The AnimeJapan Association has officially announced that AnimeJapan 2027 will take place at Intex Osaka, marking the first time the world’s largest anime festival will be held outside Tokyo. Alongside the venue announcement, the organizers have opened exhibitor applications for both the public and business days, inviting companies and organizations from across the anime industry to participate in the landmark event.
Scheduled for March 26–28, 2027, AnimeJapan 2027 represents a major shift for the annual convention, which has been hosted in Tokyo since its debut in 2014. The move to Osaka is part of a broader initiative to expand the event’s global reach and strengthen Japan’s anime industry by bringing one of its biggest showcases to western Japan. The exhibition application period is now open and will run until November 2, 2026.
AnimeJapan heads to Osaka after 13 years in Tokyo
According to the organizers, AnimeJapan 2027 and AnimeJapan 2028 will both be hosted in Osaka with support from the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau. The city was selected because of its long-standing role as an international gateway and its growing global profile following the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
In a statement, the AnimeJapan Executive Committee said the goal is to introduce anime to an even wider audience.
“With the slogan ‘Everything about anime is here,’ we will be sharing the charm of anime on this new stage in Osaka, together with anime fans from around the world, as well as exhibitors and people involved in the productions.”
The committee also promised returning visitors an “even more evolved AnimeJapan,” while aiming to deliver “surprise” and “discovery” to anime fans throughout western Japan.
Public and business days return with expanded opportunities
AnimeJapan 2027 will once again feature separate schedules for fans and industry professionals.
The Public Days will take place on March 27 and 28 at Intex Osaka Halls 2–6A, featuring exhibition booths, live stages, official merchandise, sponsored events, and showcases from anime companies.
Meanwhile, the Business Days will be held on March 26 and 27 in Hall 1, where publishers, studios, distributors, and licensing partners can participate in business meetings, seminars, and anime business concierge services. Organizers also adjusted the business schedule to accommodate more attendees than previous years.
Exhibitor applications for both sections opened simultaneously on July 15, 2026, and are available to companies and organizations that contribute to the development of Japanese animation culture and industry.
AnimeJapan continues to grow as a global anime event
Since launching in 2014, AnimeJapan has become one of the world’s largest anime conventions, attracting more than 150,000 visitors from roughly 100 countries and regions each year.
The 2026 edition featured over 210 exhibitors, approximately 300 anime titles, and more than 300 stage performers, reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the industry’s biggest annual gatherings.
With its first-ever Osaka edition, AnimeJapan hopes to continue expanding internationally while providing anime fans, creators, publishers, and businesses with an even larger platform to celebrate Japanese animation.
