by The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (Kyomaf) 2026, one of Japan’s largest celebrations of anime, manga, and gaming culture, has unveiled its highly anticipated collaboration visuals ahead of this year’s event. Featuring six popular anime series illustrated exclusively for Kyomaf, the newly revealed artwork blends beloved characters with Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Scheduled to take place on September 19–20, 2026, Kyomaf 2026 will once again transform Kyoto into a gathering place for anime fans, creators, publishers, and industry professionals. Alongside exclusive artwork, visitors can look forward to limited-edition merchandise, themed cafés, character exhibitions, anniversary projects, and special stage events.
Kyomaf 2026 Reveals Six Exclusive Collaboration Visuals
Organizers have released six newly illustrated collaboration visuals created specifically for Kyomaf 2026.
This year’s featured anime include:
- The Apothecary Diaries
- Tokyo Revengers
- Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-go de Dereru Tonari no Alya-san)
- The Inheritors of the Wind
- The Crimson Mask
- Karen Ogre
Each illustration showcases the characters against the backdrop of one of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks, combining anime with the city’s centuries-old history and traditional architecture.
Unlike standard promotional artwork, these visuals were created exclusively for Kyomaf, making them one of the event’s biggest attractions.
Kyomaf 2026 Theme Celebrates the 400th Anniversary of the Kan’ei Imperial Visit.
This year’s event embraces the theme of the 400th Anniversary of the Kan’ei Imperial Visit.
The historical event took place in 1626, when Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu welcomed Emperor Go-Mizunoo to Nijo Castle in Kyoto. The celebration featured traditional Japanese performing arts, including Noh theater, waka poetry, and lavish cultural ceremonies.
Inspired by this historic occasion, Kyomaf’s collaboration visuals combine Kyoto’s traditional beauty with modern anime characters, creating artwork that celebrates both Japanese history and contemporary pop culture.
The result is a unique fusion of old and new that reflects Kyoto’s identity as both Japan’s cultural capital and one of anime’s most important creative hubs.
Exclusive Kyomaf Merchandise Announced
Visitors attending Kyomaf 2026 will have access to a wide variety of exclusive merchandise featuring the newly illustrated collaboration artwork.
The merchandise lineup includes:
- Acrylic stands
- Clear files
- Glitter can badges
- Posters
- Character goods
- Collectible accessories
- Event-exclusive souvenirs
Many of these items will only be available during the event, making them highly desirable for anime collectors.
15th Anniversary Goods Celebrate Kyomaf’s Milestone
Kyomaf 2026 also marks the 15th anniversary of the event.
To celebrate this milestone, organizers have prepared several commemorative products featuring Kyoto City’s official mascot characters:
- Kyono Tsukasa
- Uzumasa Moe, the Kyoto City Transportation Bureau’s subway and city bus support character
Among the anniversary merchandise are:
- Mini-character acrylic stands
- Anniversary clear files
- Limited-edition jerseys
- Ticket holders
- Commemorative badges
- Yatsuhashi sweets packaged with exclusive collectible bromide cards
The collectible bromides feature newly designed chibi illustrations created specifically for the anniversary celebration.
Original Food and Café Collaborations
Kyomaf 2026 isn’t just about shopping.
Visitors can also enjoy exclusive food collaborations throughout the event.
The café restaurant CAFE & BBQ TERRACE ABURU, located inside Miyakomesse, will serve original menu items developed by this year’s Kyomaf Ambassadors, voice actors Yuki Kaji and Sumire Uesaka.
These limited-time dishes are designed especially for the event and offer fans another unique way to celebrate their favorite anime.
Meanwhile, the Kyomaf Stand inside the Character Café area will feature collaboration foods inspired by The Inheritors of the Wind, an original TV anime set in Kyoto that is scheduled to premiere in January 2027.
Special Exhibitions Throughout the Venue
The newly revealed collaboration visuals won’t only appear on merchandise.
Large-scale displays showcasing the exclusive artwork will be installed throughout the event venue, giving visitors excellent photo opportunities and allowing fans to appreciate the illustrations in greater detail.
The exhibits are expected to become popular attractions alongside publisher booths, anime displays, and promotional exhibits.
15th Anniversary Special Projects Continue
As part of its ongoing 15th anniversary celebration, Kyomaf has announced several additional projects.
Highlights include:
Kyomaf × Heian Shrine Ema Project
Visitors will be able to participate in a special prayer project using exclusive ema (traditional Japanese wooden wishing plaques) created in collaboration with Heian Shrine.
This project combines Kyoto’s spiritual traditions with anime culture, creating a uniquely local experience.
Past Ambassador Comment Project
Former Okoshiyasu Ambassadors will share special commemorative messages reflecting on Kyomaf’s history and growth over the past 15 years.
Plushie Photo Diorama Spot
Fans who enjoy photographing anime plush toys can visit a specially designed diorama area where they can take themed commemorative photos.
These photo spots have become increasingly popular among anime fans who collect plush mascots and character dolls.
New Chibi Character Designs Revealed
Organizers also unveiled updated mini-character illustrations featuring:
- Kyono Tsukasa
- Uzumasa Moe
These adorable anniversary designs will appear across merchandise, promotional materials, and event decorations throughout Kyomaf 2026.
Demon Slayer Character Greetings Confirmed
Fans of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba will also have something to look forward to.
Kyomaf announced special character greeting events featuring mini-character versions of:
- Tanjiro Kamado
- Nezuko Kamado
The event will also include several family-friendly activities, making Kyomaf an enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages.
Organizers have hinted that additional guest appearances and stage announcements will be revealed closer to the event.
Event Information
Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (Kyomaf) 2026
Dates
- September 19, 2026 (Saturday)
- September 20, 2026 (Sunday)
Main Venues
- Miyakomesse
- ROHM Theatre Kyoto
Secondary Venue
- Kyoto International Manga Museum
Opening Hours
Miyakomesse / ROHM Theatre Kyoto
- September 19: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- September 20: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kyoto International Manga Museum
- 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
Advance Tickets Now Available
Advance admission tickets for Kyomaf 2026 are currently on sale.
Purchasing advance tickets also allows attendees to enter a lottery for admission to special stage events held at both the Kyomaf Stage and the Miyakomesse Stage.
The advance ticket sales period runs until 11:59 PM (JST) on August 19, 2026.
Due to the popularity of stage events, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early.
Why Kyomaf Is One of Japan’s Biggest Anime Events
Since its launch, Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (Kyomaf) has grown into the largest manga, anime, and gaming convention in western Japan.
Unlike many conventions held in Tokyo, Kyomaf combines anime with Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage, allowing visitors to experience both traditional Japanese history and modern pop culture in one event.
Each year, the fair features:
- Anime announcements
- Publisher exhibitions
- Voice actor appearances
- Exclusive merchandise
- Stage performances
- Collaboration cafés
- Tourism promotions
- Cultural experiences unique to Kyoto
The event continues to attract fans from across Japan and overseas, making it one of the country’s most anticipated anime conventions.
Final Thoughts
With exclusive collaboration visuals, limited-edition merchandise, anniversary celebrations, themed cafés, historical collaborations, and appearances from beloved anime franchises, Kyomaf 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest anime events of the year.
Whether you’re excited to see The Apothecary Diaries, Tokyo Revengers, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, or discover brand-new titles like The Inheritors of the Wind, this year’s event offers something for every anime fan.
As Kyomaf celebrates its 15th anniversary while honoring 400 years of Kyoto’s cultural history, the event continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Japan’s premier destinations for anime, manga, and gaming enthusiasts.
