A few years ago, it was often discussed among industry and press about the two competing anime events in Japan. The two events… Tokyo International Anime Fair and Anime Contents Expo would each bring in anime fans to their event for two weekends straight. Most often was the case, one would have to pick one event over the other.
But all that has changed in 2015. This time, both events have come together and united to form AnimeJapan 2015, with a goal to become “the biggest anime event on Earthâ€.
Held at Tokyo Big Sight (East Hall 1-6 and 1F Reception Hall), from March 26-27, the event would bring all anime fans, local and international, all license holders and business practioners to showcase upcoming anime titles and other areas of Japanese pop culture.
A total of 135,323 attendees, an 11% increase from 2015 which brought in 121,540 attendees (the first event in 2014 brought in 111,252 attendees).
AnimeJapan 2016 featured 468 companies (409 from Japan and 59 from overseas). While, Family Animation Festa would bring out 10,325 people.
J!-ENT arrived to the event an hour before opening and as we were able to check out the setup of the booths and teams preparing for the attendees waiting to get inside. We also had the opportunity to also see the large crowds develop outside of the venue. But then to later see how efficient and quick Japanese event registration was despite the large lines.
But it was an amazing sight to behold as many thousands upon many thousands of people entered and filled up both halls, some trying to get their hands on limited edition goods but many who were there primarily to get information on the latest anime series and obtain the many swag (primarily clear files and bags) that were given out.
For more information on AnimeJapan, please click here.
For more J!-ENT photos from AnimeJapan 2016 by Antonio Airoso, please click here.