by Kyoto International Manga & Anime Fair 2026 (KYOMAF 2026) is almost here, bringing two days of anime, manga, games, cosplay, merchandise, creator talks, special exhibitions, and live stage events to Kyoto.
The event will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026, across Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. This year is especially significant because KYOMAF is celebrating its 15th anniversary, making the 2026 edition a major milestone for one of western Japan’s biggest manga and anime events.
The organizers have prepared a packed schedule for fans, with major anime and game franchises appearing across exhibition booths and stages. Among the confirmed highlights are Detective Conan, Re: ZERO −Starting Life in Another World− Season 4, Tokyo Revengers, Medalist, Made in Abyss, Witch on the Holy Night, The Elusive Samurai, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Season 2, Magic Knight Rayearth, and many others.
For anyone planning to attend, here is a beginner-friendly guide to the biggest KYOMAF 2026 highlights.
What Is KYOMAF 2026?
KYOMAF stands for Kyoto International Manga & Anime Fair, a large-scale manga and anime convention held in Kyoto.
Unlike an event focused only on anime screenings, KYOMAF combines several parts of Japanese pop culture. Visitors can explore publisher and production-company booths, buy exclusive merchandise, attend stage events, meet creators and voice actors, enjoy themed food, participate in cosplay activities, and discover new manga and anime projects.
The event also has a strong connection to Kyoto itself. One of its goals is to promote Kyoto as a city connected with manga, anime, creators, tourism, and digital content. The organizers also emphasize supporting new businesses, developing creators, creating employment opportunities, and promoting Japanese manga and anime culture internationally.
That combination of anime convention + Kyoto cultural experience is what makes KYOMAF different from many other Japanese entertainment events.
KYOMAF 2026 Dates and Venues
KYOMAF 2026 will be held over two days:
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Sunday, September 20, 2026
The main event venues are:
Miyako Messe
9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Miyako Messe is one of the primary exhibition and stage locations. Visitors will find numerous company booths, merchandise, displays, and the Miyako Messe Stage here.
ROHM Theatre Kyoto
13 Okazaki Saishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
ROHM Theatre Kyoto hosts the main KYOMAF Stage, where major anime announcements, talk events, and special programs are scheduled.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
The Kyoto International Manga Museum serves as the event’s second venue and offers additional manga-related content.
The main Miyako Messe and ROHM Theatre venues are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 19, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 20. The Kyoto International Manga Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on both days. Final admission is 30 minutes before closing.
KYOMAF 2026 Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary
One of the biggest reasons this year’s event is special is the 15th-anniversary celebration.
KYOMAF has been bringing manga and anime culture to Kyoto for 15 editions, and the organizers have prepared several commemorative projects to mark the occasion.
Among the anniversary highlights is an exhibition looking back at past KYOMAF main visuals, allowing visitors to see how the event’s visual identity has developed over the years.
The anniversary program also includes special Kyoto-themed projects designed specifically for the 15th edition.
One particularly distinctive project is the KYOMAF-exclusive ema prayer project, created in cooperation with Heian Shrine.
An ema is a traditional Japanese wooden prayer plaque on which people write wishes or prayers before leaving it at a shrine. Bringing that tradition into a manga and anime event gives KYOMAF’s anniversary celebration a uniquely Kyoto flavor.
The event is therefore not simply celebrating its history as an entertainment convention—it is also connecting anime culture with the traditional identity of Kyoto.
Yuki Kaji and Sumire Uesaka Are the 2026 Ambassadors
Two major voice actors are serving as KYOMAF 2026’s “Okoshiyasu Ambassadors”:
- Yuki Kaji
- Sumire Uesaka
The pair will appear during several official KYOMAF programs throughout the weekend.
The opening stage on September 19 will feature Kaji and Uesaka, while both will also appear during the event’s closing stage on September 20. Uesaka will additionally participate in the Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Season 2 stage and the Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Award program.
Kaji will also appear at the special stage for the Kyoto-set anime Inherit the Winds and the Magic Knight Rayearth stage.
Their participation gives the 15th-anniversary event an especially strong voice-actor presence.
Major KYOMAF 2026 Stage Events
The stage lineup is one of the biggest attractions of KYOMAF.
The official program is divided among the KYOMAF Stage, Miyako Messe Stage, and the newly established Creative Stage. The main KYOMAF Stage is located at ROHM Theatre Kyoto, while the Miyako Messe Stage is located in the basement of Miyako Messe.
Here are some of the biggest programs visitors can look forward to.
Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Stage
On September 19, KYOMAF will hold a special stage celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Detective Conan TV anime.
The program features Ryo Horikawa and Yuko Miyamura, allowing fans to hear from two major members of the anime’s voice cast.
For Detective Conan fans, the event provides an opportunity to celebrate three decades of the long-running anime while hearing directly from people connected to the series.
Re: ZERO Season 4 Special Stage
Another major attraction is the Re: ZERO −Starting Life in Another World− Season 4 Special Stage.
The event will take place on September 20 and feature Yusuke Kobayashi, the voice of Subaru Natsuki, and Rie Takahashi, the voice of Emilia.
With the fourth season continuing to be a major part of the franchise’s current anime activity, fans will naturally be watching the Kyoto event for possible new information, announcements, or promotional material.
However, any new information should be treated as an announcement only when officially confirmed during or after the stage.
Tokyo Revengers Special Stage
Fans of Tokyo Revengers will also have a dedicated program on September 20.
The stage features:
- Yuuki Shin as Takemichi Hanagaki
- Yuu Hayashi as Manjiro “Mikey” Sano
- Masaya Fukunishi as Ken Ryuguji
- Sho Karino as Chifuyu Matsuno
The program allows fans to hear from several of the anime’s major voices.
Medalist Gets a Special Stage
The Medalist franchise will also appear at KYOMAF 2026.
The September 19 stage features:
- Natsumi Haruse
- Takeo Otsuka
- Ayasa Ito
The program is listed as a special stage connected to the theatrical Medalist project.
With Medalist combining sports drama, figure skating, competition, and character development, its appearance gives KYOMAF’s stage lineup a different flavor from the fantasy and action titles dominating many other programs.
Made in Abyss Returns to KYOMAF
A special Made in Abyss stage will also be held on September 19.
The event features:
- Miyu Tomita
- Mariya Ise
- Shiori Izawa
The series’ distinctive fantasy setting and long-running fanbase make it another notable addition to the weekend schedule.
Witch on the Holy Night Stage
Fans of the TYPE-MOON universe will have another reason to visit the event.
A special stage for the theatrical anime Witch on the Holy Night is scheduled for September 19, featuring Kana Hanazawa and Yusuke Kobayashi.
The stage is particularly notable because the movie is connected to TYPE-MOON’s larger creative universe and features animation production by ufotable.
The Elusive Samurai Special Stage
The Elusive Samurai TV anime will also receive a special stage on September 19.
The program features Asaki Yuikawa and Hinaki Yano, with additional guests also scheduled.
The series’ historical setting also fits naturally with KYOMAF’s Kyoto atmosphere.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm Comes to Kyoto
On September 20, Daemons of the Shadow Realm will have its own KYOMAF special stage.
The event features:
- Kensho Ono
- Yume Miyamoto
The series is based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa, the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist and Silver Spoon, making its appearance particularly interesting for fans of Arakawa’s work.
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Season 2
Another major Sunday event is the Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Season 2 program.
The stage features Kohei Amasaki and Sumire Uesaka, who voice the series’ central characters.
Since Uesaka is also one of KYOMAF 2026’s ambassadors, her involvement gives this particular stage additional significance.
Magic Knight Rayearth Gets a Special Stage
A special Magic Knight Rayearth stage will take place on September 20.
The guest lineup includes:
- Ayane Sakura
- Rumi Okubo
- Rie Takahashi
- Yuki Kaji
The appearance is particularly interesting for longtime anime fans because Magic Knight Rayearth is a classic title from the CLAMP creative team.
The Vermilion Mask and Disney Twisted-Wonderland
Other confirmed programs include a special stage for The Vermilion Mask, featuring Taihi Kimura, Yuuki Yamamoto, Junya Enoki, and T.N.T.
The weekend will also conclude with a special stage dedicated to Disney Twisted-Wonderland, featuring Seiichiro Yamashita and Kaname Futaba.
With such a broad lineup, KYOMAF 2026 is designed to appeal to fans across different generations and genres.
The New Creative Stage Is One of the Biggest Changes
One of the most interesting additions to KYOMAF 2026 is the newly established Creative Stage.
Unlike the main KYOMAF Stage, this area is open to the public, with free viewing on a first-come basis rather than advance seat allocation.
The Creative Stage is designed specifically for creators, animators, producers, and other professionals from the manga and anime industries.
This means that instead of focusing only on celebrity appearances, the program can provide insight into how anime and manga are actually made.
For example, one program features a special talk show about Human Bug University, focusing on voice acting and the behind-the-scenes process of anime production.
Another program features legendary animator Toru Yoshida performing a live painting event.
There is also a special stage dedicated to The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These, with production staff discussing the work behind the anime.
For aspiring artists, animators, writers, and anime fans who want to understand the production process, the Creative Stage could be one of the most educational parts of the event.
More Than 60 Companies and Organizations Will Exhibit
KYOMAF 2026 will feature a large collection of exhibitors representing anime, manga, games, publishing, merchandise, and other parts of the Japanese entertainment industry.
The official KYOMAF site currently describes the event as having about 60 companies and organizations exhibiting, while individual booth information continues to be updated.
The exhibitor lineup includes recognizable companies and projects connected to series such as:
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Haikyu!!
- Laid-Back Camp
- Dandadan
- GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE
- Katekyo Hitman REBORN!
- Hikaru no Go
and many others.
Visitors can therefore expect a large variety of booths rather than a convention focused on just a handful of major franchises.
Exclusive KYOMAF 2026 Collaboration Merchandise
Merchandise is another major reason fans visit KYOMAF.
The 2026 event features a special collaboration visual involving six works, with limited-edition goods created from the artwork.
The six featured titles are:
- Inherit the Winds
- The Apothecary Diaries
- The Vermilion Mask
- Tokyo Revengers
- Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
- Karen Ogre
The official KYOMAF shop confirms that collaboration visual goods are being produced as 2026-limited items, making them particularly attractive to collectors.
The merchandise lineup is not limited to standard character goods. KYOMAF also has special collaborations connecting the event to other major anime projects.
Madoka Magica Gets a Special KYOMAF Collaboration
One of the most notable merchandise collaborations is connected to Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht: Rising-.
The KYOMAF shop is offering goods connected to the movie, including a special Kyoto-themed illustration featuring Madoka Kaname in a maiko-style outfit.
The illustration has historical significance because it was originally used for merchandise during KYOMAF’s early editions, making its return especially appropriate for the event’s 15th anniversary.
This is an excellent example of how KYOMAF uses Kyoto’s traditional visual identity to reinterpret popular anime characters.
KYOMAF Cafe and Anime-Themed Food
The event will also offer food and drink attractions.
The KYOMAF Cafe Stand will serve original KYOMAF food as well as collaboration dishes connected to featured anime titles.
There is also an Okoshiyasu Ambassador Cafe, where visitors can try original menus associated with KYOMAF ambassadors Yuki Kaji and Sumire Uesaka.
For anime fans, these food collaborations provide another way to experience the event beyond exhibitions and merchandise.
And because the event takes place in Kyoto, the combination of anime-themed food and the city’s traditional culinary culture makes the experience especially distinctive.
Cosplay and Other Activities
KYOMAF will also host cosplay-related activities, allowing visitors to dress as their favorite manga, anime, and game characters.
Cosplay is an important part of many Japanese anime conventions, and KYOMAF’s Kyoto setting gives the activity an especially recognizable atmosphere.
Visitors can also explore other entertainment areas, merchandise booths, exhibitions, and special programs throughout the weekend.
Because the event spans multiple venues, attendees should plan their schedules carefully if they want to attend stage events while also visiting the exhibition halls.
Ticket Information
KYOMAF offers several ticket options.
According to the official FAQ, the current ticket lineup includes:
- Advance admission ticket: ¥1,800
- Combined advance ticket for Miyako Messe + Kyoto International Manga Museum: ¥2,700
- 15th-anniversary commemorative ticket with merchandise: ¥2,800
- Same-day ticket: ¥2,300
- KYOMAF Okoshiyasu Ticket: ¥20,000, available through advance application/lottery and limited in quantity
Elementary-school children and younger can enter for free when accompanied by a guardian, subject to the official conditions.
Some stage programs require advance lottery-based seat reservations, so simply having an event admission ticket does not necessarily guarantee a reserved seat at every stage.
Visitors should therefore check the official schedule and ticket rules before traveling.
Stage Seating and Entry Rules
One important point for first-time visitors is that KYOMAF uses different systems for different stages.
The main KYOMAF Stage uses advance lottery-based reserved seating.
The Miyako Messe Stage also has advance lottery-based front seating, while a standing free-viewing area is available toward the back this year.
The Creative Stage, meanwhile, is open to the public and does not use assigned seating.
This distinction is important because fans attending for a particular voice actor or anime stage should check the specific seating requirements ahead of time.
Why KYOMAF 2026 Could Be the Biggest Edition Yet
Several factors make the 2026 event particularly significant.
First, it marks 15 editions of KYOMAF.
Second, the event features a broad collection of major anime and game franchises.
Third, the introduction of the Creative Stage expands KYOMAF beyond traditional fan events by giving creators and production staff a larger platform.
Fourth, the event has prepared anniversary merchandise and special collaborations that are available specifically for the 2026 edition.
Finally, the event continues to strengthen its connection with Kyoto itself through traditional culture, shrine collaborations, local food, and Kyoto-inspired character artwork.
This combination makes KYOMAF more than a standard anime convention.
It is an event where modern Japanese pop culture and traditional Kyoto culture meet.
KYOMAF 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in the event’s history.
The combination of its 15th anniversary, major anime stages, exclusive merchandise, creator-focused programs, cosplay, food collaborations, and Kyoto-themed activities gives fans plenty of reasons to visit.
For longtime anime fans, the biggest attractions may be the major stage programs featuring franchises such as Detective Conan, Re: ZERO, Tokyo Revengers, Made in Abyss, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, and Magic Knight Rayearth.
For aspiring creators and fans interested in the anime industry itself, the new Creative Stage could be even more valuable, offering access to animators, producers, and other professionals discussing how anime is made.
Meanwhile, collectors will have plenty to look forward to through the 2026-limited collaboration merchandise, including the six-title collaboration visual goods and special Madoka Magica items.
And for visitors who want something beyond anime, the 15th-anniversary projects—including the historical visual exhibition and the collaboration with Heian Shrine—highlight the special relationship between KYOMAF and Kyoto’s cultural identity.
With the event taking place on September 19 and 20, 2026, fans planning to attend should check stage reservation requirements, venue schedules, ticket conditions, and merchandise availability before arriving.
