The latest anime, manga, game, voice actor and movie collab news from Japan.
Pop-up Store
The “Aikatsu Stars! ~Progress of the Stars~ Winter Boa Style Fair at Animate” is set to take place starting December 19, 2026, at Animate stores nationwide and on the Animate online store! During the event period, customers who purchase or pre-order “Aikatsu!” series merchandise will receive a set of bromides (6 varieties total), and other goods—such as acrylic stands and items from the ViVimus series—are also scheduled to go on sale.
Manga, Magazines, Light Novels
The latest volume—Volume 1—of the manga *Hololive Academy: Shiny Smily Stories* goes on sale January 25, 2027! A special edition with a figurine is also available!
News
JR Tokai’s collaboration between “Oshi Tabi” and “Sumikko Gurashi” will run from November 2, 2026, to January 31, 2027. Passengers on the Tokaido Shinkansen can receive a total of six types of AR photo frames and original smartphone wallpapers. By participating in the onboard activities, you can exchange your participation for an acrylic mini charm at stores in Tokyo Station and Osaka Umeda, and you’ll also be entered into a drawing where 50 winners will receive a mini tote bag.
Pop-up Store
The “TV Anime Gintama ‘Gin!’ Fair” for the TV anime “Gintama” will be held from December 26, 2026, through January 17, 2027, at Animate stores nationwide and on the Animate online store! During the event period, for every 1,100 yen (tax included) spent on related merchandise, customers will receive a washi-style card (7 varieties total). Additionally, 10 Animate-exclusive items—including acrylic stands and eye masks featuring a newly drawn “Gin!” illustration themed around his piercing gaze—will be available!
Pop-up Store
To commemorate the broadcast of the sequel to the drama “Gentle Waves, A Couple’s Good Day,” the “Drama ‘Gentle Waves, A Couple’s Good Day’ POP-UP STORE at Loft” will kick off on October 15, 2026, at the Shinjuku 3-chome Loft, followed by locations in Umeda, Fukui, Sakae, and Hiroshima! The store will feature acrylic stands of Natsumi and Takimasa, tin magnets available exclusively at Loft, mascots of Risumi and Kumamasa, and items featuring Peko-chan and Poko-chan. Special video messages from Kyoko Yoshine and Kyoiya Honda will be screened, and customers who purchase cast cards will receive special bonuses.
Merchandise
From “KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!”, the newly illustrated merchandise featuring the characters in soccer uniforms—which caused a sensation at “Kyomafu 2026″—will go on sale in February 2027!
Original Art Exhibition / Exhibition
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the start of the serialization of *Moriarty the Patriot*, the exhibition “Moriarty the Patriot Exhibition – 10th Anniversary” will be held sequentially in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka starting December 18, 2026. Trace William’s journey through iconic scenes!
Merchandise
From *Super Kaguya-hime!*, a new figure featuring Kaguya, Ayaha Sakayose, and Yachiyo Tsukimi—the “Collab Live Ver. (Non-Scale)”—will be released in April 2027!
Lottery / Prizes / Gacha
Following the “Toy Story” gacha series “Andy’s Here!,” “Toy Story: Sid’s Here!”—featuring figures capturing the moment when Sid’s modified toys return to being “toys”—is scheduled for release in January 2027. The series features a total of four figures, including Babyface and Buzz Lightyear. The Jenny Doll’s head can be swapped out for a Pteranodon head, and each pull costs 500 yen.
Original Art Exhibition / Exhibition
An exhibition of original artwork by Muto Hagio, titled “Muto Hagio Exhibition: Longing for Europe,” is set to be held at the Asahi Group Oyamazaki Sanso Art Museum in Kyoto. Running from December 19, 2026, to April 11, 2027, the exhibition will feature over 200 original artworks, focusing primarily on works set in Europe, such as *The Family of Po* and *Thomas’s Heart*!
News
The second collaboration between the TV anime “Licorice Recoil” and JR Central’s “Oshi-Tabi” will take place from Friday, October 23, 2026, through Thursday, April 22, 2027. In addition to the streaming of all six episodes of “Licorice Radio”—which can only be heard aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen—the event will feature giveaways of bromide-style cards and clear file folders, a lottery for a limited-edition event inviting 300 guests, and the sale of online merchandise available exclusively on board.
Original Art Exhibition / Exhibition
The Nagoya leg of the “Detective Conan” TV Anime Exhibition, celebrating the series’ 30th anniversary, will be held at the Kanayama Minami Building Art Museum from Saturday, December 12, 2026, through Monday, January 11, 2027 (a national holiday). Tickets are currently on sale at Ticket Pia starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3. We’ve compiled a list of important points to check before purchasing, such as the fact that weekday admission tickets are not valid on weekends or holidays, that tickets with special perks will be available only while supplies last, and that an admission ticket is required to purchase merchandise.
Lottery / Prizes / Gacha
Takara Tomy Arts’ gacha brand “Panda no Ana” is set to release “Wanwan Oden” landmark gacha mascots—featuring dogs that have become oden ingredients—in January 2027. The lineup includes all 5 varieties: egg, daikon radish, mochi, chikuwa, and konjac!
Original Art Exhibition / Exhibition
“GUNDAM-Con 2027 SIDE MAKUHARI,” a celebration event marking the 50th anniversary of the Gundam series, will be held at Makuhari Messe Halls 1–3 starting Saturday, January 9, 2027. Admission is by advance lottery, and applications for the second round of the lottery are being accepted until 11:59 PM on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Original Art Exhibition / Exhibition
To commemorate the 5th anniversary of “Odekake Ko-Zame,” the series’ first-ever exhibition, “Odekake Ko-Zame Exhibition: Omotenashi SEA Tour,” will be held at the Hanshin Umeda Main Store in Osaka starting December 27. In addition to displays of 3D models, concept art, and behind-the-scenes footage, merchandise featuring visuals created exclusively for the exhibition will also be available!
News
The Kyoto Tango Railway and “Cinnamoroll” are teaming up for the “A Gentle, Lulling Stroll Through Maritime Kyoto” event, which begins on November 1. The event will feature the operation of a specially wrapped train called the “Cinnamoroll Gentle, Lulling Stroll Train,” the sale of one-day passes with special perks, and a digital stamp rally!
