AnimeJapan 2025, one of the largest anime festivals in the world, was held on March 22 and 23, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight. The event offered fans the latest news on new anime series, engaging stages with cast appearances, and immersive interaction opportunities with beloved characters.
The festival showcased exhilarating displays that allowed attendees to experience their favorite series in unique ways. In an era where online news and streaming media are prevalent, one might wonder what draws fans to events like AnimeJapan. Perhaps it is the chance to engage with their favorite series in person and to experience content that cannot be found online. Throughout the event, innovative booth displays captivated the visitors.
Among the most impressive setups was the booth for the hit series, <em>Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba</em>, which is preparing for the release of its highly anticipated <em>Infinity Castle Arc</em> in theaters this July. This booth simulated part of the iconic Infinity Castle, allowing fans to step into the very world of the series.
The ufotable booth offered a creative experience where attendees could engage with pillar-hammering activities, alongside five interactive experiences that truly brought the series to life. These included options like 'Zenitsu's Hole Digging,' 'Mitsuri and Muichiro Showdown,' 'Rock Pillar's Rock Pushing Hammering,' 'Paper Airplane Flying Competition,' and 'Inflate Hyotan Wind Chime.' These engaging activities provided a fun way for fans to interact with the essence of the show.
Nearby, the Aniplex booth featured an AR photo spot using a smartphone app, enabling attendees to take photos with characters like Tanjiro using special voice and motion features.
Dynamic displays filled the exhibition areas, with large-scale signage that enveloped visitors in vibrant anime imagery and stories, elevating the overall atmosphere. For instance, the Toei Animation booth showcased a stunning display with three-screen divided images featuring Vegapunk from <em>ONE PIECE</em>. It enhanced the viewing experience for fans, creating an impressive visual spectacle.
The KADOKAWA booth introduced various works with images of event-limited costume character stands. Additionally, they presented the highly regarded series <em>Re: Life in a Different World from Zero</em>, with an imaginative display that made the fountain of the Water Gate City Pristella seem to come alive.
A mini-theater by TOHO animation surrounded attendees with compelling images on a stunning 270-degree screen, creating a fully immersive cinematic experience. Meanwhile, various booths, like those from TMS Entertainment/Sega Fave, provided interactive exhibits using touch panels, allowing fans to delve deeper into the anime's production process.
Further attractions included the MBS booth, showcasing the secret room with talismans from the significant series <em>Dandadan</em>, and a highlight from the Toei Animation booth, featuring a giant balloon of Luffy in his Gear 5 transformation. Such familiar and impactful representations certainly drew fans' attention.
The Yanmar booth presented a fascinating 'ita-tractor' themed on the upcoming spring anime, <em>Nouvelle Wataashi no Mirai</em>. Bandai Namco prominently featured a life-size Gundam head that had previously been displayed at the 'GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE FINAL in TOKYO.'
In an impressive display of creativity, the Satelight booth unveiled a prototype of the 'Sky Flying Bu-Myaku-Myaku Collection' that will be introduced at the upcoming Osaka/Kansai Expo, crafted by renowned producer Shoji Kawamori.
Disney Plus captivated attendees with a massive 'Cats <3 Ai' card, while the TOHO animation booth introduced the hit series <em>SPY x FAMILY</em> with a standee of Anya, ensuring fans could capture memorable photos against iconic backdrops.</p>
Another popular exhibit was from 'The Apothecary Diaries,' which recreated the 'Selection Room' from the show, offering fans an interactive experience with the art and storytelling.
At the Bushiroad booth, the remarkable <em>BanG Dream! Ave Mujica</em> was prominently displayed with a large Morteis figure at its center, exciting fans around this profitable franchise.
The Flying Dog booth featured a focus on the beloved <em>Macross F</em>, where a photo spot encouraged fans to take pictures holding large plush toys while displaying birthday cakes for characters Alto, Ranka, and Sheryl, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Comics Wave showcased an exhibit with exquisite art backgrounds from notable series like <em>Gundam W</em>, <em>Attack on Titan</em>, and <em>Ghost in the Shell</em>, allowing fans to appreciate intricate details that often go unnoticed.
On another level, Wit Studio presented original drawings, opening a window to the behind-the-scenes development of various projects which could intrigue any anime fanatic.
To round off the event, the Aniplex booth revealed new details for 'Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus,' announcing it will start broadcasting in July 2025, and confirmed new cast members, Yumi Koizumi and Ibuki Ishimi. Additionally, the 'Madoka Magica' booth revealed the first key visual for 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie -Walpurgis no Kaiten-, slated for release in winter 2025. A fun addition was their 'Magical Girl 3D Photo Spot' where visitors could take photos with two magical girls.
Although anime information can be quickly accessed through the internet, the tangible experiences and unique atmosphere that AnimeJapan offers are unmatched. This ensures that fans who attend leave with cherished memories and a deeper connection to the art form they love. As the festival continues to grow, many hope it encourages more anime enthusiasts to participate in future events.
