by Anime fans have another exciting event to look forward to this summer as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Mahoutsukai no Yoru (Witch on the Holy Night) officially join the 2026 Awa Odori Festival, one of Japan’s largest and most famous traditional dance festivals.
To celebrate the collaboration, renowned animation studio ufotable has released a brand-new illustrated poster featuring characters from both anime. The special artwork highlights the connection between Japanese culture, traditional festivals, and modern anime, continuing ufotable’s long-standing involvement with Tokushima Prefecture.
The 2026 Awa Odori Festival will take place from August 11 to August 15, 2026, attracting both anime enthusiasts and festival-goers from across Japan and around the world.
Demon Slayer Returns to the Awa Odori Festival
Following previous successful appearances, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba will once again participate in the annual Awa Odori celebration.
One of the event’s biggest highlights will be the return of the Kimetsu Ren dance troupe, a special performance group inspired by the popular anime.
On August 14, the troupe will perform traditional Awa Odori dances while incorporating the spirit and themes of Demon Slayer, creating a unique fusion of Japanese cultural heritage and modern pop culture.
The collaboration has become a popular attraction at recent festivals, drawing large crowds of both anime fans and local visitors.
Hiro Shimono and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka to Appear
Adding even more excitement to the festival, two beloved voice actors from Demon Slayer will participate in this year’s celebration.
Hiro Shimono
The voice of Zenitsu Agatsuma, Hiro Shimono, will appear at the event to join the Kimetsu Ren dance performance.
Known for bringing Zenitsu’s energetic and emotional personality to life, Shimono has become one of the franchise’s most recognizable cast members.
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Joining him is Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, who voices Inosuke Hashibira.
Together, the two actors will dance alongside members of the Mini Demon Slayer Corps, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates both the anime and the centuries-old tradition of Awa Odori.
Their participation is expected to be one of the most anticipated moments of the festival.
ufotable Reveals a Brand-New Collaboration Poster
To commemorate the 2026 event, ufotable has unveiled a newly illustrated promotional poster.
The artwork features characters from both:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Mahoutsukai no Yoru (Witch on the Holy Night)
The colorful illustration showcases the characters dressed in festival attire inspired by Awa Odori, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with ufotable’s signature visual style.
The poster has already attracted significant attention online, with fans praising its detailed artwork and festive atmosphere.
Mahoutsukai no Yoru Joins the Celebration.
Also participating this year is Mahoutsukai no Yoru, the upcoming theatrical anime adaptation of TYPE-MOON’s acclaimed visual novel.
Originally developed by TYPE-MOON, the studio behind the globally successful Fate franchise, Mahoutsukai no Yoru has generated strong anticipation among anime fans.
The collaboration marks another major project produced by ufotable, further highlighting the studio’s close relationship with both TYPE-MOON and the Awa Odori Festival.
Its inclusion allows fans of multiple ufotable productions to enjoy the celebration together.
Special Stamp Rally Returns
One of the festival’s most popular attractions will once again be the Awa Odori Stamp Rally.
Visitors can travel to various festival locations collecting specially designed stamps featuring exclusive illustrations created by ufotable over the years.
The rally will include artwork from several popular titles, including:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Mahoutsukai no Yoru
- The Garden of Sinners (Kara no Kyoukai)
The event encourages visitors to explore different areas of the festival while enjoying exclusive anime-themed artwork.
Exclusive Completion Prize
Fans who successfully collect every stamp during the rally will receive a special commemorative prize.
Participants who complete the course will be awarded an exclusive collector’s card featuring an original illustration created specifically for the 2026 Awa Odori Festival.
Because these commemorative items are only available during the event, they are expected to become highly sought-after collectibles among anime fans.
About the Awa Odori Festival
Held annually in Tokushima Prefecture, Awa Odori is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous traditional dance festivals, with a history spanning more than 400 years.
Every August, millions of visitors gather to enjoy:
- Traditional Awa Odori dance performances
- Live music
- Local cuisine
- Cultural exhibitions
- Festival parades
- Special collaboration events
The lively atmosphere and distinctive dance style have made Awa Odori one of Japan’s premier summer festivals and a major tourist attraction.
In recent years, collaborations with anime studios such as ufotable have introduced the event to an even broader international audience.
ufotable’s Deep Connection with Tokushima
The collaboration is especially meaningful because ufotable has long maintained close ties with Tokushima Prefecture.
The studio regularly produces exclusive artwork, hosts exhibitions, and participates in local cultural events, helping promote tourism while celebrating Japanese traditions through animation.
Its annual Awa Odori collaborations have become a signature feature of the festival, combining breathtaking artwork with regional culture.
This ongoing partnership has helped establish the event as one of Japan’s most unique anime-themed summer celebrations.
Event Information
2026 Awa Odori Festival
Dates:
August 11–15, 2026
Featured Anime
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Mahoutsukai no Yoru (Witch on the Holy Night)
Event Highlights
- Kimetsu Ren dance performance
- Appearance by Hiro Shimono
- Appearance by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
- Mini Demon Slayer Corps performances
- ufotable-exclusive collaboration poster
- Anime-themed stamp rally
- Limited-edition commemorative card for completing the rally
Why Fans Shouldn’t Miss This Event
The 2026 Awa Odori Festival offers much more than a traditional summer celebration.
By combining centuries-old Japanese culture with world-famous anime franchises like Demon Slayer and Mahoutsukai no Yoru, the event creates an unforgettable experience for both longtime anime fans and first-time visitors.
Whether you’re watching the Kimetsu Ren dance performance, collecting exclusive stamp rally prizes, or admiring ufotable’s newest artwork, the festival promises a unique blend of history, entertainment, and fandom.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Awa Odori Festival is shaping up to be one of the year’s most exciting anime collaboration events. With Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba returning alongside Mahoutsukai no Yoru, fans can enjoy exclusive performances, stunning new artwork from ufotable, appearances by popular voice actors Hiro Shimono and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and a collectible stamp rally featuring some of the studio’s most beloved works.
As ufotable continues to bridge the gap between traditional Japanese culture and modern animation, this year’s Awa Odori Festival once again demonstrates how anime can celebrate regional heritage while creating memorable experiences for fans from around the world. Whether you’re attending for the performances, the exclusive merchandise, or simply the festive atmosphere, the 2026 Awa Odori Festival is an event that anime enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
