【2026】Annual List of Popular Anime and Game Events in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. Including Cosplay, Manga, and Anisong!

In 2026, a wide variety of large-scale otaku events centered around anime, games, and cosplay will be held in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo! From anime song (anisong) and Vocaloid music concerts to doujinshi conventions and city-wide cosplay events, we have carefully selected must-see events where you can fully experience Japanese otaku culture all at once.

2026 Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo) Anime, Game, and Cosplay Event List

[All Year] Universal Studios Japan Will Be Full of Anime and Game Events in 2026!

Universal Studios Japan has launched the special event “Universal Cool Japan 2026” starting Friday, January 30, 2026. This event allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the “ultra-realistic” worlds of Japanese entertainment franchises that enjoy global popularity.

The event brings together five major titles that are currently highly popular: Detective Conan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the Masquerade series by Keigo Higashino, and Monster Hunter Wilds.

In addition to attractions, a wide variety of collaboration foods will also be available, making this a highly anticipated year for anime and game fans.

Calligraphy: Shishu
Original Work / Gosho Aoyama "Detective Conan" (Serialized in Shogakukan "Weekly Shonen Sunday")
(C) 2026 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee
(C) Gege Akutami / Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Production Committee
(C) Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe / Shogakukan / "Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End" Production Committee
(C) Keigo Higashino / Shueisha
(C) CAPCOM
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

[February] 2nd Awaji Island COSPLAY ~Awakosu~ (Hyogo)

This cosplay event takes place at the anime park "Nijigen no Mori" inside Awaji Island Park in Hyogo Prefecture. With the cooperation of WCS Inc., the organizer of the world's largest cosplay event "World Cosplay Summit," the second edition will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

At the venue, you can freely move between areas such as "NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato," "Dragon Quest Island: The Great Demon King Zoma and the Beginning Island," "Godzilla Interception Operation," and "Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park" for photography and interaction. The open location, surrounded 360 degrees by nature, offers a high level of immersion and affinity with the worlds of the works, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite character.

For the second event, in addition to cosplay participant tickets, general tickets for photography and interaction are also available.

• Venue: Nijigen no Mori (2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture)
• Access: Get off at "Highway Oasis Nijigen no Mori Entrance" by express bus from Shin-Kobe Station
• Date & Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:00–17:00
• Admission: Advance tickets from 3,500 yen / Same-day tickets from 4,000 yen
• Ticket purchase URL: https://www.worldcosplaysummit.jp/awacos/

[March] ANIMAX MUSIX 2026 OSAKA (Osaka)

"ANIMAX MUSIX" is an anime music live event that started in 2009. In addition to original songs, the event features cover songs chosen by fan votes and special collaborations between artists, offering performances and experiences you can only enjoy on that day and at that venue.

In 2026, the long-awaited Osaka performance will return for the first time since 2019. In addition to established artists such as Masayoshi Oishi, GRANRODEO, angela, and fripSide, next-generation artists like Aguri Onishi and Riko Sasaki are also scheduled to perform.

As the special artist, Yoko Takahashi—known for iconic songs such as "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" and "Tamashii no Refrain" from "Neon Genesis Evangelion"—will appear, filling the venue with timeless classics loved across generations.

• Venue: Asue Arena Osaka (3-1-40 Tanaka, Minato-ku, Osaka City, inside Yahataya Park)
• Access: Right next to Asashio-bashi Station
• Date & Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026, Doors open 14:00 / Show starts 15:30
• Ticket price: From 9,900 yen
• Official website: https://www.animax.co.jp/animaxmusix/osaka/

[May] Nipponbashi Street Festa 2026 (Osaka)

One of Japan’s largest cosplay events, held throughout the Denden Town area of Nipponbashi, Osaka. Affectionately known as “StoFes,” the event transforms Sakaisuji Street into a pedestrian paradise for the day, with the entire district—centered around Otaku Road—awash in cosplay.

In recent years, participants have come not only from the Kansai region but also from Kanto and overseas. Cosplayers gather in a wide variety of costumes, from the latest anime and games to nostalgic characters. The unique sense of humor characteristic of Osaka’s cosplayers is also a highlight.

The event features a large-scale cosplay parade with hundreds of participants, as well as a variety of programs along the streets and on stage, making it enjoyable even if you simply stroll around and watch.

• Venue: Entire Denden Town area
• Access: Just steps from Ebisucho Station
• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Admission: Free (Separate participation fees apply for cosplay and photography)
• Official website: https://www.nippombashi.jp/festa/

[May] BitSummit (Kyoto)

Known as one of Japan’s largest indie game festivals, BitSummit was launched in 2012 with the goal of “bringing Japan’s unique indie games to the world.” The 2024 event drew a record-breaking crowd of over 30,000, attracting significant attention both domestically and internationally.

The venue brings together individual developers, indie studios, labels, publishers, as well as companies offering development support technologies and services, and organizations hosting events for developers. Beyond indie games, the event is also a place to experience a wide range of game culture.

The annual music booth, themed around 8-bit and game music, is always lively, making BitSummit an event that’s enjoyable not just for its exhibits but also as an interactive experience.

• Venue: Miyakomesse, Kyoto City Kangyokan, 1F, Exhibition Hall 2 (9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
• Access: About 8 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station
• Date: Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24, 2026
• Admission: General ¥2,200, Junior/Senior High School Students ¥1,100, Elementary School Students and younger free
• Official website: https://bitsummit.org/

[June] Chayamachi Oshi Festival (Osaka)

A hands-on event themed around “oshi-katsu”—the culture of supporting your favorite idols, actors, voice actors, and anime. Taking place throughout the Chayamachi area of Osaka, the festival brings together a wide range of anime-centered content. It’s designed so that not only those already engaged in oshi-katsu, but also people who haven’t found their favorite yet or those just passing by can easily enjoy the festivities.

The event features a stamp rally around anime works and special stage events with popular voice actors and actors. In 2025, there were collaboration projects with hit titles such as “Dandadan” and “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.” The annual cosplay parade, which turns Chayamachi into a pedestrian zone, features about 50 cosplayers and fills the entire area with a festive atmosphere.

• Venue: Chayamachi area, Kita-ku, Osaka
• Access: Just a short walk from Umeda Station
• Typical dates: Saturday and Sunday in June (June 21–22 in 2025)
• Admission: Free
• Official website: https://www.mbs.jp/oshifes/

[July] Hatsune Miku “Magical Mirai 2026” (Osaka)

Hatsune Miku "Magical Mirai" is a large-scale event where you can enjoy both 3DCG live performances by virtual singers such as Hatsune Miku and an exhibition that lets you experience creative culture.

Since its first event in 2013, it has grown into an annual tradition that attracts fans from both Japan and abroad, with a total attendance exceeding 580,000 people by 2025. In addition to each character’s signature songs, the live stage will feature special performances and collaborations unique to this event. The appeal lies in being able to experience not only music, but also illustrations, videos, technology, and the wide world of creativity centered around Hatsune Miku, all at once.

• Venue: To be determined (INTEX Osaka for 2025)
• Usual event period: August (August 9–11 for 2025)
• Official website: https://magicalmirai.com/

[August] GOOD COMIC CITY 32 (Osaka)

"COMIC CITY" is an all-genre doujinshi convention mainly for women, organized by Akaboo Communications. There are no restrictions on works or genres, and a wide variety of creative works gather here, including anime, manga, and games.

"GOOD COMIC CITY," held in Osaka in the summer, is a large-scale event known to rival Tokyo’s Comic Market. Famous doujin artists and professional creators also participate, offering a diverse range of original works. Thanks to the high degree of freedom with no restrictions on specific works, even first-time visitors can easily enjoy the event.

• Venue: INTEX Osaka (1-5-102 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka)
• Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Nakafuto Station
• Date: August 23, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00–15:00
• Admission: Ticket purchase required (from 1,200 yen)
• Official website: https://www.akaboo.jp/event/item/20204841.html

[September] Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF) (Kyoto)

The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF) is the largest comprehensive manga and anime event in western Japan. Publishers, TV stations, and video production companies gather to promote their latest works, sell merchandise, and hold stage events.

In the exhibition zone, you can experience the world of popular works through the latest information, setting art, character panels, and mini-events. There is also a character café area in the venue, offering collaboration food and drinks with popular works, and original bonuses for purchasers are a regular feature.

Stage events include talk shows and live performances by voice actors and production staff. In 2025, stages for "My Hero Academia," "Oshi no Ko," "Bocchi the Rock!," and "Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc" were held, creating a huge buzz. The cosplay area is also lively, making this an event where you can fully enjoy anime culture in the city of Kyoto.

• Main venue: Miyakomesse (9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
• Access: About 8 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station
• Usual event period: Saturday and Sunday in September (September 20–21 for 2025)
• Admission: 2,300 yen (same-day ticket)
• Official website: https://kyomaf.kyoto/

[September] Natsu!! Comic Treasure 48 (Osaka)

"Natsu!! Comic Treasure" is an all-genre doujinshi convention organized by AoBoo Communications. When it first started, it had about 500 spaces, but it has become established as a follow-up event to Tokyo’s Comic Market and has now grown into one of the largest doujin events in western Japan. Its defining feature is that it welcomes all genres, including anime, manga, and games, making it a gathering place for a wide range of creative works.

Inside the venue, unique activities for visitors are offered, such as live streaming projects and designated cosplay areas. Depending on the event, there may even be special services like free drinks served by maids. Since the event is held at a different time from Comic Market, many participants enjoy attending both, making it a consistently popular summer event for doujin enthusiasts.

• Venue: INTEX Osaka (1-5-102 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka City)
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Nakafuto Station
• Date: September 6, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00–15:00
• Admission: Purchase of general guidebook required
• Official website: https://www.aoboo.jp/event/item/p0071.html

[September] Kaikai YOKAI Festival (Kyoto)

The "Kaikai YOKAI Festival" is an interactive event that brings the world of the Hyakki Yagyo, a legendary parade of supernatural creatures from the Heian period, to life in the modern day. The main attraction, the "Kaikai YOKAI Parade," features countless yokai marching through the streets, creating a fantastical and somewhat humorous Kyoto night.

While rooted in traditional yokai culture, the event also incorporates elements of art and pop culture, making it truly unique. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of yokai—interacting, dancing, and playing—experiencing what it’s like to become one of the yokai themselves. With its high level of participation and immersion, this new style of entertainment is drawing attention from both domestic and international visitors.

• Venue: Toei Kyoto Studio Park (10 Uzumasa Higashi-Hachioka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Uzumasa Station
• Typical event dates: Mid-September to end of November (For 2025: September 13–November 30)
• Admission: Adults ¥2,800, Junior High/High School Students ¥1,800, Children (ages 3–elementary school) ¥1,600 *As of 2025
• Official website: https://www.toei-eigamura.com/yokai/