Summary
While America, the UK, and other countries have regular anime, game, andJapanese pop culture conventions year round, Japan actually does not have that many. After all, you can just tune in to regular TV to watch anime, and go to stores in every city to buy the merchandise. But Japan does have a few events every year, and one of the biggest ones just announced its schedule for the weekend -Anime Japan.
This year, Anime Japan will be held on the weekend of March 23rd and 24th, which is between school terms for many students in Japan, giving more people a chance to attend the event. It will be the 11th year of Anime Japan, and the crowds are likely to be huge. Last year, for the 10th anniversary, Anime Japan had over 100,000 guests in two days, which was the largest turn-out since COVID-19. Let’s take a look at what we can expect this year.
What Can I Expect at Anime Japan?
Anime Japan is not exactly like anime conventions you may be used to visiting outside of Japan. While there is still exclusive merchandise to buyand cosplayers to see, it is more of an industry exhibition than anything else. Studios use Anime Japan to make big announcements for upcoming series, to hype people up for existing series, and to give casts and crews behind the anime time to talk on live stages.
The stages are the biggest part of Anime Japan, and where most of the action will be taking place. Aside from the three main stages, many anime studios will have big exhibition booths in the hall that fans can check out and snap photos of, whichoften feature life-sized standees of favorite characters, props from anime brought to life, and previews of upcoming merchandise that will be for sale in the future. Mostly, though, the event will be used by studios to make big announcements.
The Anime Japan 2024 Schedule
The final schedule for Anime Japan 2024 was released just this past week, highlighting what events will be taking place on the main stages of the event. Anime Japan will have a Red Stage, Blue Stage, and Green Stage, all of which will host different exhibitions and events throughout the weekend alongside the other booths and stands that will always be operating at the event.
The schedules are as follows (please note that the English translations of some titles are approximate).
9:15 - 9:50
10:25 - 11:00
Live Delivery ofMushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2
11:35 - 12:10
i☆Ris the Movie - Full Energy!-The special live stage with you!
12:45 - 13:20
16:15 – 16:50
18:55 - 19:30
9:50 - 10:25
11:00 - 11:35
13:20 - 13:55
14:30 - 15:05
18:20 - 18:55
12:20 - 12:50
13:20 - 13:50
13:55 - 14:30
15:05 - 15:40
16:15 - 16:50
March 24th - Green Stage
Special Stage before the release ofBlue Lock: The Movie Episode Nagi
12:10 - 12:45
14:30 – 15:05
15:40 - 16:15
Monogatari’s “Off Season” and “Monster Season” Special Stage
10:20 - 10:50
Before the final episode ofThe Dangers in My HeartSpecial Stage
11:20 - 11:50
14:20 - 14:50
16:20 - 16:50
Wistoria: Wand and SwordSpecial Stage
It looks like there is a good mix of popular, airing anime and upcoming anime all being featured on the various stages throughout the weekend atAnime Japan. With special appearances by cast and crew, some live episode viewings, performances, and more, it is certain to be a fun weekend for anime fans. Keep in mind if you are going that everything will be delivered in Japanese - but check back on GameRant for the biggest news in English soon.
