others change with the changing seasons of anime.
Think all cosplayers are the same? These three are paid to promote the new season of 食戟のソーマ (Shokugeki no Souma), or Food Wars, as its translated in English. If you love cooking, this one is for you! You can actually make the recipes that they have on the show.
And lastly, for lack of a better word, light up chibi characters similar to Nebuta you see in Aomori.
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Soooo jealous that looks like a great con! I’ve actually been meaning to check out Shokugeki no Souma, too.
We really need to cosplay Sailor Moon together one of these days. I’ll make your Makoto costume. :p
It’s different from what I’ve seen of you going to cons in the states. The cosplayers tend to just stay in the cosplay area and take pictures and such and then wear normal clothes for walking around. I still haven’t figured out if that’s encouraged so as to not block paths or what but you don’t see many walking around. Second season comes out next month! Definitely watch it. I started reading the manga recently (well, trying, I’m buying it in Japanese). If you look closely, my skirt I was wearing has all of the Sailor Moon transformation items on it. Cosplay is in our future ;).
Haha yes I recognized the skirt. V nice v nice. 🙂 I’ll have to take you to one of the cons over here when you’re back in the states. You can see me in my element haha.